Demco Flat-Tow Setup Instructions, with comparison to Blue Ox and Roadmaster

[BradnChristine]

There are quite a few threads in MTC about flat towing that I've been involved with, and I have gotten quite a few PMs about the install from members here as well as a Facebook group. So I made a file.

I had quickly put together a file in late January, but when I reviewed it, I realized that I had left a bit out. So I went back and tried to fill in the blanks today and remove typos.

Even if you do not want to attempt the relatively easy install, there may be some pointers you can see and share with your installer. It is a fairly easy install for the baseplate; wiring is always a pain.

My experience is that if you are in a hurry, buying directly from Demco was the fastest; and usually Tweetys is the least expensive.

Hope this helps someone here.

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[robo44]

Thank you this helps out on my decision

 

[HighBred]

Nice write up. We were considering flat towing our Maverick, as we have an old TJ Jeep now. After reading your complicated installation experience I may just keep the Jeep.

 

[realshelby]

Nice write up. We were considering flat towing our Maverick, as we have an old TJ Jeep now. After reading your complicated installation experience I may just keep the Jeep.

Complicated? Yes....but I can tell you that installing a Demco on a Maverick is no harder than the vast majority of installations on new vehicles. About all have to have the front fascia removed. Which is the hardest part in my opinion. From there you may have to trim some parts and relocate a couple things.
Jeep Wranglers are simply the best flat tow vehicles available. From about the easiest base plate installation to absolutely the easiest to get hooked up and ready to tow, they cannot be beat for that purpose.......unless you want something lighter, that drives better, and isn't very loud at highway speed.......

 

[phoneman01]

All my stuff is laid out on the garage floor. Demco plate, wiring with diodes, wiring for 12v piug for Brake Buddy, breakaway switch and associated wire, a tailgate piston, and a tonneau. Now If I just had a Maverick to put everything on........

 

[First Sergeant]

Complicated? Yes....but I can tell you that installing a Demco on a Maverick is no harder than the vast majority of installations on new vehicles. About all have to have the front fascia removed. Which is the hardest part in my opinion. From there you may have to trim some parts and relocate a couple things.
Jeep Wranglers are simply the best flat tow vehicles available. From about the easiest base plate installation to absolutely the easiest to get hooked up and ready to tow, they cannot be beat for that purpose.......unless you want something lighter, that drives better, and isn't very loud at highway speed.......

i really liked towing my LJ. I did the base plates on that one, very easy. We got the Mav because wife had back surgery a few years back and it was getting hard to live with that harsh ride. We are heading out on a trip from Idaho to Oregon coast in three weeks, wife will follow and we will stop at Roadmaster in Vancouver WA for baseplates and lights. I could still do it but getting lazy in my age. Can still use the tow bar and other pieces so saves a few dollars there. Nice GT you got there!

 

[BradnChristine]

Nice write up. We were considering flat towing our Maverick, as we have an old TJ Jeep now. After reading your complicated installation experience I may just keep the Jeep.

Sorry if I made it look complicated. It certainly wasn't! My 2017 C-Max and my 2005 MDX...those were complicated.

The Maverick looked scary, to take that front fascia off of a new truck with barely 1000 miles on it. But that was FAR simpler than the C-Max, and didn't require all my strength and the strength of my wife to get the MDX baseplate pried into place due to Acura manufacturing variances.

I've done 9 of these over the last 24 years, and a 2003 Chevy S-10 was the simplest bolt-on Roadmaster install, the MDX Roadmaster was the hardest.

I just tried to point out issued that one would run across, but there was nothing unusual or terribly hard to solve. Trust me, it is far more comfortable having a Maverick to run around with instead of a Jeep once you arrive somewhere...unless you want to be off-road.

My biggest point in this is to serve as an alert to those considering something other than the Demco. If you take it to an installer and just say "put a baseplate on it", you may be very unhappy to learn of the Roadmaster issues or the Blue Ox issues.

 

[BradnChristine]

Complicated? Yes....but I can tell you that installing a Demco on a Maverick is no harder than the vast majority of installations on new vehicles. About all have to have the front fascia removed. Which is the hardest part in my opinion. From there you may have to trim some parts and relocate a couple things.
Jeep Wranglers are simply the best flat tow vehicles available. From about the easiest base plate installation to absolutely the easiest to get hooked up and ready to tow, they cannot be beat for that purpose.......unless you want something lighter, that drives better, and isn't very loud at highway speed.......

My 2015 Wrangler (Sahara JKU) weighs about 4200 lbs, so when I tow it, I need to reduce the weight in my Transit 350-HD LTV motorhome. With its big wheels, it does roll well, but the Maverick is much more efficient as a towed for me.

 

[BradnChristine]

All my stuff is laid out on the garage floor. Demco plate, wiring with diodes, wiring for 12v piug for Brake Buddy, breakaway switch and associated wire, a tailgate piston, and a tonneau. Now If I just had a Maverick to put everything on........

You might get a Panlong OBD II code reader. https://www.amazon.com/Panlong-Scanner-Bluetooth-Android-Diagnostic/dp/B0C1GDJ9ZJ/
IF you test your lights by turning your truck on with either the fascia electric plug or the PAD disconnected, you will see a pile of codes and a bright CEL. I've used a Panlong since they were $9.95 on Jeeps and Fords and it workes great to clear the codes, etc.

I'm trying a new way to supply power to my Brake Buddy. I have only bench-tested it so far, but instead of trying to add a direct plug (to the underhood jump terminals), I am going to use a portable lithium box on the floor. I "set off" my charged BrakeBuddy 3 times and this little box recharged it and was left with 94% capacity. This box is able to be recharged while in use, so I may use my 30 watt solar panel. It is re-chargeable by the dash plug while driving, a 110 plug, or a solar panel. Someone here suggested this method, and with the fragility of the Hybrid battery, I think it is worth a try for my next trip. I found it on sale for about $57 a couple of months ago. https://www.amazon.com/Prostormer-Portable-Power-Station-Generator/dp/B0B8H2JL1N/

Other than that, have fun and don't hesitate to send me a message if you need something answered.

 

[HighBred]

Sorry if I made it look complicated. It certainly wasn't! My 2017 C-Max and my 2005 MDX...those were complicated.

The Maverick looked scary, to take that front fascia off of a new truck with barely 1000 miles on it. But that was FAR simpler than the C-Max, and didn't require all my strength and the strength of my wife to get the MDX baseplate pried into place due to Acura manufacturing variances.

I've done 9 of these over the last 24 years, and a 2003 Chevy S-10 was the simplest bolt-on Roadmaster install, the MDX Roadmaster was the hardest.

I just tried to point out issued that one would run across, but there was nothing unusual or terribly hard to solve. Trust me, it is far more comfortable having a Maverick to run around with instead of a Jeep once you arrive somewhere...unless you want to be off-road.

My biggest point in this is to serve as an alert to those considering something other than the Demco. If you take it to an installer and just say "put a baseplate on it", you may be very unhappy to learn of the Roadmaster issues or the Blue Ox issues.

I did appreciate your detailed write up. If I go with the Maverick as my toad I will definitely refer back to this thread as I will do a self install. One thing I have learned over the years is it’s hard to trust other folks working on your vehicles.
Right now I have it made with the Jeep as there is no need for a braking system because the TJ is 3200#. But like folks mentioned here it’s not as nice of a ride that the Maverick is.

 

[phoneman01]

Thanks Brad! I've picked up a lot from you so far. The code reader will be awaiting the Mav with the other stuff. Since I'm running a trickle wire to the battery (as I have long used for the Honda), I think my 12v plug may suffice.
Thanks again and I will NOT hesitate to ask for advice and help!

 

[BradnChristine]

Thanks Brad! I've picked up a lot from you so far. The code reader will be awaiting the Mav with the other stuff. Since I'm running a trickle wire to the battery (as I have long used for the Honda), I think my 12v plug may suffice.
Thanks again and I will NOT hesitate to ask for advice and help!

You are welcome. The problem with the Maverick, even with a charge wire (I have one as well, with the Hopkins Battery maintainer for a fuse/diode) is that the Maverick 12 volt outlet won't stay energized while towing, since the ignition/accessory switch is off. So it is either run an extra line straight from the jump points...or have a secondary power source.

Since our Mavericks head into Deep Sleep often, I decided to make use of having the 6-pin socket installed. I made a short cord for the Foval 2000MA charger to feed the battery (through the Hopkins maintainer that has a 5A fuse...so you don't want to use this with a high amperage charger). Thus I don't have to keep opening the hood and using alligator clips.

 

[phoneman01]

Thanks again Brad! Since I diode and fuse the charge wire I may forego the mini charger. I'm still mulling over the portable power supply.
If I have one....count 'em....ONE deep sleep problem, an AGM will be installed.

 

[BradnChristine]

Thanks again Brad! Since I diode and fuse the charge wire I may forego the mini charger. I'm still mulling over the portable power supply.
If I have one....count 'em....ONE deep sleep problem, an AGM will be installed.

Deep sleep happens OFTEN in both our Mavericks. But never, ever have I had a problem starting either. Both have jump boxes in them, just in case. I've only used the little charger a couple of times, but my (retired) driving is pretty random.

I'm about ready for the dealer to service the 2023...but only having 3309 miles on it (plus 2622 towed), it is not driven enough to avoid Deep Sleep. I may turn off the auto updates and see if that does anything.

 

[realshelby]

Right now I have it made with the Jeep as there is no need for a braking system because the TJ is 3200#.

Not wanting to be the "Karen" here. But your TJ is not legal to flat tow WITHOUT auxiliary braking in most states. Maverick is "only" 3700 lbs for instance....

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