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Options for Flat Tow Braking Systems for a 2022 Ford Maverick with a 2014 Sunseeker 3010DS  

Updated 04/24/2026 | Published 04/17/2026

Question:

Im not sure how I got the system that uses air brakes. I have a 2014 sunseeker 3010ds and am towing a 2022 ford maverick. Is there a different model I need to get?

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Expert Reply:

Hi Lance,

The chassis of your 2014 Forest River Sunseeker 3010DS should be a Ford E-450 which is equipped with hydraulic brakes so the Demco Air Force One part # SM99243 will not work for your flat tow set up.

To flat tow your 2022 Ford Maverick, if you prefer a portable system that doesn't require permanent installation can be used on other vehicles to flat tow, I recommend the Curt RVibrake 4 Portable Flat Tow Brake System with wireless monitor part # RVI44FR. It has an auto assist that will help you set up and calibrate the system and the wireless monitor (they call it a bullseye) will give you real time braking updates right in the cab of your motorhome. If you don't have a 12V outlet in your Maverick, you will need to install one for the Curt RVibrake system to plug into, the Roadmaster 12 Volt Outlet Kit part # RM-9332 will let you easily install one to work with your braking system.

If you'd like a system that permanently installs in your vehicle, I recommend the Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System for RVs with hydraulic brakes part # DM86VR. It will be a longer install time but once installed you'll be able to plug and go for the future without any extra set up. Like the RVibrake 4, it also has a wireless monitor with lights and sound so you can see the system working in real time. Please keep in mind both of these systems are for hybrid models only as the gas mavericks cannot be flat towed.

Are there any other parts you're needing for your flat tow set up?

expert reply by:
0
Claire H
Ray R. profile picture

Ray R.

4/23/2026

Hi Lance, I actually have a similar setup to you. I have a 2022 Forest River Forester 3011DS. I also am towing a Maverick. I actually have both the Demco and RVI Brake systems. Long story but when we bought our RV I already had the Maverick and went with the Demco for ease of use. Forward two years later and we added a Jeep to our household. This time we went with the RVI Brake 4 so that we could have flexibility in the future. Both work great. The Demco is much easier to use, you literally flip a switch (in addition to the Maverick setup). The RVI takes more work but is portable and if we decide to upgrade in the future it can come with us. I can't comment on the install of each as I bought the parts from Etrailer and a buddy of mine installed them for me. Hope this helps.

Claire H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Claire H.

4/23/2026

@RayR That's awesome that you have experience with both systems! The Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo is a more time intensive install but once it's done it's so easy to flip that switch and get back out on the road. What do you think of the RVibrake portable system that talks to you as you set it up?
Ray R. profile picture

Ray R.

4/23/2026

@ClaireH it works as advertised. You position the device around the brake pedal, power it up and it gives you clear instructions. I would definitely practice with it a few times before you tow, but it is very straightforward and after a few practice runs I feel totally confident in the setup.
Claire H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Claire H.

4/24/2026

@RayR The instructions and feedback while setting it up made me feel more confident in it as well. Especially when it was the first time using a portable system and I was worried about not installing it correctly. Takes the guess work out of it.
Shawn C. profile picture

Shawn C.

4/23/2026

Hi Lance, I purchased an RVI Brake 4 last fall to tow my Jeep Gladiator. Setup was simple. The most time consuming task was installing the breakaway switch, which is similar to Almost all other braking systems. I really like the way the system works with my rig. It is smooth in its braking action and the bullseye monitor is nice for monitoring braking and status. With the bullseye I can see the applied braking force in different braking situations. I wrote a lengthy review on this site expressing my concerns and frustrations with the unit after it failed halfway into the first trip where I used it. Ended up having my wife drive the toad behind the MoHo for the remainder of the trip. Curt replaced the defective unit a few weeks after some back and forth on the phone and email. eTrailer was very helpful in facilitating those conversations. I have been using the replacement unit, and have had no further issues. As I mentioned earlier, I really like the way it operates, and setup only takes me about 2 minutes after I hook up my toad to the MoHo. After an initially disappointing experience, the system has regained my confidence and has been a good value and product. As I was evaluating whether I would stick with it or move to another system, I closely followed reviews by other users, and came to the conclusion that I got the one-off bad device. Long story short, I have been pleased with it, and just got back from a trip this week to Florida where it performed well. One last tip for any buyers: if you go forward you may want to replace the 12V power plug with a more robust connector that locks. I found that the cigarette lighter plug vibrates loose, and the weak connection can result in a blown fuse when the compressor runs with low voltage. For now, I just keep a few rubber bands handy to secure a good electrical connection and hold it together to the outlet I have connected directly from the Jeep’s battery.

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