Blue Ox vs. Roadmaster - Specifically for 2025

[Al H]

Hi fellow Maverick followers.
I'm a new owner of a 2025 Maverick Lariat. I'm looking to set it up for flat towing. I'm pondering the pros and cons of the Blue Ox and Roadmaster base plates. I've searched the forum but only found a discussion of that comparison for the 2023 Maverick. Given the changes to the Maverick in 2025 (and the fact that the the baseplates have been redesigned for 2025), I'd like to hear whether folks have weighed the pros and cons of each.

I'm also wondering if either baseplate has been shown to interfere with the Adaptive Cruise Control sensor that id mounted right behind the grill.

Thanks in advance,
Al

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[rk06382]

I ordered the Blue Ox base plate because Roadmaster had a problem with my engine block heater needed for Alaska. My install is scheduled for 6/25/25.

See below from Roadmaster :

Comments: Fits XL, XLT and Lariat with 2.5 Hybrid motor only. No tow hooks, engine block heater or aftermarket fog lights.

 

[Tony Pandy]

I'm waiting for Demco to have available for purchase. Demco has already installed one as a test for design / fabrication etc. to make available for public purchase. Demco website has the Part Number listed but still is not listed for sale.

I understand the Demco one will require less modification of the Shutters. either Blue-Ox or the Road master versions for the 2025's I read required complete removal of the Shutters.

I'm waiting for Youtube install videos etc. to be uploaded on the 3 Base Plate Mfgs. to see how much modifications will be required to make my final purchase decision. I intend to DIY as I have installed base plates on previous TOADs.

 

[Dave O]

Hi fellow Maverick followers.
I'm a new owner of a 2025 Maverick Lariat. I'm looking to set it up for flat towing. I'm pondering the pros and cons of the Blue Ox and Roadmaster base plates. I've searched the forum but only found a discussion of that comparison for the 2023 Maverick. Given the changes to the Maverick in 2025 (and the fact that the the baseplates have been redesigned for 2025), I'd like to hear whether folks have weighed the pros and cons of each.

I'm also wondering if either baseplate has been shown to interfere with the Adaptive Cruise Control sensor that id mounted right behind the grill.

Thanks in advance,
Al

I just installed a RoadMaster Baseplate and paired it with the RoadMaster Nighthawk Tow Bar and then adapted my BlueOX Karguard onto the Nighthawk on my 2025 Maverick Lariat AWD Hybrid

Easy, Solid and Clean install - I am very happy with this set up

 

[Tony Pandy]

How much of the Front Shutters did you have to remove or Alter ?

Nice clean install work.

 

[Dave O]

How much of the Front Shutters did you have to remove or Alter ?

Nice clean install work.

It was not very disruptive as you can see in the before and after photos the horizontal shudder remains in place I only modify the shudder vertical pieces on the very edges to make clearance for the tow adapters fixtures - the installer has done a few and we both had no concerns and after testing it works great without issue - thanks for the compliment on the look

 

[DefiantDJ]

It was not very disruptive as you can see in the before and after photos the horizontal shudder remains in place I only modify the shudder vertical pieces on the very edges to make clearance for the tow adapters fixtures - the installer has done a few and we both had no concerns and after testing it works great without issue - thanks for the compliment on the look

Questions.....

We have 25 Lariat Hybrid with 4K tow.

Our motorhome has a BlueOx tow system. We did not like the look on our previous 24 Mav. It was way too wide and they cut up the front to install the base plates.

I like how clean yours looks.

Do you have 4K towing?

Is it a Hybrid?

 

[Dave O]

Questions.....

We have 25 Lariat Hybrid with 4K tow.

Our motorhome has a BlueOx tow system. We did not like the look on our previous 24 Mav. It was way too wide and they cut up the front to install the base plates.

I like how clean yours looks.

Do you have 4K towing?

Is it a Hybrid?

My 2025 Maverick Lariat AWD Hybrid does not have the 4K Towing Package I have no intention to pull a trailer with it I purchased it primarily to flat tow behind my MotorCoach and could not be happier - I have a BlueOx set up for my 2004 Jeep Wrangler TJ and it works great but after the issues I saw with the prior Models of Mavericks with the wide spread BlueOx setup I decided to avoid them for this application.

thank you for the compliment on the installation although I did the installation locally I really appreciate all the support that RoadMaster provided I started the process with them before they started their engineering in early January this year

One last thing the RoadMaster Nighthawk tow bar allows you to thread everything through the towbar (safety cables, wiring harness, etc) so there is nothing hanging down I think the photo I posted was the Initial set up before I cleaned up everything so when you disconnect everything lifts out of the way with the towbar so everything is together

 

[MavGator]

@Dave O, did you install a break away switch?

 

[Dave O]

@Dave O, did you install a break away switch?

I did not

 

[Toymaster]

I was looking into flat towing the Mav a few weeks ago. Researched what was legally required, legally a flat toad is a trailer and must meet all trailer requirements. Braking and the breakaway is the hardest capability to add in a toad setup. During my research I was shocked how many people on the youtube posted their illegal activities. Many just used a tow bar, some had break-a-way chains, very few except RV owners went all out with brake setups.

I saw many people pulling larger vehicles than the tow vehicle with just a tow bar and then posting bragging about it.

My state is lax when it comes to trailer laws. What I did find out which surprised me is unlike with a vehicle, trailer laws are not reciprocal. With a vehicle whatever is legal in your state is legal to pass through any other state; not so with trailers, one must meet the trailer laws of the state you are physically in.

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