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Can I tow a Ford Maverick behind my RV?

In general, you should not flat-tow a Ford Maverick behind an RV. Ford's official guidance for Maverick models does not support four-wheels-down towing; the recommended method is to tow the vehicle on a tow dolly or a trailer. Always confirm with the vehicle’s owner’s manual and Ford’s towing guide for your exact year and configuration.


Tow options for a Maverick behind an RV


There are two practical ways to tow a Maverick behind an RV. Before towing, understand that Ford does not endorse flat-towing Maverick; the common alternatives are the following:



  • Tow dolly: Lift the Maverick's front wheels onto a tow dolly, while the rear wheels stay on the road. This prevents the drivetrain from turning while the vehicle is towed.

  • Full trailer: Load the Maverick onto a dedicated trailer so all four wheels are supported and rotated by the trailer, eliminating direct contact with the road from the drivetrain.


Choosing between a dolly and a full trailer depends on your RV's towing setup, weight considerations, and road usage. A dolly is lighter and cheaper upfront, while a full trailer provides the most stability for longer trips.


Model variations and official guidance


Ford's guidance varies by Maverick configuration and year. The Maverick was offered with a standard front-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain and an EcoBoost option with all-wheel drive in some trims. Ford's public towing guides for these models indicate that flat-towing behind an RV is not recommended for the Maverick. Always verify with the owner's manual and Ford's online resources for your specific year, drivetrain, and whether a towing package is installed.



  • Flat-towing with four wheels on the ground is not generally supported by Ford for Maverick models in most years.

  • Using a tow dolly or full trailer is the typical recommended method to move a Maverick behind an RV.

  • Drivetrain specifics (hybrid vs EcoBoost, FWD vs AWD) can affect the suitable towing method, and some configurations may have different restrictions.


Because towing guidelines can change with model-year updates and new Ford documentation, confirm with Ford's official towing guide or your dealer before you tow.


Practical steps to tow safely


To minimize risk and comply with guidance, follow these steps before hitting the road with a Maverick behind an RV:



  1. Identify the safest towing method for your Maverick configuration (dolly vs trailer) by consulting the owner's manual and Ford's towing guide for your year and drivetrain.

  2. Verify that your RV hitch, tow bar, and braking system are rated for the combined weight of the Maverick, the tow dolly or trailer, and any cargo.

  3. Secure the Maverick with appropriate tie-downs and wheel chocks. If using a dolly, ensure the front wheels are properly positioned and the parking brake is used only as recommended by the manufacturer.

  4. Install and connect a functioning lighting and braking system that meets local requirements (trailer lights, brake controller if applicable, and safety chains).

  5. Follow the manufacturer’s procedures for the design, installation, and operation while towing; avoid high speeds and abrupt maneuvers, especially on rough roads or hills.

  6. Check weight distribution, tire pressures, and fluid levels before departure, and plan for regular stops to inspect the setup.


Sticking to these steps helps protect the Maverick and your RV, reduces the risk of damage, and keeps you compliant with safety regulations on the road.


Other considerations and tips


Beyond the mechanics of towing, consider insurance, warranties, and practicalities of towing with a motorhome:



  • Warranty and service: Verify that towing methods won’t void your warranty or affect coverage; Ford may have specific caveats for flat-tow vs dolly/trailer towing.

  • Insurance: Check that your auto insurer covers a vehicle being towed behind an RV and whether additional coverage is required for a dolly or trailer.

  • Road rules: Some states require additional braking systems, lighting, or speed restrictions when towing, and your RV’s weight may be subject to highway weight limits.

  • Accessibility and space: A trailer or tow dolly adds length and may affect campground parking and hookups, so plan in advance.


Familiarize yourself with the local regulations and the towing rules of each state or province you plan to travel through.


Summary


For most Maverick configurations, Ford does not support flat-towing behind an RV. The recommended towing methods are towing the Maverick on a tow dolly or on a full trailer, depending on your setup and the vehicle’s drivetrain. Always consult the owner's manual and Ford's official towing guide for your exact year and configuration, and have a qualified hitch and braking system installed. With proper planning and equipment, you can tow a Maverick safely and legally behind your motorhome.

What Ford vehicles can be flat towed behind an RV?


Here are some Ford vehicles that can be safely flat-towed:

  • Ford Flex.
  • Ford Taurus.
  • Ford Expedition (4×4 low only)
  • Ford Escape (Hybrid models only)
  • Ford F-150 (Four-wheel drive only)
  • Ford Super Duty (Includes F-250, F-350, F-550, and F-600 models)
  • Ford Maverick (Hybrid models only)
  • Ford Edge (ST models only)



Can a Ford Maverick be flat towed behind a motorhome?


This makes it an excellent choice for RV owners who are looking for a vehicle that's easy to tow and won't put too much strain on their RV's towing capacity. The Ford Maverick has several features that make it a great choice for flat towing.



What is the lawsuit against the Ford Maverick?


Ford Maverick lawsuits involve several issues, including a 12-volt battery defect causing power loss and stalling, a defective side curtain airbag that may not deploy correctly, and a hybrid engine fire risk in certain models like the Escape and Lincoln Corsair, which some Maverick owners are also part of. The lawsuits allege Ford's failures in recalls and fixes for these problems. 
12-volt battery defect 

  • Issue: A defect in the 12-volt battery, supplied by Camel Group, can cause sudden power loss, stalling, and failure of the start/stop system, even after being replaced. 
  • Lawsuit: A class action lawsuit was filed claiming the recall's fix is ineffective and that Ford knowingly sold defective vehicles. 
  • Affected vehicles: Primarily 2022 and 2023 Bronco Sport and Maverick models. 

Side curtain airbag defect 
  • Issue: A defect in the "Safety Canopy" side curtain airbags may prevent them from deploying properly in a crash. 
  • Lawsuit: A class action lawsuit alleges this poses a severe safety risk and that Ford's temporary fix is insufficient, leaving owners with unsafe vehicles or no vehicle at all. 
  • Affected vehicles: Model year 2022 Ford Maverick trucks. 

Hybrid engine fire risk
  • Issue: A defect can cause a "blown engine," leading to a stall and the release of flammable fluids, creating a risk of fire. 
  • Lawsuit: A class action lawsuit claims Ford sold these vehicles with the defect, and that the company's attempted "fix" was ineffective and did not mitigate the risk. 
  • Affected vehicles: Includes 2020-2022 Ford Escape, 2022 Ford Maverick, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair hybrids. Note: A previous version of this lawsuit was dismissed for lack of evidence of concrete injury. 



What year to avoid Ford Maverick?


The main Ford Maverick years to avoid are 2022, due to a high number of recalls and a below-average reliability rating, and to a lesser extent, the 2024, which has seen many recalls for driveline and electrical issues. The 2022 model year was considered the worst, particularly the hybrid, while the 2024 model also has its share of problems, though it has shown improvement in later production. The 2023 model year is a potential risk for the 2.5L HEV/PHEV engine issues, but is generally seen as more reliable than the first two years.
 
This video discusses potential problems with the Ford Maverick, including quality control issues: 58sFuel ForceYouTube · Jun 9, 2025
2022 Ford Maverick

  • Recalls: Had the highest number of recalls, at 15 from the NHTSA. 
  • Reliability: Received a below-average reliability rating from Consumer Reports, especially the hybrid model. 
  • Issues: Experienced numerous issues, including frequent electrical system problems, and was subject to a recall related to potential engine fires in the hybrid model. 

2024 Ford Maverick
  • Recalls: Has been recalled 12 times for issues such as driveline components, electrical failures, and the rearview camera display.
  • Issues: Common problems include driveline vibrations, electrical issues, and problems with the rearview camera display freezing or being unresponsive. 

2023 Ford Maverick
  • Engine issues: While generally more reliable than earlier years, the 2023 model year is also subject to the engine failure recall for the 2.5L HEV/PHEV engine. 
  • Recommendation: Some sources suggest the 2023 model year is an improvement over the 2022 model, but it is still important to check for any outstanding recalls on the specific vehicle. 

What to consider
  • Launch years: Launch year vehicles like the 2022 model year often have more problems than subsequent years, as manufacturers work out the kinks in earlier releases. 
  • Model year: Newer model years, such as 2023 and 2024, are generally more reliable than 2022, though some issues persist. 
  • Specific issues: Be aware of specific problems, such as the engine fire risk in some hybrid models, and the rearview camera display in some 2024 models, and check to see if they apply to the vehicle you are considering. 
  • Warranty: Ensure all recalls are addressed by a dealer and look for vehicles with an extended warranty. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.