Flat Towing - Anti-theft Triggered

[jphebus]

I tried flat towing my 2025 Maverick XLT Hybrid for the first time today. The anti-theft alarm would go off periodically when braking to stop and sometime going over bumps. Seemed to lock the brakes and steering as well. I kept having to stop it with the key fob button. Is there a way to disable the anti-theft when towing. Or, could it be because I didn't leave the key fob on the car?

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[icegradner]

I assume you followed the proper towing procedure before doing this? Think this is the first time I've seen someone report issues with the alarm.

 

[jphebus]

Yes, followed the flat tow mode instructions to a T. I did lock the car and carried the FOB to the motorhome with me.

A bit of play in the hitch, so I wonder if the perimeter alarm is being triggered by the movement. Maybe I should either leave the FOB in the car or not lock it to avoid triggering the perimeter alarms. Haven't tried, but hoping someone else may have some experience or insight with this.

 

[Steve Wolf]

Locking the truck sets the alarm. When flat towing, you can't lock the doors.

The vehicle tows wonderfully with a non-chipped key that any competent locksmith can make. As there is no chip, that key will NOT start the truck. It will, however, allow you to flat tow. You still can't lock the truck, but it can't be started.

http://www.wolfswords.com/motorhome/MiniWinnie/Towing-a-Maverick/index.html

 

[jphebus]

Thank you Steve. Wish they out that in rh user manual.

 

[Dave O]

Okay I found that when i first flat towed my 2025 Maverick Lariat AWD Hybrid my brakes would lock when I would creep forward a few feet to verify the vehicle was in neutral tow even though I did everything correct.

Problem / Solution: I was plugging the Maverick into the Motorhome prior to putting the Maverick in “neutral tow” since I always plug it in while I’m connecting the tow-bar and safety chains. - now I connect it mechanically (connect towbar and safety chains) but I don’t plug in the electrical cord until I complete the neutral tow protocol.

I’ve flat-towed this Maverick about 6,000 mile since I corrected my behavior and never once has this issue returned.

 

[Dave O]

Locking the truck sets the alarm. When flat towing, you can't lock the doors.

The vehicle tows wonderfully with a non-chipped key that any competent locksmith can make. As there is no chip, that key will NOT start the truck. It will, however, allow you to flat tow. You still can't lock the truck, but it can't be started.

http://www.wolfswords.com/motorhome/MiniWinnie/Towing-a-Maverick/index.html

I definitely lock my Maverick when flat towing and the key fob is in the RV

 

[Steve Wolf]

I definitely lock my Maverick when flat towing and the key fob is in the RV

When you lock your Maverick, does it set the alarm?

When you lock the Maverick and that sets the alarm, does the alarm go off as the truck is being towed? Ever? (I get that on a newly paved highway, it will not. but ....)

 

[Dave O]

Hey Steve - I am not sure if the alarm is set when it’s in “neutral tow” I assume the alarm would be over-ridden - I know I haven’t experienced the alarm being triggered while I flat tow it and I’ve flat-towed this Maverick over 6,000 miles behind my MotorCoach note - I have a push button start and no key I lock it using the key fob

 

[Steve Wolf]

Hey Steve - I am not sure if the alarm is set when it’s in “neutral tow” I assume the alarm would be over-ridden - I know I haven’t experienced the alarm being triggered while I flat tow it and I’ve flat-towed this Maverick over 6,000 miles behind my MotorCoach note - I have a push button start and no key I lock it using the key fob

It appears your version is different than other versions. Every Maverick I have seen will be alarming away behind the motorhome should the doors be locked. I would rather have your version. But mine works.

 

[processwrench]

It appears your version is different than other versions. Every Maverick I have seen will be alarming away behind the motorhome should the doors be locked. I would rather have your version. But mine works.

Ive put a few thousand miles on my 22 lariat, and like Steve i always lock the doors. In fact if you look at the sticky 'flat tow setup instructions' it has a checklist many of its have followed that includes locking doors

 

[Steve Wolf]

Ive put a few thousand miles on my 22 lariat, and like Steve i always lock the doors. In fact if you look at the sticky 'flat tow setup instructions' it has a checklist many of its have followed that includes locking doors

Page 292 of my manual has no such instruction to lock the doors. I am not sure what "sticky" is.

As I said ... It appears your version is different than other versions. Every Maverick I have seen will be alarming away behind the motorhome should the doors be locked. I would rather have your version. But mine works.

 

[Dave O]

Screen Shot from my manual - I’ve been flat towing for years this Maverick is definitely one of the best I’ve towed four wheels down

 

[processwrench]

Page 292 of my manual has no such instruction to lock the doors. I am not sure what "sticky" is.

As I said ... It appears your version is different than other versions. Every Maverick I have seen will be alarming away behind the motorhome should the doors be locked. I would rather have your version. But mine works.

A sticky is a thread with particularly helpful info, that is permanently at the top of a forum.

Since many people like me have read and followed those instructions, I'd think we'd heard if this didn't work for the majority of the people.

 

[First Sergeant]

Page 292 of my manual has no such instruction to lock the doors. I am not sure what "sticky" is.

As I said ... It appears your version is different than other versions. Every Maverick I have seen will be alarming away behind the motorhome should the doors be locked. I would rather have your version. But mine works.

I have 2023 XLT Hybrid. doors always locked when flat towed, no problems. I hook up all electrical connections, including charge line and then go inside vehicle and set up flat tow. No problems with that, although once I did something out of order when doing the mandatory start and run every so many miles. Got some error codes I can't remember, but wouldn't go away until I disconnected battery for a few minutes and started over. All good at that time.

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