'23 hybrid towing *gulp* 3k

[JAFO]

From someone that tows an all aluminum 13ft x 6ft converted utility trailer at 1865 pounds with my 2023 Hybrid Lariat Maverick around Michigan, I would NEVER tow even my trailer on any mountains. I find the Maverick tows it well at 65 mph or less just fine, but hit the highway speed or up very steep inclines no way.. I always stay on back roads and two lane highways so as not to push it. And gas mileage drops to 16 mpg.. If you want to tow you bought the wrong truck !!!! Go trade it for a F150 before your vacation...... If your towing a trailer with your HD's why not just ride the HD's on your vacation trip? Bikers ride bikes....

Sponsored

 

[The Real Maverick]

I don't think anyone says this is a heavy duty or super duty towing rig.

But this little truck CAN do a lot more than many people think is the main point here.

 

[Hank573]

@The Real Maverick is not wrong.

There not being a plug and play brake controller on the market for the Maverick doesn't mean that a trailer brake controller doesn't work on the Maverick Hybrid.

Any typical brake controller, properly installed, will work just fine.

I installed a RedArc brake controller which happens to be perfect for a Hybrid with the 12V battery under the rear seats because the main controller unit with its power cabling can be located in the back too. The control knob for the driver only requires a simple Ethernet cable between it and the main controller box. Makes for a very clean install.

It works just as well as it would on any other vehicle, and I've had zero issues with it.

I installed one in our Toyota Highlander Hybrid too. Similar setup with the 12V battery, and works great.

What did you use for the brake light trigger? I installed a Redarc in a 21 Ranger but was a Ford part and it had the under-dash plug. I never thought of installing it behind the rear seat, great idea cuts all the wire runs in half except for the control knob lead. Any information would be much appreciated. i have already installed a 7 pin plug, using a 4 to 7 adapter, and it came out looking like a factory part. Thanks.

 

[mav47]

@Hank573

Indeed: on these Hybrids the Redarc brake controller is convenient because it allows for relatively short cable runs between battery, controller, and the 7-pin on the back of the vehicle. Any other brand brake controller will be mounted up front and will force you run all the power cables all the way forward and then back again to the 7-pin connector.

The Redarc module I velcro'd behind the rear seat, using the industrial grade 3M velcro.

I picked up the switched brake light input wire for the Redarc from the center mounted brake light which is easily removed. I spliced a tap in the brake light wire behind the light housing, and then ran the wire along the top inside of the rear window and down on the driver side toward the Redarc input. There's plenty of space behind the headliner edge there to make this wire disappear.

IMPORTANT: you CANNOT use the brake light wire directly from the Maverick tail lights because it has combined blinker/brake lights. Stating the obvious here, just in case!

However, I did pick up the reverse light wire (wired into the 7-pin connector) from the also easily removed Maverick LH tail light. Spliced it into the wire right behind the light, make sure you make clean connections and heat shrink appropriately. And use proper protective sleeving and zip ties everywhere.

Here's a link to a short post I made earlier in the year about this Redarc install, including some pictures: https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...owing-trip-report-mpg-stats.43080/post-762175

 

[The Real Maverick]

I did mostly the same as @mav47 .

I use a Tekonsha P3 that I have had for 15 years and used it in several vehicles.

Wires ran under the center console and the brake controller sits where the wireless phone charger is in Lariats. Mine has no phone charger.
Neat fact: Ford has a little knock out window there. I didn't have to cut or drill anything.

 

[Hank573]

@Hank573

Indeed: on these Hybrids the Redarc brake controller is convenient because it allows for relatively short cable runs between battery, controller, and the 7-pin on the back of the vehicle. Any other brand brake controller will be mounted up front and will force you run all the power cables all the way forward and then back again to the 7-pin connector.

The Redarc module I velcro'd behind the rear seat, using the industrial grade 3M velcro.

I picked up the switched brake light input wire for the Redarc from the center mounted brake light which is easily removed. I spliced a tap in the brake light wire behind the light housing, and then ran the wire along the top inside of the rear window and down on the driver side toward the Redarc input. There's plenty of space behind the headliner edge there to make this wire disappear.

IMPORTANT: you CANNOT use the brake light wire directly from the Maverick tail lights because it has combined blinker/brake lights. Stating the obvious here, just in case!

However, I did pick up the reverse light wire (wired into the 7-pin connector) from the also easily removed Maverick LH tail light. Spliced it into the wire right behind the light, make sure you make clean connections and heat shrink appropriately. And use proper protective sleeving and zip ties everywhere.

Here's a link to a short post I made earlier in the year about this Redarc install, including some pictures: https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...owing-trip-report-mpg-stats.43080/post-762175

Thanks for the detailed instructions. Much appreciated.

 

[Jallen0946]

@Hank573

Indeed: on these Hybrids the Redarc brake controller is convenient because it allows for relatively short cable runs between battery, controller, and the 7-pin on the back of the vehicle. Any other brand brake controller will be mounted up front and will force you run all the power cables all the way forward and then back again to the 7-pin connector.

The Redarc module I velcro'd behind the rear seat, using the industrial grade 3M velcro.

I picked up the switched brake light input wire for the Redarc from the center mounted brake light which is easily removed. I spliced a tap in the brake light wire behind the light housing, and then ran the wire along the top inside of the rear window and down on the driver side toward the Redarc input. There's plenty of space behind the headliner edge there to make this wire disappear.

IMPORTANT: you CANNOT use the brake light wire directly from the Maverick tail lights because it has combined blinker/brake lights. Stating the obvious here, just in case!

However, I did pick up the reverse light wire (wired into the 7-pin connector) from the also easily removed Maverick LH tail light. Spliced it into the wire right behind the light, make sure you make clean connections and heat shrink appropriately. And use proper protective sleeving and zip ties everywhere.

Here's a link to a short post I made earlier in the year about this Redarc install, including some pictures: https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...owing-trip-report-mpg-stats.43080/post-762175

Hello everyone, I'm getting a 2,000lb Prolite camper next weekend that has trailer brakes and comes from the factory with the Tucson electronic built in anti-sway controls connected to those brakes. Does anyone know if I get the Redarc brake controller installed, how will it affect the anti-sway system? Thanks in advance for your help!

Sponsored