Dirt Roads With Maverick Hybrid?

[Sliphorn]

I’ve been searching all over for posts from Hybrid owners that regularly run on dirt roads, but can’t find much. I don’t really “off-road” much, but I do hunt down a timber company road that’s dirt, and has a few grades in the 8-10% range that occasionally get small ruts and little washouts. Nothing major, so far as I can tell in my 4Runner. Really want the MPG’s, but don’t want to be regretting my choice. For context, it’s Alabama, so dirt = sticky red clay. Feedback from personal experience with a hybrid in similar conditions appreciated.

..
I live deep in the Ozarks of MO. I live on a dirt road and travel miles and miles of steep and twisty dirt roads every day with my hybrid. Stock tires too, though eventually I will upgrade to an AT. The only problem I have is keeping it clean. Get the hybrid.
..

Sponsored

 

[Mav as heck]

FWD does great off road - until it doesn't - and then you're stuck.

IMO put some really good rubber on the wheels and be ready to get some momentum up those hills and you'll probably be fine - probably.

My buddy used to get over some pretty gnarly terrain in a Honda Civic.

 

[Adospeed]

Thanks! Any issues if a front tire is off the ground over little ruts? I don’t think that would happen much for me, but conditions change every so often.

No, I try to cross ruts diagonally with a constant forward motion ,( doesn't have to be fast) and keep both tires in contact as much as possible for traction, and I've gone over some ruts that I paused, briefly assessed and then crossed. But nothing crazy, I ain't rock crawling or doing jeep trails...mainly forest roads and county roads through the mountains that are mildly maintained. The tires I have are Dextero All Terrains 245/65/17 that are exclusive to Walmart....but the secret is....they are made by a reputable brand, private labeled for Walmart. This means they are a quality tire, at a Walmart price.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/760277416

Keep us posted and enjoy the Hybrid!! Btw, if you didn't add a tow hitch, you can. I did a DIY on it. Just search my posts.

 

[GSTRIDR]

..
I live deep in the Ozarks of MO. I live on a dirt road and travel miles and miles of steep and twisty dirt roads every day with my hybrid. Stock tires too, though eventually I will upgrade to an AT. The only problem I have is keeping it clean. Get the hybrid.
..

That’s exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. Thank you!

 

[GSTRIDR]

FWD does great off road - until it doesn't - and then you're stuck.

IMO put some really good rubber on the wheels and be ready to get some momentum up those hills and you'll probably be fine - probably.

My buddy used to get over some pretty gnarly terrain in a Honda Civic.

I feel like I’ve seen Jeremy Clarkson in similar cars, doing the same, haha. It’s all about determination and willingness to use your equipment to its full potential!

 

[GSTRIDR]

No, I try to cross ruts diagonally.. Keep us posted and enjoy the Hybrid!!

As soon as the order banks are open, my dealer is putting in my order. Looking to go XLT, Lux, I think… although if I could get cruise control and body colored mirrors, I’d save some coin and go XL. I guess the other stuff is good, too, tho.

 

[Clock Doc]

My Hybrid with chunkier tires is meeting my needs to get up gravel roads

How did you get it to snow inside?

 

[Adospeed]

When you have ice running through your veins, it's only appropriate that my special powers include instant snow making capabilities....please don't step on my Cape.

 

[Haha48]

You would want better tires as when it's dry you should be fine the lack of ground clearance could be an issuse with wash outs even the awd is kind of low to the ground. For traction it seems to do well in snow with proper snow tires awd on 10 degree hill with nicely packed prellie scorpions makes it up 16 degree hill with loose pea gravel it didn't until I changed the tires. For mpg I get 22 mpg to 29mpg on highway I'm up and down hills alot so 22 is short trips with 10 and 12 percent grade hills. The problem I can see are washouts ground clearance issues and you really need something extra pushing you along.

Here are some washout with stock clearance awd. Did damage the plastic underneath on a rock that git wedged into it. So it didn't have nearly the approach and departure angle that a 4runner has that makes a big difference

 

[Sembazuru]

Check out this thread:
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...the-same-what’s-new-and-how-it’s-going.19404/
The OP there does some off road testing in his Mav Hybrid in the deserts of Arizona. (He also has some good (what appears to be honest) information on mileage during the hot summer.

 

[GSTRIDR]

You would want better tires as when it's dry you should be fine the lack of ground clearance could be an issuse with wash outs even the awd is kind of low to the ground. For traction it seems to do well in snow with proper snow tires awd on 10 degree hill with nicely packed prellie scorpions makes it up 16 degree hill with loose pea gravel it didn't until I changed the tires. For mpg I get 22 mpg to 29mpg on highway I'm up and down hills alot so 22 is short trips with 10 and 12 percent grade hills. The problem I can see are washouts ground clearance issues and you really need something extra pushing you along.

Here are some washout with stock clearance awd. Did damage the plastic underneath on a rock that git wedged into it. So it didn't have nearly the approach and departure angle that a 4runner has that makes a big difference

I’m a big fan of a good set of AT tires. Have considered getting an XT, then ditching the steelies and getting lighter alloys to offset some heavy 245 KO2’s. Maybe a leveling kit to get another inch if I have issues.

 

[Dimes]

try searching this forum using "forest", "off-road", etc or youtube and you might find some decent info, the problem might be finding someone that understands Alabama clay and mud in the usual hunting club environment

This right here. Alabama has what's called fatty clay. It will essentially stick to everything and clog up tread on most tires and turn them into racing slicks.

It's completely different than gravel, sand, rocks etc

 

[Haha48]

I’m a big fan of a good set of AT tires. Have considered getting an XT, then ditching the steelies and getting lighter alloys to offset some heavy 245 KO2’s. Maybe a leveling kit to get another inch if I have issues.

I have an xlt with fx4 really like the hill decent control. I also just added a ready lift 1.5 sst on to the truck its a nicer ride height feels like a body on framentruck now for getting in.and out. Should be just enough to do the washouts with out bottoming out in the middle if I angle them

 

[GSTRIDR]

I have an xlt with fx4 really like the hill decent control. I also just added a ready lift 1.5 sst on to the truck its a nicer ride height feels like a body on framentruck now for getting in.and out. Should be just enough to do the washouts with out bottoming out in the middle if I angle them

Nice! Got some pics of the new setup?

Sponsored