New Owner! 2026 XLT Hybrid. Road trip tips?

[scott1070]

Snacks. Bring lots of road trip snacks

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[Trel]

Yup! Got the spray in bed liner, 3 section bed cover, the Mabett fender flares, covers for the rear bumper holes, tailgate assist, door edging, Wolfbox jump starter just in case along with various and sundry niceties for the interior. "MAVERICK" letters for the tailgate. Just some stuff to make it mine. And an "Old Man Edition" thing for the tailgate but you wouldn't want that!

 

[XL Hybrid Cactus Gray]

I really like that Space White color.

Since the Cactus Gray color is no longer offered, Space White will likely be my next color when I trade in my '22 Maverick Hybrid.

I saw a '26 Maverick Tremor in Space White yesterday. Looked fantastic in person! In the sunlight, had a nice light gray tone. I would miss the excellent hybrid gas mileage, but that Tremor had me second guessing.

 

[Mavman1]

^^ Completely agree with Lane, a DeeZee, etc. tailgate strut is an inexpensive addition and simply makes for an easier, better experience every time you lower the tailgate.

The replacement tie-downs Lane manufactures are top notch, and you're supporting a Forum member!

In addition to your use, the jump box is great for helping others rather than hooking their unknown issues to your truck trying to jump them, LOL. , It also has a built in, long lasting light to include a strobe feature for emergencies...


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I second the vote for the DeeZee tailgate assist (https://www.deezee.com/home/shop) along with Lane's tie-down. I have the same installed.

 

[Johnkn]

^^ And they're available tomorrow on Amazon at a discount.

Amazon.com: DEE ZEE DZ43207 Tailgate Assist Fits 22-Current Ford Maverick, Black : Automotive

OP, If (when) you purchase and go to install ping us here first, it's a very easy install however there is a little trick that helps...

good luck..


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[ScottyC]

Drive happy and don't worry about things that you don't have to worry about. Enjoy and welcome aboard.

 

[MikeS1942]

I’m finally a truck gal! I moved along from an Audi Q5 into the 2026 XLT Hybrid since I’ll be driving several thousand miles this summer.
View attachment 246759

The dealer sprayed in the bed liner and when I got it home I added the Mabett fender flares, front mud flaps, tailgate assist and Truxedo hard rolling cover, purchased from our wonderful sponsor. The bed cover install wasn’t too bad after I watched a couple of YouTube videos. It was a little tough to get both the mud flaps and fender covers installed on the front as I really had to push to get the screws in, but I got there in the end. I also sprayed the fabric seats with a water protectant

Her name is Mystery because in different lights she looks different colors — light gray, a touch of blue, off white? So she’s a lady of mystery. So far I’m enjoying the “I’m a truck, too!” size and ride as we get used to each other.

I put a fire extinguisher, roadside emergency kit and portable tire inflator under the back seats and got the seat belt cutter/window breaker tool for the side door pocket. Is there anything else I should add before a long road trip?

View attachment 246754

Just take a large dose of courage with you so you can deal with the occasional craziness you will encounter. Be patient and stay safe.

 

[tom_tucker]

I’m finally a truck gal! I moved along from an Audi Q5 into the 2026 XLT Hybrid since I’ll be driving several thousand miles this summer.
View attachment 246759

The dealer sprayed in the bed liner and when I got it home I added the Mabett fender flares, front mud flaps, tailgate assist and Truxedo hard rolling cover, purchased from our wonderful sponsor. The bed cover install wasn’t too bad after I watched a couple of YouTube videos. It was a little tough to get both the mud flaps and fender covers installed on the front as I really had to push to get the screws in, but I got there in the end. I also sprayed the fabric seats with a water protectant

Her name is Mystery because in different lights she looks different colors — light gray, a touch of blue, off white? So she’s a lady of mystery. So far I’m enjoying the “I’m a truck, too!” size and ride as we get used to each other.

I put a fire extinguisher, roadside emergency kit and portable tire inflator under the back seats and got the seat belt cutter/window breaker tool for the side door pocket. Is there anything else I should add before a long road trip?

View attachment 246754

I'm always curious as to what folks are putting in the bed that necessitates a spray-in bed liner. Maybe the dealer was just looking to up-charge?

Clearly, we have a household use-case here and we're not hauling gravel. I do believe the ~$500 I saved on a liner 3 years ago has grown to about $1000. The paint in my bed has yet to complain.

 

[cp26]

^^ And they're available tomorrow on Amazon at a discount.

Amazon.com: DEE ZEE DZ43207 Tailgate Assist Fits 22-Current Ford Maverick, Black : Automotive

OP, If (when) you purchase and go to install ping us here first, it's a very easy install however there is a little trick that helps...

good luck..


.

I actually have already purchased and installed this exact one! Thank you for the offer of help -- I'm quite sure I'll be needing all the help I can get.

 

[Johnkn]

I actually have already purchased and installed this exact one! Thank you for the offer of help -- I'm quite sure I'll be needing all the help I can get.

What part of Texas?


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[Randorita]

Welcome to the forum! For your trip, take a lot of money! Gas prices are highway robbery! Don't forget the tunes or audio books.I just got back from a Mississippi to Texas and back with no problems.

 

[WJOHNM]

Keep it 65-70 mph for best efficiency

65/70 worked great for me, another thing try to use the cruise control whenever possible, am on my 3rd Maverick 2 ECO 1 hybrid, my early 22 FX4 I have got as high as 38mpg on highway using the cruise set at 2k rpm about 65/70. 2 more small things you could do have someone check your lugs, I have had new cars had to use a breaker bar to get tires off and check your tire pressure its going to change in heat and cold, check it a few times, my 25 lariat always got better mpg with little higher tire pressure Enjoy

 

[ZeroDay]

Slow down, take back roads. You'll get nothing good pushing the Hybrid over 90-100km/h. It's more enjoyable anyways.

 

[Randorita]

I'm always curious as to what folks are putting in the bed that necessitates a spray-in bed liner. Maybe the dealer was just looking to up-charge?

Clearly, we have a household use-case here and we're not hauling gravel. I do believe the ~$500 I saved on a liner 3 years ago has grown to about $1000. The paint in my bed has yet to complain.

I have had trucks with spray in liners and without. I don't haul gravel, just all kinds of stuff. 5 years down the road, I have scuffed a liner, but the ones without liners have scratches in the paint. Scratches lead to rust. Never enough to damage the bed, but rust nonetheless. Spray in liners will pay dividends when you trade your truck for a new one.

 

[North Coast Joe]

I’m finally a truck gal! I moved along from an Audi Q5 into the 2026 XLT Hybrid since I’ll be driving several thousand miles this summer.

The dealer sprayed in the bed liner and when I got it home I added the Mabett fender flares, front mud flaps, tailgate assist and Truxedo hard rolling cover, purchased from our wonderful sponsor. The bed cover install wasn’t too bad after I watched a couple of YouTube videos. It was a little tough to get both the mud flaps and fender covers installed on the front as I really had to push to get the screws in, but I got there in the end. I also sprayed the fabric seats with a water protectant

Her name is Mystery because in different lights she looks different colors — light gray, a touch of blue, off white? So she’s a lady of mystery. So far I’m enjoying the “I’m a truck, too!” size and ride as we get used to each other.

I put a fire extinguisher, roadside emergency kit and portable tire inflator under the back seats and got the seat belt cutter/window breaker tool for the side door pocket. Is there anything else I should add before a long road trip?

I recommend a battery booster. I keep one in each of my vehicles including my motorcycles, Modern batteries give little to no warning of impending failure. I did not buy a NOCO. Overpriced, due to their advertising.

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