Flat towing with RV1 brake

[Donald]

Perfect. I'll be doing the same for my BrakeBuddy. That is also where I attached my Toad-Charge on my C-Max, to keep its battery up.

Do you think with the ignition off on the hybrid, we need a charging wire from the motorhome?

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[capo99]

I am still awaiting my hybrid. I will be going with the Blue Ox baseplate as we already have all the equipment as we are presently towing a Honda CR-V. From what I have read and seen, you will need to go with the diode “kit” for the lights, or, there is an LED lit by Roadmaster the looks rather interesting, auxiliary lighting kit 157. It does not attach to the existing wiring but instead is dedicated wiring directly to the motor home via a 4-way flat plug. I myself am highly considering this route.

I believe this kit requires you to drill holes into the existing rear lenses. Potential for water leaking into them after the fact. The Roadmaster diode kit is universal not vehicle specific.

 

[BradnChristine]

Do you think with the ignition off on the hybrid, we need a charging wire from the motorhome?

Probably not. I have had the Toad-Charge from using it on prior Toweds. Since my Ford Transit-based motorhome has a charge wire in the light cord, it was only a short wire to the positive post in the C-Max (same as Maverick)

Once I get my Maverick set up, I'll monitor the battery condition throughout a day of towing and see whether it is worth it The BrakeBuddy takes a bit of current to power up, but after that (as long as you don't drive your motorhome like an idiot), the brakeBuddy holds its "charge" (air pressure) all day long without any additional power being used. Of course, if you make it apply the brakes by stopping quickly/emergency situation, it will need to power back up. Another advantage of push-button start in hybrids! Towing my S-10 requires the ignition on and 2 fuses pulled.

 

[Donald]

Probably not. I have had the Toad-Charge from using it on prior Toweds. Since my Ford Transit-based motorhome has a charge wire in the light cord, it was only a short wire to the positive post in the C-Max (same as Maverick)

Once I get my Maverick set up, I'll monitor the battery condition throughout a day of towing and see whether it is worth it The BrakeBuddy takes a bit of current to power up, but after that (as long as you don't drive your motorhome like an idiot), the brakeBuddy holds its "charge" (air pressure) all day long without any additional power being used. Of course, if you make it apply the brakes by stopping quickly/emergency situation, it will need to power back up. Another advantage of push-button start in hybrids! Towing my S-10 requires the ignition on and 2 fuses pulled.

I set mine in tow mode with the key turned off. The steering wheel doesn’t lock which is why the key has to be on in my Honda CR-V. I had a fuse bypass set up on my Honda. I don’t see the Hybrid has a locking steering wheel either way.

 

[Xbbqpitmaster]

I believe this kit requires you to drill holes into the existing rear lenses. Potential for water leaking into them after the fact. The Roadmaster diode kit is universal not vehicle specific.

No it does not require drilling into the light housing. The LED strips stick to the body below the lights, then the wires route down and behind the bumper then up along the frame to the front…

 

[BradnChristine]

I set mine in tow mode with the key turned off. The steering wheel doesn’t lock which is why the key has to be on in my Honda CR-V. I had a fuse bypass set up on my Honda. I don’t see the Hybrid has a locking steering wheel either way.

I think locking steering wheels have at least started to disappear. My 2015 Wrangler doesn't lock, and neither does my 2017 C-Max.

 

[capo99]

No it does not require drilling into the light housing. The LED strips stick to the body below the lights, then the wires route down and behind the bumper then up along the frame to the front…

Not the lights I was thinking of. Haven’t come across these before. Looks interesting will have to think about these. Thanks!

 

[Xbbqpitmaster]

Not the lights I was thinking of. Haven’t come across these before. Looks interesting will have to think about these. Thanks!

This so far is the only place I have found them.

https://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bar-Wiring/Roadmaster/RM35MR.html

 

[Donald]

Heres the one I used. Etrailer has a great video showing how to install. Very easy.

 

[capo99]

Heres the one I used. Etrailer has a great video showing how to install. Very easy.

The one I ordered form Roadmaster looks similar except it includes the umbilical between the toad and RV.

 

[Donald]

The one I ordered form Roadmaster looks similar except it includes the umbilical between the toad and RV.

This one has the umbilical between toad and rv.

 

[realshelby]

I have the Patriot Blue Ox braking...and had a C max behind the motorhome for some time.
I don't have the Maverick yet...and if ANYTHING like the C max I will run a power lead from the motorhome to the battery post under the Maverick hood like I did on the C max. This eliminates all the issues with the 12v battery losing charge while towing all day. I also have a power lead TO the Patriot instead of running it through the vehicle lighter receptacle. Which insures you don't run down the battery in the Patriot when/if the towed vehicle shuts off power to the receptacle. Foolproof, simple ( be sure to fuse the power wire AT THE COACH CONNECTION ), and fixes all the issues with the Hybrid battery and the VooDoo that seems related to it.
I will never tap into the factory taillight wiring harness. Too many issues with the Canbus type system to take the chance. Much easier to simply buy the wiring/bulb socket that you put into the taillight housing. Never a problem on the C max or my Wrangler with that. BUT...I am going to go to auxiliary LED taillight strips on the Maverick so there is no need to even remove the taillight housing.

 

[Palms]

THAT sounds like a plan for me too for both the 12v to my Patriot and the vehicle battery post in the engine bay, as well as for the lighting.
I've watched the BlueOx tow plate installation video several times and seems like a handful. I did it on my Cherokee with some hassle six years ago at 69 but, this one seems like a handful at 75.
Also, trusting a shop that has never done it to do it correctly, and do the cut out as it should is, to say the least, worrisome.
Hopefully, IF mine gets built as scheduled for the week of 3/9, it's something to continue thinking about for seemingly another 45-60 days, If IF becomes a reality.
Watching these threads with renewed interest.

 

[processwrench]

I have the Patriot Blue Ox braking...and had a C max behind the motorhome for some time.
I don't have the Maverick yet...and if ANYTHING like the C max I will run a power lead from the motorhome to the battery post under the Maverick hood like I did on the C max. This eliminates all the issues with the 12v battery losing charge while towing all day. I also have a power lead TO the Patriot instead of running it through the vehicle lighter receptacle. Which insures you don't run down the battery in the Patriot when/if the towed vehicle shuts off power to the receptacle. Foolproof, simple ( be sure to fuse the power wire AT THE COACH CONNECTION ), and fixes all the issues with the Hybrid battery and the VooDoo that seems related to it.
I will never tap into the factory taillight wiring harness. Too many issues with the Canbus type system to take the chance. Much easier to simply buy the wiring/bulb socket that you put into the taillight housing. Never a problem on the C max or my Wrangler with that. BUT...I am going to go to auxiliary LED taillight strips on the Maverick so there is no need to even remove the taillight housing.

Please post pics of how that auxiliary LED light strip looks on the mav, originally i was thinking of doing the diode tie in thing, but this seems much more simple and probably more robust.

 

[realshelby]

Please post pics of how that auxiliary LED light strip looks on the mav, originally i was thinking of doing the diode tie in thing, but this seems much more simple and probably more robust.

Well, you will have to wait for that.....as I wrote above I don't have the Maverick yet! I went with the bulb socket in the C Max and Jeep I tow. Those are ok...but not quite as bright as I like since they are incandescent bulbs and not perfectly located in the lense area. OK..since the motorhome has such large and high mounted taillights.

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