What All Do I Need To Flat Tow A 2023 Ford Maverick?

Question:

Hello! I recently purchased a brand new 2023 Ford Maverick. I would like to be able to tow it behind my motorhome. The motorhome is a 2020 Thor Ace 27' and this will be my first time flat towing. What all do I need to order to set this up? Thanks in advance

asked by: Andre

Expert Reply:

Congrats on the new car. I can definitely help set you up with everything you need. Lets start with the base plate and work our way from there.

For the 2023 Maverick I recommend using the Roadmaster direct connect # RM97RR. Roadmaster make a great quality base plate, and the twist lock removable arms are a nice feature. That way you do not have metal pieces protruding from the front of the car when not in use. This base plate also has pre welded safety chain hooks, and a mounting location for your electrical plug.

Next we will need to get you a tow bar. I highly recommend the Roadmaster Nighthawk # RM-676. Not only does the name sound really cool, but this is in my opinion, the best tow bar on the market today. Aluminum arms make it lightweight (45 lbs) and easy to handle. It has built in LED lighting so it will really pop especially at night. Also the LEDs really help with visibility if you find yourself needing to disconnect or hook up when it is dark outside. The tow bar also comes with your safety cables, electrical cord, and a 6-pin plug for the front of the jeep.

We will need to wire your brake lights as well and for that I recommend the Roadmaster Diode kit # RM-152. Since the tow bar already comes with your electrical cord and plug, this kit has everything you need for the brake lights to work. Also, since there will be a slight draw from the vehicles battery, you will want to install a charge line kit # RM-156-25. This will prevent the vehicles battery from draining while you are towing. All of this will be wired to the 6 pin plug on the front of the vehicle. Once installed, you will just plug in your cable and you are good to go.

Next we will need to get you a supplemental braking system. I recommend going with the blue ox patriot # BLU37TR. This is by far the most versatile and user friendly brake system on the market. It is basically fully wireless and extremely easy to set up. There is a claw that attaches to the brake pedal, and a plug for a 12v (cigarette lighter) outlet. The brake unit works by detecting deceleration, and applying the brakes proportionally. Another big advantage of this brake system is that it is portable, and if you ever get a new car you can easily take it with you and save a lot of cost.

That will cover all of the main components of your setup. It is recommended to get a cover for the tow bar # RM-055-3, as well as a locking hitch pin like the # e98882. I look at both of these items as inexpensive insurance, and a good way to protect your investment in a high quality tow bar like the Nighthawk.

Lastly, you may end up needing a drop hitch. We want to make sure the tow bar is level when you are towing. In some cases, a drop hitch is not needed and it varies on a case by case basis. We would have you install all of the parts above before making that call. Then what you can do is measure the hitch height on your coach (from the upper inside edge of the receiver to the ground). Then measure the base plate height. This will tell us what kind of drop hitch is needed. Or you could just go ahead and order an adjustable drop hitch like the # BLU28XR which has up to 8" or drop.

With that you are covered. I have included link to a few install videos below. If you plan on installing all of this yourself you will find them very helpful.