2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid Base Plate Installation and Modification  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Thanks for your question Arnie. All of the base plate kits we carry for the 2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid require some modification to the lower active air shutter system. After comparing the installation instructions, the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e96GV requires the least amount of modification and also provides the clearest instructions for this portion of the installation. Specifically, the # e96GV requires removing the second, third, and fourth shutters on each side of the lower shutter assembly. I've included a photo from the instructions below detailing this step.

For comparison, the other options require more extensive modification:

The Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BLU94ER instructs you to use a reciprocating saw to remove the top 3 inches of the lower air shutters.
The Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM87NQ states that extensive trimming of the air shutter system may be required, depending on the vehicle's trim level.

Removing or modifying some of the active shutters could have a small effect on aerodynamics, warm-up characteristics, or fuel economy, but I wouldn't expect the changes required to have a significant or noticeable impact under normal driving conditions.

As far as the factory warranty is concerned, simply installing an aftermarket base plate does not automatically void your vehicle's warranty. Generally, if a warranty claim is denied because of an aftermarket component, there needs to be a connection between that modification and the failure being claimed. That said, because this particular installation does modify part of the factory active air shutter system, I completely understand your concern. It would be worth discussing the specific modification with your Ford dealer if maintaining warranty coverage around that system is a major concern. That being said, the Maverick Hybrid is designed to be capable of flat towing when the procedures in Ford's owner's manual are followed, and installing a base plate is a necessary part of this process.

Do you already have the rest of your flat towing components? If you have questions or need help selecting the correct items, please let me know.

expert reply by: Christopher H

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e96GV Lower Air Dam Modification
(click to enlarge)