Flat Tow Setup for 2026 Ford Maverick AWD Hybrid  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hey Dave!

The Ford Maverick AWD Hybrid is a really popular flat tow vehicle, so we've got everything you need on that flat tow but you'll always want to consult your owner's manual just for the extra surety that you're able to flat tow with your truck. To start with a flat tow setup, you'll need a tow bar. I highly recommend Blue Ox Alpha Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 8,500 lbs # BX7380. That's a solid rated to tow 8,500 pounds and will connect directly to Blue Ox, etrailer, and Demco baseplates and is non-binding so you won't have to worry about being on perfectly level ground or fighting with the tow bar. This tow bar also comes with safety cables, so you won't need to purchase those separately.

For a baseplate, I'd go with etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # e96GV. This one is completely hidden after installation, so when the tabs that connect to the tow bar are removed, you won't even see that you have a flat tow setup because they blend into the front end of your vehicle.

Next, you'll need wiring. Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord # RM-15267 is a full kit for you, and includes the 6-way socket and bracket you'll need, a 7-to-6-way adapter cord that goes from the 7-way output on your coach to the 6-way input on your towed vehicle, the wiring that goes from your socket to the lights on the vehicle, and the diodes that prevent electrical feedback that could damaged your Maverick's electronics. You will also need Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25 to keep your towed vehicle charged up and avoid a dead battery once your reach your destination.

My recommendation on a braking system depends on whether your coach has air brakes or hydraulic brakes. For air brakes, Demco Air Force One Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Air Brakes - Wireless Monitoring - Proportional # DM26VR is the way to go. This kit installs under your hood for an install that's always ready to go. If your coach has hydraulic brakes, go with Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Braking System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Wireless Monitor - Proportional # DM86VR. This kit also installs under your hood. Both options are incredibly solid systems that will keep you on the road. Both also include a Wireless Coachlink, which notifies you when the towed vehicle's brakes are applied. This is important to make sure you're not dragging your vehicle behind you.

That's everything necessary for a flat tow in a 2026 Ford Maverick, but there are a couple of other things to consider. A Roadmaster Tow Defender Protective Screen for Towed Vehicles # RM-4750 is great for protecting your windshield from any loose items kicked up by your coach. Curt Wall Mount for 2" Hitch Accessories - 350 lbs # C97DR is the perfect way to store your towbar at home or in a garage when it's not in use, and Blue Ox Universal Tow Bar Cover - Fits All Motorhome-Mounted Blue Ox Tow Bars # BLU53QV will keep it protected against all of the elements, including dust. Finally, Roadmaster LubeMaster Dry Silicone Spray # RM-747 is great for keeping your tow bar and baseplate elements in good condition for years to come.

Where are you hoping to travel with this flat tow setup? Is this your first time flat towing or are you an experienced tower?

expert reply by: Jerry B

0

Dave

6/25/2026

Any particular reason to go for an 8500# vs. the 5000#? Curb weight for the Maverick is 3640# Current coach is hydraulic brakes. As for towing, first time to tow a vehicle, plenty of hours towing a trailer. I would imagine there are some similarities but also some differences.

Jerry B.

6/29/2026

@Dave You're more than welcome to use a smaller tow bar, but the tow bar will generally outlast your use of the vehicle, so in the future if you decide to go with a larger vehicle, you won't have to start all the way over with a tow bar as well as a baseplate kit. There's really no wrong way to do it as long as you're at the correct weight, but that's the easiest and most common way.

Larry N.

6/26/2026

We actually let Jerry at ETrailer designate all the items we needed for our Maverick flat-tow setup. ETrailer had a great end of year sale on ALL needed items, so we saved substantially. We ordered a base plate/tow bar capable of 7500 pounds, more than enough for a Maverick. All components were Blue Ox or items stocked by ETRAILER. We also ordered the Blue Ox Patriot Brake system which sits on driver side floorboard....all components are working well!

Jerry B.

6/29/2026

@LarryN Glad to hear that setup has been taking care of you! Have you gotten a chance to take it on the road yet? Any fun trips planned?

Dan H.

6/26/2026

I just installed the e trailer 96gv baseplate on my 2025 ford maverick hybrid, you will have to cut out or just slit one piece of grill on each side to get the fascia to move back far enough to re-attach it. This is shown in there video at the very end. I also used the roadmaster 4 diode kit, all lights will work, except when braking only your lower lights will come on. I called Roadmaster they said to get all 4 to work you have to add on another diode kit, but still ok with just two. You will need a charge line, also I'm using an rvi 3 brake system and a 12000 blue ox tow bar.

Jerry B.

6/29/2026

@DanH Thanks for your feedback on the installation and requirements needed for the flat tow. I'm interested in that reply from Roadmaster. Are they saying you needed two of the same kit to get your separate lighting system to work, or is it a separate kit altogether? I'd like to look into that more!

Dan H.

6/29/2026

@JerryB yes, you need more diodes and splice into your other wires to make all 4 brake lights work, they didn't offer this as a kit according to the person I talked to at Roadmaster. E trailer should post this in the description to let people know. I'm fine with it for you can see the bottom two plus being a narrow truck you can see the motorhomes also.

Jerry B.

6/29/2026

@DanH Ah, understood. We do have it listed in the description of the Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord # RM-15267 that it may require additional diodes and/or a brake light relay. I'm sorry we missed that on your initial order!