Flat towing my Ford Maverick behind my motorhome - questions

[R&R]

Good morning,
I have read the instructions in the Maverick owners manual a number of times for flat towing behind my motorhome and could use some clarification.

Sooo, I am hooked up with the Patriot 11 braking system. At least every 6 hours I am to start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes. If I will be traveling the next morning, I usually don’t unhook the toad, but I unplug everything. The brake system stays in the car hooked up, but unplugged. My brake system is hooked onto the brake pedal, and it says to run the engine with my foot on the brake. Do I undo the brake system to start the engine?

Do I need to drive it around to get the gas portion of the vehicle engaging? This step is unclear to me. Any info someone can provide, would be appreciated.

Thank you

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[Wz3mo]

I remove my Patriot from the brake pedal and out of the way. Then I set in the truck and start it letting it run for a while. Afterwards I reset the truck to Towing mode and re- hookup the Patriot.

 

[realshelby]

You are supposed to start/run the Maverick every few hours. You are also supposed to put it in D and R a couple times while stationary too. Both operations make the floor mounted braking systems a PITA! To get the engine to run, simply mash the gas pedal to the floor quickly and let off. Engine will start. Sometimes it will run for a decent amount of time. Sometimes just a few moments. I sometimes force start mine 2-3 times and do 4-5 cycles of putting it into Drive, then Reverse to make it do whatever Ford wants it do when flat towing.
While it is cumbersome you might be able to leave the braking pod in place to mash the brake for starting and shifting gears. You do not need to actually "drive" the Maverick to do this exercise. I often leave mine hooked up to the coach on overnight stays.

This is the reason I went to the mechanical auxiliary braking system on this Maverick. Nothing in the floor to deal with!

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