Is the Curt RVi Series or Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Better for a 2025 Ford Maverick?

Updated 12/29/2025 | Published 10/08/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(389)

$576.07

Demco Commander II Non-Binding Tow Bar for Blue Ox and Curt Base Plates- RV Mount- 2" Hitch-6K

(82)

$879.00

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

(3249)

$189.08

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1235)

$42.89

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(711)

$48.00

Curt RVi Series 4 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Wireless Monitor - Proportional

(20)

$1595.95

Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Proportional

(508)

$1329.00

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(767)

$1175.00

Question:

Jerred I have purchased the following for my RV flat tow solution: (2019 Forest River Sunseeker and 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid). DM38CV Demco Tabless base plate kit Demco Commander II Tow bar RM-15267 Roadmaster 4-diode Universal kit 7-6 coiled adapter RM-156-25 Roadmaster Battery charge line kit. I purchased the RVi3 Portable flat tow brake system and separate 12v battery direct kit for the RVi brake to install in my 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid. After gathering all these, I found your suggestion for the best set up for my vehicle. My question would you recommend I return my RVi3 and install the SMI stay and play system? Is it better than the RVi3? Pros/Cons? Thanks

asked by: Rich D

Expert Reply:

Hey Rich, welcome back! If you plan on keeping your 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid for a few years and/or flat tow it often, I recommend using the Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo item # SM99251. It's a permanently installed system and all you have to do is flip a switch when you're ready to head out. The initial install is elaborate but the components are going to be completely out of the way for daily driving. I've linked an installation video below we did on a 2025 Maverick so you can see how to get the Stay-IN-Play setup.

The Curt RVi item # RVI44FR is going to require you break it down and set it up each time you flat tow your Maverick.

You'll also need to install the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles item # RM-88400. This prevents your Maverick's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from your motorhome when braking during a turn.

Functionally they're both proportional braking systems that are going to stop or slow your Maverick in the same way.

What motorhome do you have? Both Demco braking systems for hydraulic brakes item # SM99251 and air brakes item # SM99243 used to be labeled SMI. I just want to make sure you're getting the correct one.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Rich D.

10/8/2025

Thanks for the reply. I forgot the model number of my Class C in the initial email. I have a 2019 Forest River Sunseeker 3270S

Jerred H.

10/8/2025

@RichD You're welcome! So definitely no air brakes! If you decide to make the switch you'll want the Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo item # SM99251.

Rich D.

10/11/2025

Jerred I purchased the DUO on your recommendation and have reviewed the videos and instructions. I’m a bit confused now with this paragraph from your response. I have put the sentences in question in brackets. “The Curt RVi item # RVI44FR is going to require you break it down and set it up each time you flat tow your Maverick. {You'll also need to install the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles item # RM-88400. This prevents your Maverick's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from your motorhome when braking during a turn.}” Are you stating I need this RM-88400 for either setup, for the RVi3 or for the DUO? Additionally, I see in the owner’s manual there is an optional part 6492 Air Pressure Regulator listed for the Ford Maverick but no mention in the instructions on if this is needed or how to install. Can you provide any assistance with this?

Jerred H.

10/13/2025

@RichD Yes, you will also need the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles item # RM-88400 for the Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo item # SM99251. My apologies there should've been a space above that section. We do not have the 6492 Air Pressure Regulator and I've read mixed reviews about people using it. It's designed to reduce the pressure your Maverick's braking system applies while being flat towed. There's a knob on the controller that mounts inside your Maverick that adjusts the braking sensitivity. If you find that your Maverick's brakes are engaging to hard while you're flat towing it you can also add one of these.

Rich D.

12/29/2025

I purchased the DM38CV Demco Tabless base plate kit and attempted the install only to find issues with the crossbar impeding the shutter assembly actuator and too tight of a fit to secure the bottom screws when reassembling the bumper. I reached out to Demco and they have redesigned the baseplate slightly to account for these issues and sent me the new design. . My question is can you do a better job with supplying the actual torque required on the Ford bolts and nuts when attaching the baseplate? The chart lists the torque by bolt sizes but there is no obvious parts list or indication or which bolts/nuts these apply to. I manage to break a bolt misidentifying it as needing a higher torque and had to get replacements from Ford. The two main concerns are the torque on the four lower frame bolts (I found out they need 23lbs) as well as the two nuts that attach the support arms to the vehicle frame. Also, will you ever create an install video for the Demco or e-trailer baseplate. Looking at the instructions, they appear to be the same thing. Thanks Rich D