I keep commonly used tie straps and bed net in the cubby in the truck bed.
I try to keep uncommonly used items under the rear seat since I always have a kids car seat back there, but there is a small slot between the seat cushion and bin that grocery bags can slide through.
I'm also in Illinois, but have a hybrid. Most of the year I reached upper 40s mpg on rural slow driving, and now upper 30s mpg in winter. Winter temps make a big difference. You may see much better mpg in a few months.
The Tanglefoot name made me think you're from Bettendorf, but looks like your dealer is over by Iowa City. I went with a cheap Access Tonnosport soft rollup and am enjoying that one as well.
Same for me. When on empty, I can't put more than about 14gal in, so mine must have the 14gal tank, not 16gal. I have 13k miles on my hybrid that was built last spring.
There are hybrids towing the TLRV Rove Lite.
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/anyone-towing-a-camper-with-hybrid-mavierck.12809/page-2#post-416714
Nothing to worry about and don’t need to do anything differently. The Mav does everything for you. Once the battery is fully charged, it changes from regen to engine.
This is the Access TonnoSport Soft Roll-Up. It was under $300, sits slightly lower profile than others, and works perfect. A little water will leak up at the front, but it dries/drains quickly. I drove through rain and nothing in the bed was wet.
Must be the time of year, but I'll add to the multiple Tennessee posts lately. We took the Mav for a road trip from IL to TN last week and it was a perfect all-in-one vehicle for the trip. Comfortable for 2 adults plus a baby. Great gas mileage and fit everything we could need.
I used two...
Haven't had that AC issue. I only run AC on Low or set below 70 degrees, but always with recirculation on. I'm coming from a manual trans Mazda3 that I got mid-40s mpg from. Still getting better at driving Mav for higher MPG.
I commute at speeds 30-55 mph on country roads with minimal traffic in ECO. Best commute of 53mpg on hottest day. The electric AC doesn't effect the MPG like running the heater does.
1st tank 646.9 mi / 13.5 gal = 47.9 mpg