Weekend in the Presidential Range, travel trailer towing test

[guigson]

I drove from Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Olympia, Washington towing 2,200 lbs. My Maverick did amazing.

I averaged about 17 mpg. So you did very well with the extra weight averaging 14.7. However, my route was likely a much higher percentage of mountains. I averaged 20 mpg on my best tank.

I also have Lane Centering/adaptive cruise. And I was amazed how well it worked while towing. I was actually afraid to use it the first 500 miles. Thinking I needed to be in total control and needed to feel everything. I thought that using Lane Centering would be less safe.

However, it worked so much better. The trailer responded so much better to the gentler steering inputs from the truck than from me. Also, the vehicle has sway control. I do not know how 'that' functions. The trailer sway definitely improved or went completely away when using Lane Centering and Tow/Haul mode.

Also, I love Tow/Haul mode, because the engine braking just worked beautifully, especially downhill on long mountain passes. Although I do disengage Lane Centering on long downhills because it has the tendency to ride the brakes. Afraid they'll over heat. I do this even when not towing. I had to do this recently driving down Chinook Pass to Yakima.

Great info! Thanks for sharing, it gives me more confidence for my longer trip with bigger grades. Good tip for disabling the lane centering going downhill, I didn't think of that. Safe travels!

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[PA-Homesteader]

It's from Walmart, its a padded loveseat that is really comfy. The cup holders though will spill some.liquid if your can is full so its a bit inconvenient.
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/ozark-trail-padded-loveseat-camp-chair-blackred/6000200750019

Thanks!

Too bad I can’t order one. Won’t let me ship outside of Canada

 

[GPSMan]

Correct, it requires the EcoBoost engine + the 4K tow package.

"Requires" is bit too strong of language for my taste. But EcoBoost, definitely is recommended.

 

[sprubs]

Where were you camping there?

Glad you enjoyed your trip here. I'm up there once every couple of weeks.

 

[guigson]

"Requires" is bit too strong of language for my taste. But EcoBoost, definitely is recommended.

You're right, I guess.
You could tow this with the Maverick hybrid for short distances provided you are fine with paying for repairs out of pocket should problems occur. Moreover, while it is not illegal to tow over GVWR, you will be in loads of trouble should you cause an accident while doing so. With my setup, you are over the GWVR for the Maverick hybrid or the Maverick EB without 4k tow. As such, when someone asks me on a forum if it would work for a Mav hybrid, I'd rather play it safe and say that an EB with 4k tow package is required to tow my setup.

 

[guigson]

Where were you camping there?

Glad you enjoyed your trip here. I'm up there once every couple of weeks.

Apple Hill campground. It was perfect for our needs but I wouldn't recommend it for families, there are very few amenities.

 

[whizwart]

Hello everyone,

Earlier this summer I posted here about my planned 12,000 miles road trip starting in Montreal, Canada going around National Parks in the western United States.
You can see the original post here.

We started testing our Maverick + travel trailer setup a few weeks ago with a 700km (430 miles) round trip camping weekend in New Hampshire. We really enjoy the Franconia area of New Hampshire, the towns of Littleton and Bethlehem are welcoming and charming. They also have interesting food offerings.

Anyhow, the Maverick towed excellently and I wanted to provide some information for whomever may be looking at getting a Maverick for towing a travel trailer.

The truck handled great at all speeds and grades. I have the Lariat with the Copilot 360 Assist, which means that I have the lane centering functionality and it reduces the driving load quite spectacularly. I find that it does an excellent job at keeping the truck and trailer steady and confidently at the center of the lane. For people towing long distances, I think it is a game changer. I would absolutely recommend getting the top Copilot package if you plan on buying a Lariat.

Here are some pictures. The first one shows the gas mileage for the return leg. I tried to keep the speed between 60 and 65mph. it ended up being approximately 14.7 mpg.

 

[whizwart]

*Sees cat picture* Sir, you had my curiosity. Now, you have my attention.

 

[Shakesbear]

Kitty has to be a Maine Coon

 

[Derwood]

14.7....ouch. does look like your trailer is on the bigger side though.

Looks like the Viking 16 footer. It's only 2,700lbs empty and 350lb hitch weight.
Well within the EcoBooost 4K towing limit.

 

[guigson]

Looks like the Viking 16 footer. It's only 2,700lbs empty and 350lb hitch weight.
Well within the EcoBooost 4K towing limit.

Spot on! That's the 2022 Viking 16SFB.

 

[Derwood]

Spot on! That's the 2022 Viking 16SFB.

Nice trailer! That's one of many I've targeted as a potential RV for when I get MY new Mav!
Surprisingly enough, there are several great choices out there that come in under 3,200lbs empty and less than 400lb tongue weight. Some even have queen walkaround bed/twin beds at one end and dinette at the other.

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