Rocking a Load - hauling 1,200 lbs of rocks

[Robot-Wrangler]

I added the FORD Accessories bed mat to my Lariat hybrid AWD and it was a great idea! This week I hauled 1,200 lbs of lumber home for a project. I do have more Accessories to install such as AirLift bags, STEEDA rear sway bar and the Rough Country 2.5" lift system. My Maverick squatted some in the rear and raised some in the front. I was bright lighted by many low cars while headed home.

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[CajunMick]

I’ve haul loads of small river rocks. Tarpon. No load against tailgate, force could prevent unlatching, opening. Used tow mode. No issue driving. Also haul couple loads of organic dirt to fill 4 off garden planters.

 

[Prickly Pear]

I recently carried about the same amount in gravel in my Mav. I have a thick rubber mat in the bed and made a three sided OSB protection for the edge of the box. I have a charger for my PowerStation that I did not want gravel in. Worked a charm.

One thing I noticed was when I used the tow haul with my Hybrid the "transmission" acted like it had multiple gears? Is this normal for Tow/Haul? It makes no sense to me, increase engine RPM to maximum power for the hill and leave it there, let the eCVT and the electric traction motor figure it out from there.

BP

Did your OSB keep the gravel out of the hinge and space between the bed and tailgate? I hauled a bunch of 5/8 minus in my ranger and the sound it made when I closed up the tailgate was horrible. The mav has some plastic parts in the hinge that look like they would be torn up pretty easily.

 

[Rparry]

I used a tarp that I spread over the bed. It prevented gravel from getting between the tailgate and the hinge. It also prevented gravel from getting between the OSB and the outer box area.
BP

 

[SteedaZach]

I added the FORD Accessories bed mat to my Lariat hybrid AWD and it was a great idea! This week I hauled 1,200 lbs of lumber home for a project. I do have more Accessories to install such as AirLift bags, STEEDA rear sway bar and the Rough Country 2.5" lift system. My Maverick squatted some in the rear and raised some in the front. I was bright lighted by many low cars while headed home.

How are you liking the Steeda swaybar?

 

[Robot-Wrangler]

How are you liking the Steeda swaybar?

I have not installed it yet. I've been super busy with construction projects.

 

[SteedaZach]

I have not installed it yet. I've been super busy with construction projects.

10-4

Let us know when you do. Excited to hear your feedback!

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I have not installed it yet. I've been super busy with construction projects.

Wow! Lots going on! Dirt work adding septic? How many acres? Do you have a heat pump AC with outside compressor? Or hopefully a ground source heat pump. If compressor there are a couple things you can do to help it operate at higher and lower temp ranges but need to dig ditches or maybe a solar thermal battery. Are you considering solar panels for electrical?

 

[Robot-Wrangler]

Wow! Lots going on! Dirt work adding septic? How many acres? Do you have a heat pump AC with outside compressor? Or hopefully a ground source heat pump. If compressor there are a couple things you can do to help it operate at higher and lower temp ranges but need to dig ditches or maybe a solar thermal battery. Are you considering solar panels for electrical?

New home construction. That's the septic line that was just installed. I do have two heat pumps, no geothermal.

I am installing a whole home inverter, 8 solar panels and 8 batteries. One system is a dual fuel natural gas furnace and the other is a mini split heat pump for the two garages.

I'm also building a lean to onto my utility building when I have the time. This weekend in addition to working 36 hours at night, I'll be installing door and window switches, alarm and network cabling.

Today I have to rough in the 2" buried conduit for the solar panels as the brick layers are coming soon.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

New home construction. That's the septic line that was just installed. I do have two heat pumps, no geothermal.

I am installing a whole home inverter, 8 solar panels and 8 batteries. One system is a dual fuel natural gas furnace and the other is a mini split heat pump for the two garages.

I'm also building a lean to onto my utility building when I have the time. This weekend in addition to working 36 hours at night, I'll be installing door and window switches, alarm and network cabling.

Today I have to rough in the 2" buried conduit for the solar panels as the brick layers are coming soon.

I don't know how hard your water is but to get some water for plants (or any use where pretty much distilled water is needed) do not drain the condensate from the AC into sewer like most do, capture it into a "rain" type barrell or whatever. Use it for spot free rinse of car or windows etc. for plants you will need to add minerals, either weak fertilizer or maybe a teaspoon (+/-) of chicken poop per 5 gallons. Help garden by adding something fermented (rice or blended kitchen scraps little sourdough starter etc) for a week or so. 1 part to 10 of water to feed soil microbes, fungi, earthworms, etc. (worms will show up if soil is right, gardening is easy peasy if you just feed the worms!).
More later on AC.

 

[Timothyd]

Good to hear. I traded in my Ford Explorer for the Maverick largely because I missed the bed, and want to haul my heavy ADV motorcycle (~600lbs) plus camping gear for some long distance trips. Easily in the 1000lb+ range once all the supplies are packed in. I'm curious to see how the truck will do with this type of task.

I wish that bed was just a little bit longer for my bike (about 500lbs) but it does okay.

 

[tiktokbrainrot]

The heavy tarp did the job. I don't yet trust that the bed liner is enough to resist dents from a load like this but it did its job. Also, I have to chill a bit and accept that the truck is doing exactly what I bought it for. Very happy with the increased confidence this trip instilled.

For loads like this a cheap utility trailer pays for itself. A cheap 4x6 trailer is easy to move, will haul more, and you can beat it up without feeling bad, especially if you buy a used pre dented one. Once it begins to fall apart sell it for scrap and buy another.

Anything that gets dropped goes on a trailer. Especially on the Mav where the bed cannot be swapped out.

 

[tiktokbrainrot]

I recently carried about the same amount in gravel in my Mav. I have a thick rubber mat in the bed and made a three sided OSB protection for the edge of the box. I have a charger for my PowerStation that I did not want gravel in. Worked a charm.

One thing I noticed was when I used the tow haul with my Hybrid the "transmission" acted like it had multiple gears? Is this normal for Tow/Haul? It makes no sense to me, increase engine RPM to maximum power for the hill and leave it there, let the eCVT and the electric traction motor figure it out from there.

BP

The engine will not be happy spinning at max RPM for extended lengths. The power surge you feel is the truck applying more power in a heavy load scenario, anticipating further resistance. If you feel it kicking in and out, thats a good indication the load you are carrying is not heavy enough to need tow/haul mode and it is flipping between the two thinking more is coming.

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