Towed the Maverick behind my RV for the first time today -- rocking / push / pull feeling?

[B0B]

Hi All,

Today I just picked up our Ford Maverick from the dealer after they installed the base plate and towing equipment. This is the first time I have ever towed a car before.

When I was driving, I noticed on several occasions the sensation of rocking (or pushing and pulling) during my drive. If you've ever towed a trailer before, you tend to get this sensation when you accelerate or stop, except this was with my Ford Maverick.

Many posts/threads I've read seem to indicate that most people "can't even tell their TOAD is behind them" so this has me worried. For most of the drive, it felt normal, but I could definitely tell the Maverick was behind me because RV acceleration was a bit slower.

Is it normal to feel this rocking/push/pull feeling at times?

Yes, the Maverick was in tow mode, e-brakes off, brakes were functioning (I could feel the brakes when I was using the brakes in the RV), so they definitely weren't on when I was in motion. However, RV hitch was higher than the baseplate on the Maverick so the tow bar was angled downwards. Already ordered a drop hitch to relieve this, could this have caused that sensation?

System: Demco Commander 2 tow bar, Demco baseplate, Demco Stay and Play Duo braking system.
RV= 2018 Winnebago View

Any help would be appreciated.

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[swtiming8]

Hi All,

Today I just picked up our Ford Maverick from the dealer after they installed the base plate and towing equipment. This is the first time I have ever towed a car before.

When I was driving, I noticed on several occasions the sensation of rocking (or pushing and pulling) during my drive. If you've ever towed a trailer before, you tend to get this sensation when you accelerate or stop, except this was with my Ford Maverick.

Many posts/threads I've read seem to indicate that most people "can't even tell their TOAD is behind them" so this has me worried. For most of the drive, it felt normal, but I could definitely tell the Maverick was behind me because RV acceleration was a bit slower.

Is it normal to feel this rocking/push/pull feeling at times?

Yes, the Maverick was in tow mode, e-brakes off, brakes were functioning (I could feel the brakes when I was using the brakes in the RV), so they definitely weren't on when I was in motion. However, RV hitch was higher than the baseplate on the Maverick so the tow bar was angled downwards. Already ordered a drop hitch to relieve this, could this have caused that sensation?

System: Demco Commander 2 tow bar, Demco baseplate, Demco Stay and Play Duo braking system.
RV= 2018 Winnebago View

Any help would be appreciated.

When you say tow mode are you in Neutral tow mode? There is a tow mode that is for trailers not the Maverick.

 

[pat carden]

I have flat tow our 2024 hybird for over 2000 miles and have not had any problems, I would make sure your arms on the tow bar are locking after you move a few feet.

 

[realshelby]

The Winnebago View is a rather lightweight vehicle compared to a Class A motorhome or many Class C RV's. I am sure you WOULD feel a toad behind it. I do not feel my Maverick is there beyond a bit a acceleration difference. But I have a Class A. Sounds to me like maybe you need to adjust the braking force to a lighter level? Might help with some jerking. But once at speed and cruising you should not notice any jerking. There CAN be some side to side movement. That is usually where there is slack in the hitch, extensions, or towbar hardware. I take time to eliminate as much of that as I can, which usually requires some weld beads to take up side to side slack in the hitch/receiver and other parts.

 

[TopDawg]

Have dolly towed my EB Lariat over 12k with Winnebago 31K. No issues, but definitely know it's back there when it comes to fuel mileage.

 

[B0B]

When you say tow mode are you in Neutral tow mode? There is a tow mode that is for trailers not the Maverick.

Yes, sorry, Neutral Tow mode.

 

[B0B]

The Winnebago View is a rather lightweight vehicle compared to a Class A motorhome or many Class C RV's. I am sure you WOULD feel a toad behind it. I do not feel my Maverick is there beyond a bit a acceleration difference. But I have a Class A. Sounds to me like maybe you need to adjust the braking force to a lighter level? Might help with some jerking. But once at speed and cruising you should not notice any jerking. There CAN be some side to side movement. That is usually where there is slack in the hitch, extensions, or towbar hardware. I take time to eliminate as much of that as I can, which usually requires some weld beads to take up side to side slack in the hitch/receiver and other parts.

Yes, after reading some comments from other groups, it appears that most likely, it's the fact that the Winnebago View is a bit undersized for the job. I got some good ideas to help minimize it (and to be clear, it's not horrible, I can just feel it from time to time).

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