Will Installing the Demco Base Plate on a Ford Maverick Require Removing the Air Dam Louvers?

Updated 07/08/2026 | Published 05/11/2026

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(791)

$624.48

Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(426)

$610.28

Question:

When Brad was demonstrating installation of a Demco baseplate on a Maverick he carefully removed some of the air dam as if they were going to be reinstalled, but apparently were not. Trying to decide between Demco and Roadmaster. Concerned about totally removing the louvers if they serve a real purpose.

asked by: Ron C

Expert Reply:

Hello Ron,

The shutter blades do get permanently removed when installing the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e96GV or the Demco # DM38CV on the Ford Maverick. Brad was careful removing them in the video mainly to avoid damaging surrounding components during the install process, but they are not reinstalled afterward.

I did check with Demco on this since it is a common question, especially for customers comparing base plate options. Their tech confirmed that the shutter blades are intentionally removed as part of the installation. They also mentioned that the Roadmaster setup typically requires the same shutter blade removal, and in addition, requires relocating the adaptive cruise control sensor, which can be extremely sensitive and sometimes more troublesome to recalibrate afterward.

One thing I would recommend is comparing the installation manuals side by side along with the videos. The videos are great for showing the process visually, but the manuals usually give the clearest picture of what modifications are permanent and what components need to be relocated.

As far as practical day-to-day use goes, we have not seen widespread issues from the shutter blade removal on Maverick flat tow setups. The cooling system still functions properly after the install, and this modification is considered normal for this style of base plate on the vehicle.

Is this your first time flat towing, or just getting a new car set-up?

expert reply by: Kate F

Ron C.

5/15/2026

Thanks Kate, I have been towing a 2002 Chevy Tracker for over 10 years. It is a great little car with all mechanical controls, but it is beginning to slow its age. After I got it set up for towing I drove it to a large empty parking lot to hook up and practice noting how the toad tracked in turns. The Maverick can replace the Tracker and my old Dodge Dakota. Ron

Kate F.

5/17/2026

@RonC The Maverick will be a great replacement! We have set-up quite a few flat tows with the Maverick. If you need any help with any of the other flat tow components just let me know =)

Mark M.

6/26/2026

Hi Kate, Is there a baseplate that does not require the removal of the shudder assembly?

Kate F.

6/28/2026

@MarkM I looked into the others, I am sorry but all the Base Plates for the 2026 Ford Maverick will require the removal of the lower air shutter. I promise we have done quite a few installs here at etailer, the Maverick is becoming a pretty popular vehicle to flat tow, we have not heard of any issues from doing so.

Markm

7/7/2026

@KateF from viewing the videos and the install guidesthe entire assembly is removed and set aside, not just a few of the blades/louvres.

Kate F.

7/8/2026

@Markm You could always look into a local fabricator to see if they can come up with something so you don't have to remove the air dam louvers, or maybe get a different vehicle to flat tow. I am sorry I do not have better answers for you.