Ford C Max info needed!

The diodes are working just fine with no issues. I think lighting and other 12V systems are about the same in the C Max as any other car. The hybrid drive system is another story.

afrescop wrote:
Towing/hitch place installed the Blue Ox baseplate on my C Max. Lots of trim/metal had to be removed and then replaced. Used diodes for the taillights.

Hmm, interesting. RV technician I spoke with that did wiring on a C max, said he could not use diodes, although that was his preferred method. Said he could not (or did not want to) tap into the C max's wiring. Was too complicated and difficult, he said.

For that reason, I use magnetic lights on our Fusion that I already had, did not even try messing with diodes. Sounds like it (diodes) works for you, though, so I may have to look at that again. Definitely not crazy about using the magnetic lights, although they work and are an easy, simple, cheap solution.

...Also installed a charge wire to the battery. Without the charge line your C Max's battery will be dead after about four hours of towing.
Tows great. No issues.

Yep! Learned that lesson the hard way on our Fusion hybrid. Got to our destination, had dead battery. After we got home, I did some testing with an ammeter, found that with everything off, ignition in ACC mode (as it has to be when towing), there is a 3 amp draw on the battery. No way to turn it off, short of pulling fuses (which I did NOT want to do!). Installed a charge line next day, problem solved. Never have to worry about the battery again, now.

Will

Towing/hitch place installed the Blue Ox baseplate on my C Max. Lots of trim/metal had to be removed and then replaced. Used diodes for the taillights. Also installed a charge wire to the battery. Without the charge line your C Max's battery will be dead after about four hours of towing.
Tows great. No issues.

Thanks guys for the ongoing info!

I called All RV today and got a quote for base plates, install & wiring. Just over $800. Will update with what I do & COST! Love the car!!!!!

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

rocmoc wrote:
Thanks for the info about ALL RV, will give them a call. ETrailer has a great video of the bass plate install so am considering doing them myself. The wiring gives me a little more concern since it is a Hybrid and has so much trick electronic stuff.

We just set up a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid for towing. It has same hybrid drivetrain and very similar electrical system as your C max. Makes a great toad, we love ours.

I had the Ford dealer do the base plate install. They did a great job, and did so for quite a bit less than what the RV dealer was going to charge (not to mention, Ford dealer was able to jump on it immediately, RV dealer was busy and couldn't for a few days).

I am right there with you, when it comes to the 'trick' electronics these hybrids have! I did not want to touch this vehicle's wiring any more than was absolutely necessary, and thought long and hard before doing any of the wiring. Technician I talked to at RV dealer had recently wired a C Max like yours, told me its wiring was so complicated, he did not want to tap into the rear tailights at all, so he had to put in separate bulbs. I wired my own, and went even less 'intrusive' for tail lights: I use a set of magnetic lights.

One thing you will have to do with your electrical hookup: Wire in a charge wire from MH to your C max. These new hybrids require you to leave the ignition in ACC position when towing (only way you can leave it in neutral), and doing this causes 'bout a 3 amp draw on the battery all the time when towing, even if you turn everything off inside. I verified this with an ammeter, and after almost zapping the battery after just 4 hours of towing, I installed the charge line. Problem solved.

Anyway, PM me if you want more specifics, or if there's any other way you think I can help you. :)

mm047 wrote:
I did all my own install on my '10 Mariner. A Blue Ox baseplate with a Ready Brute elite brake system and auxilary lights. Not too hard, but took a while as soom of the directions are strange on the brake harness stuff.

I've had other RV work done at All RV on Grant Rd in Tucson. They seem very straight up, so I would consider them. A Ford dealer is as much a******shoot as any car shop as far as RV related work goes.

Thanks for the info about ALL RV, will give them a call. ETrailer has a great video of the bass plate install so am considering doing them myself. The wiring gives me a little more concern since it is a Hybrid and has so much trick electronic stuff. Thanks again!

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

I did all my own install on my '10 Mariner. A Blue Ox baseplate with a Ready Brute elite brake system and auxilary lights. Not too hard, but took a while as soom of the directions are strange on the brake harness stuff.

I've had other RV work done at All RV on Grant Rd in Tucson. They seem very straight up, so I would consider them. A Ford dealer is as much a******shoot as any car shop as far as RV related work goes.