Can Ford Maverick Be Flat Towed? (Explained)

The Ford Maverick has quickly become a favorite among truck lovers and commuters alike, thanks to its compact size, hybrid option, and impressive fuel economy. But if you’re planning road trips or own an RV, you’re probably asking: Can the Ford Maverick be flat towed?

Flat towing—pulling a vehicle behind a motorhome with all four wheels on the ground—can make travel easier and more flexible. Not all vehicles are made for this, and choosing the wrong one could result in costly damage or voided warranties.

If you’re considering buying a Maverick or already own one, knowing its towing limitations is crucial before you hit the highway. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about flat towing the Ford Maverick, so you can make a smart, safe decision.

1. What Does Flat Towing Mean?

Flat towing (also called dinghy towing) involves towing a car with all four wheels on the ground behind another vehicle like a motorhome. It’s a common setup for RV travelers who need a smaller vehicle once parked.

This method is lightweight, space-saving, and doesn’t require a trailer. However, it puts direct pressure on the transmission and driveline, which can cause damage if the vehicle isn’t designed for it.

2. Flat Towing Rules for the Ford Maverick

The Ford Maverick Hybrid cannot be flat towed. Ford explicitly warns that doing so can cause serious damage to the hybrid transmission system.

The gas-only AWD Maverick (with the EcoBoost engine) is also not approved for flat towing. Both versions require trailering if you plan to tow them.

Ford’s owner’s manual and official towing guides clearly state the Maverick is not suited for flat towing under any drivetrain configuration.

3. Why Flat Towing Is Not Supported

The CVT in the Maverick Hybrid and the automatic transmission in the EcoBoost models don’t support the lubrication required for flat towing. Without proper lubrication, critical internal parts can overheat and fail.

Flat towing also affects systems like the power steering and braking, which are not active when the car is off. This makes the Maverick unsafe and mechanically at risk during flat towing.

Even with modifications, flat towing a Maverick can void its warranty and leave you with expensive repairs not covered by Ford.

4. What Are Your Towing Options?

If you need to tow your Maverick, use a flatbed trailer or tow dolly that lifts the driven wheels off the ground. This is the safest and most manufacturer-approved method.

For short distances, a wheel lift tow truck can also work, but long-distance or RV towing should always involve a full trailer setup.

These alternatives keep the transmission safe, maintain the warranty, and ensure your truck arrives undamaged.

5. Will Ford Change This in the Future?

There’s growing demand for flat-towable compact trucks, especially among the RV community. While the current Maverick lineup isn’t approved, future models may be designed differently.

Ford may eventually offer a manual transmission or neutral-disconnect AWD system, making flat towing a possibility. Until then, owners must stick to trailers or dollies.

If flat towing is essential to your lifestyle, consider other Ford models like the Bronco or Ranger (manual) which have flat-tow capabilities under the right setup.

Conclusion

The Ford Maverick, both Hybrid and EcoBoost AWD, is not flat towable. Attempting to do so can result in severe mechanical issues, especially with the transmission and driveline systems.

For now, the safest option is to use a flatbed trailer or tow dolly, both of which meet Ford’s towing recommendations. This way, you protect your vehicle, wallet, and warranty.

If flat towing is a must-have, explore vehicles built for it. But if you love the Maverick for what it offers, you can still tow it—just not flat on all four wheels.

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