Flat towing the Maverick?

[BDennis]

Sent you photos and explanation to you email.

Would help if I could type and wear my reading glasses when I type my email . Thx for the pics yo posted.
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[BDennis]

I would run the engine every six hours or less when towing whether you have a charge cord hooked up or not. The instructions I posted previously are very specific and I would not want to void my warranty. This is a common requirement for toads with an automatic, and while I cannot state exactly why, but in most automatics it is to run fluid though out the transmission.

 

[David Coastie]

Would help if I could type and wear my reading glasses when I type my email . Thx for the pics yo posted.
[email protected]

No problem, understand plus the phone puts what it wants also

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I would run the engine every six hours or less when towing whether you have a charge cord hooked up or not. The instructions I posted previously are very specific and I would not want to void my warranty. This is a common requirement for toads with an automatic, and while I cannot state exactly why, but in most automatics it is to run fluid though out the transmission.

I do not know for sure but I expect some if not most gears will turn during flat towing. I am somewhat fearful that since the key has to be on when flat tow mode is initiated (particularly if it has to remain on during the flat tow session) that it could drop out of flat tow mode. Seems like I read a post where someone was certain that could happen. For those considering putting a charge cord on the truck, remember that there are computers and the instructions for jump starting a "dead" 12v battery was VERY specific where and how to connect to the 12v battery to avoid ANY power surge. Best probably to confirm requirements before hooking this up.

 

[Rambo]

I order hybrid in June to use as a tow car behind class c. Have been flat towing for 15 years so I have been following people who are towing escape hybrids on irv2.com RV forum for the last year. Plenty of posts about the difficulty of keeping 12 volt battery charged while towing. One interesting post on 11-14-21 a Guy burned up his transmission.Ford said he could not had it in tow mode but even his dealer believes his 12 volt battery died and it did not stay in tow mode. I am now having second thoughts about towing it until I see how it works for others. it will probably be June till I get it anyway.

 

[BDennis]

I do not know for sure but I expect some if not most gears will turn during flat towing. I am somewhat fearful that since the key has to be on when flat tow mode is initiated (particularly if it has to remain on during the flat tow session) that it could drop out of flat tow mode. Seems like I read a post where someone was certain that could happen. For those considering putting a charge cord on the truck, remember that there are computers and the instructions for jump starting a "dead" 12v battery was VERY specific where and how to connect to the 12v battery to avoid ANY power surge. Best probably to confirm requirements before hooking this up.

The key stays in, but it is in the off position because you cannot take it out in the neutral position, see the pic of the instructions I posted on page 5 of this thread. Both David and will have our charge cord system factory installed by Roadmaster. The system does not jump start the battery, but keeps a 15 amp trickle flow from the motorhome to the toad battery.
Keep in mind this neutral tow method is the exact same as the current Ford Escape hybrid since the 2020 model, so it has already been in use for two years and is why I am installing a charge line. People also need to run theirs every six hours or less with their foot on the brake in drive, reverse and neutral. After this you put it back in tow neutral.

 

[BDennis]

I order hybrid in June to use as a tow car behind class c. Have been flat towing for 15 years so I have been following people who are towing escape hybrids on irv2.com RV forum for the last year. Plenty of posts about the difficulty of keeping 12 volt battery charged while towing. One interesting post on 11-14-21 a Guy burned up his transmission.Ford said he could not had it in tow mode but even his dealer believes his 12 volt battery died and it did not stay in tow mode. I am now having second thoughts about towing it until I see how it works for others. it will probably be June till I get it anyway.

This is why I am having a charge line installed as part of my factory baseplate install. An aux braking system also draws down battery power.

 

[KathyG]

Thanks guys for getting prototype baseplates on your Mavs and posting information.
Looking forward to getting mine set up (of course I need to get the truck first - LOL!)
Kathy G

 

[AutobahnSHO]

That setup looks so sweet! I have daydreams of someday RVing and so it's just another reason to be excited about someday my Maverick arriving...

How well does a small class C like in those pictures do with the extra weight of Maverick??

 

[BDennis]

That setup looks so sweet! I have daydreams of someday RVing and so it's just another reason to be excited about someday my Maverick arriving...

How well does a small class C like in those pictures do with the extra weight of Maverick??

You know it’s back there on long uphill grades, but larger Class C rigs prior to 2020 have a Ford 6.8L V10 and 2020 and later have the Ford 7.3L V8, both are designed for just this task. But having an option once setup to do day trips without breaking camp is so worth it.

 

[David Coastie]

That setup looks so sweet! I have daydreams of someday RVing and so it's just another reason to be excited about someday my Maverick arriving...

How well does a small class C like in those pictures do with the extra weight of Maverick??

It does great don't even feel it, mercedes diesel so only decreases mileage by 2 mph.

 

[David Coastie]

It does great don't even feel it, mercedes diesel so only decreases mileage by 2 mph.

Mine is a Forester 25 foot with Mercedes Diesel engine and has plenty of power. I pulled a 4door Jeep Wrangler that weighed 2000 lbs more and never had a problem up hills at all.

 

[KathyG]

The box is installed under the rear seat in the under seat storage, hooked into 12v system took them 5 hours to install.

I am planning to install Stay and Play system on my Mav for towing.
I emailed Demco (Stay and Play) to ask about operating unit placement. Tech/Engineer replied that box can be located under rear seat near battery and that there is 10+ feet of air line - should be enough to run line under back seat and forward under sill panels to actuator on brake pedal.
They responded to email very quickly.

 

[BDennis]

I posted a new thread for this as my truck was the second and final truck in Roadmaster’s prototype process, and it was completed on 2/4/22. New pics of the actual production version. Search for:
Ready to flat tow your Maverick hybrid behind your motorhome?

 

[kmangels]

I have this plan as well.

Blue OX will have a base plate available shortly. XL and XLT will be fine. The Lariat should work but the if you have optional tow kit from Ford would have to be reviewed. There may be questions with adaptive cruise control but you will need to check with Blue OX.

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