Blue Ox or Roadmaster Parts to Flat Tow 2023 Ford Maverick
Question:
I am torn between buying a blue ox or a roadmaster tow system. I have a 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid. With the Blue Ox, I dont like the fact that it requires you to make cuts in the bumper to install the base plate. With the Roadmaster, I am concerned about having to remove all or part of the active grill shudder system. Im not so much concerned about the warranty issue, but the degrading the integrity of the shudders and what they are designed to accomplish. Id appreciate your honest opinion here. Thanks.
asked by: Mike M
Expert Reply:
I prefer the Blue Ox flat towing setups over the Roadmaster kits as I have found them to be just a little easier to use and they are very well made. I wouldn't worry to much about the bumper cuts and it doesn't affect the shudder system like you mentioned either. So for your 2023 Ford Maverick I would go with the base plate kit part # BLU88XR.
In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. One of the most popular compatible tow bars is the Blue Ox Avail # BX7420 which comes with safety cables. The coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.
For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.
And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 10000 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Blue Ox
more information >
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Twist Lock Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Video: Best 2023 Ford Maverick Flat Tow Set Up - Tow Bar Base Plates
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2023 Ford Maverick 2.5 Hybrid
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Preset
- Shop: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Shop: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox and Curt Base Plates - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6K lbs
- Shop: Demco Kar Kaddy X Tow Dolly w/ Disc Brakes - Tilt Bed Frame - 4,800 lbs - Wide Tread
- Shop: TS Rails for TruXedo Elevate Rack System - Full Size - X-Short Bed - 63" - Aluminum
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Q&A: Comparing Roadmaster and Blue Ox Base Plate Kits For 2021 Ford F-150 4WD
- Video: Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain Tow Bar Installation - 2022 Ford Maverick
- Video: Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit Review
- Search Results: blue ox tow bar
- Search Results: blue ox 3 receiver hitch
- Search Results: tow hitch
- Search Results: bx7420
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Ladder Rack
- Q&A: Adjustable Height Ladder Rack and Tonneau Cover for 2023 Ford Maverick
- Q&A: Tow Bar Wiring for 2023 Ford Maverick
- Shop: Replacement Triple-Lug Brackets for Blue Ox Tow Bars
- Video: Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System Installation - 2022 Ford F-150
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Search Results: base plates
- Search Results: tow bar
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Video: Review of Blue Ox Tow Bar Braking Systems - Patriot Portable Braking System - BLU37TR
on Base Plates
Denis
4/3/2024
It seems like the recommended tow bar is overkill for this light-weight vehicle (Ford Maverick). It is rated for 10,000 # when the Maverick only weighs about 5100 # fully loaded. Wouldn't the e47ZR with 6000 # capacity be adequate? I don't see any other differences in the descriptions other than payload.