Flat towing tow bar connection?

[GApeach]

I would want to flat tow the Maverick behind my RV. Are there factory “installed” connection places for the tow bars? For example, threaded holes in the front frame behind punch out spots in the bumper? Or would we have to have the connection locations drilled out by a third party tow bar installer?

I don’t know the technical terms so I hope someone understands what I’m asking.

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[dceggert]

I would want to flat tow the Maverick behind my RV. Are there factory “installed” connection places for the tow bars? For example, threaded holes in the front frame behind punch out spots in the bumper? Or would we have to have the connection locations drilled out by a third party tow bar installer?

I don’t know the technical terms so I hope someone understands what I’m asking.

You will need what is called a 'baseplate' that is a bracket that mounts to the truck chassis and connects to the towbar. Each towbar manufacturer designs their own.

I am going to be watching this also. I went through this on the 2019 Ranger I bought and it took about 8 months before baseplates started becoming available. Minimal drilling is usually involved and since the FX4 package includes tow hooks there should be holes to be used.

Keep in mind, however, only the Hybrid will be flat towable.

 

[GApeach]

You will need what is called a 'baseplate' that is a bracket that mounts to the truck chassis and connects to the towbar. Each towbar manufacturer designs their own.

I am going to be watching this also. I went through this on the 2019 Ranger I bought and it took about 8 months before baseplates started becoming available. Minimal drilling is usually involved and since the FX4 package includes tow hooks there should be holes to be used.

Keep in mind, however, only the Hybrid will be flat towable.

Thank you. I will be getting the hybrid so should be good to go with the actual flat tow part.

 

[abjbrtd]

We'll be towing our Maverick as soon as baseplates are available.
Here's a good site to check/get baseplates, towbars etc.
https://www.etrailer.com/

It would help if we could get several people to contact etrailer, Blue Ox, Roadmaster and Demco about when baseplates will be ready.

 

[KathyG]

Roadmaster already has an offer to provide a free baseplate and install to the 1st Maverick Hybrid owner who can bring one in and leave it for a few days for them to template a baseplate. They anticipate having commercial version ready a few months after template is completed.

 

[JsnMrd]

Does flat towing increase your mileage?

 

[GApeach]

Roadmaster already has an offer to provide a free baseplate and install to the 1st Maverick Hybrid owner who can bring one in and leave it for a few days for them to template a baseplate. They anticipate having commercial version ready a few months after template is completed.

I haven’t been schedule for a build yet so I’m hoping someone takes them up on their offer.

 

[GApeach]

Does flat towing increase your mileage?

I think your MPG would be worse pulling a toad.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I would want to flat tow the Maverick behind my RV. Are there factory “installed” connection places for the tow bars? For example, threaded holes in the front frame behind punch out spots in the bumper? Or would we have to have the connection locations drilled out by a third party tow bar installer?

I don’t know the technical terms so I hope someone understands what I’m asking.

Someone had posted a picture of front underneath, I believe was from manua, that showed two holes, presumably threaded, that I believe may have been intended for tie down hooks. The Mavericks that come with tow hooks installed have (ok I cannot resist) holes to support rear of tow hooks welded on (giggle, actually a piece with a hole in it welded on) which is not there on mavericks shipped without tow hooks. From what I have seen it appears that while the drive train is flat towable friendly the attachment plate to be able to tow is probably a third party installed item a wise decision. Will know more when I see actual maverick.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I would want to flat tow the Maverick behind my RV. Are there factory “installed” connection places for the tow bars? For example, threaded holes in the front frame behind punch out spots in the bumper? Or would we have to have the connection locations drilled out by a third party tow bar installer?

I don’t know the technical terms so I hope someone understands what I’m asking.

FYI. I saw this near the end of the 2022 suspension deep dive (39mpg at up to 70)
Meanwhile, that big hunk of metal (red) has no suspension function whatsoever. It’s a towing tie-down point.

 

[BDennis]

I think your MPG would be worse pulling a toad.

The post you quoted meant the mileage/odometer reading.
Using a dolly tow setup is worse, you tow the weight of the car PLUS the weight of the tow dolly. The point is having a vehicle to drive when you get to your destination rather than breaking camp to go site seeing or to get a gallon of milk.

 

[BDennis]

You need an third party baseplate installed, Roadmaster, Blue Ox ot Demco. My hybrid Maverick is one of two scheduled to be the prototype for Roadmaster with the baseplate being commercially available around April 4, 2022.

 

[Chicago Mike]

We'll be towing our Maverick as soon as baseplates are available.
Here's a good site to check/get baseplates, towbars etc.
https://www.etrailer.com/

It would help if we could get several people to contact etrailer, Blue Ox, Roadmaster and Demco about when baseplates will be ready.

I contacted all three tonight As I also want to flat tow my new toad.

 

[Vongreg]

You need an third party baseplate installed, Roadmaster, Blue Ox ot Demco. My hybrid Maverick is one of two scheduled to be the prototype for Roadmaster with the baseplate being commercially available around April 4, 2022.

Thank you for being the Guinea Pig, I imagine you will have your truck into Roadmaster this month for them to achieve that production date.

 

[David Coastie]

Mine has been designed and installed by Roadmaster, will be available 7 to 8 weeks from now.

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