What is the function of this cross bar?

[midnight43026]

I reused a pic...see the bar circled in green.

It appears to be there as an impact point... possibly to protect something more critical from scrapes, like the battery cooling lines?

Is only connects with 2 bolts near the middle of the bar and does not appear to hold anything together or stiffen anything.

When I installed the RIVAL Aluminum Catalytic Converter Skid Plate, it was loosened and the plate is inserted between it and the frame.

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[sprubs]

is that protection as in hitting stuff or getting stolen or both?

 

[midnight43026]

is that protection as in hitting stuff or getting stolen or both?

Both. I am planning a month long over landing trip next year and I think it will help deter cat theft.

I have the full undercarriage skid plates on my truck... I wanted to remove the low hanging bar if it's only job was skid protection (I have that covered).

 

[Cancunbadlands]

I reused a pic...see the bar circled in green.

It appears to be there as an impact point... possibly to protect something more critical from scrapes, like the battery cooling lines?

Is only connects with 2 bolts near the middle of the bar and does not appear to hold anything together or stiffen anything.

When I installed the RIVAL Aluminum Catalytic Converter Skid Plate, it was loosened and the plate is inserted between it and the frame.

It's the factory front subframe crossmember brace (often just called the lower subframe brace or K-member tie bar).

 

[Cancunbadlands]

It ties the two sides of the front subframe together right near the lower control arm mounting points. This minimizes structural flex and twisting in the chassis during cornering, braking, and rough driving.

 

[midnight43026]

It ties the two sides of the front subframe together right near the lower control arm mounting points. This minimizes structural flex and twisting in the chassis during cornering, braking, and rough driving.

I am curious as to why it's only on some Mavericks? I have not seen a lot of Mavericks, but this pars appears to only be on Hybrids or possibly the 4k tow package only.

 

[sprubs]

it sounds like this bar should stay. now tell us about the trip you have planned. where are you headed?

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Curiosity aside.
The fact that it's installed on your Maverick is probably a good indication that it should stay installed.

 

[midnight43026]

it sounds like this bar should stay. now tell us about the trip you have planned. where are you headed?

I was curious why it's so long. It extends way beyond the connection points (just hanging out waiting to be hit).

I am currently in the planning phase. Every 2-3 years I like to take off for at least a month and explore. Last November it was India. Many years ago I did 3 weeks in SD, WY, and MT. This trip will be CO, UT, and AZ.

I make plans for a few places (where reservations are needed) and go with the wind for the rest of the trip. I end up in the coolest places that way!

I'll post info at the time draws nearer.

I can't wait to be on the road again...Let the next adventure begin!

----------------------------------

Hi from India (may last adventure):

We got hit by a Mahindra Scorpio and had to do some roadside repairs while in the mountains.

Traveled for 2.5 hours without seeing another vehicle... then one hit us.

Mahindra's are cool little pickup trucks in India. I would live if they were available here in the US. They looked like a cross between a Maverick and 1940's Jeep)

But good thing we were not one of these vehicles:

 

[midnight43026]

Curiosity aside.
The fact that it's installed on your Maverick is probably a good indication that it should stay installed.

That my be true, but I still want to know why it's there
The engineer inside has a need to know!

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