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Finally got my Area 51 XL

FordRick

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One year and one week from the order date we got my wife’s truck.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220720_201953852.PORTRAIT

Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220720_214347236

I took two plus weeks to decide on which modifications to do and wait for parts. Thanks to all who posted and shared their ideas and diy tutorials. Too many to list, but thanks to all of you.

Here's my additions. Total add-ons cost just under $2200.00.

Majority of the cost are the items that I had the dealership add:

Truxedo Sentry hard tonneau roll cover. $1200.00
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220805_235256287.PORTRAIT

Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220728_211900995


Line-X spray in bed liner. $400.00
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220803_131314346


XLT wheels – from forum member Mavlove, that the dealership swapped out for me.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220803_131844221


My adds that I did after arrival of final parts:

Two bed cubbies. installed lights in both. Works well for when I need just a little light and to see what’s deep in the cubby. Also added reed switches so the cubby lights turn off when the cover is closed. Right side cubby has the cig lighter socket, two USB C and one USB A port and the voltage display.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220805_232749633


I added a lock to the door. It's were I store my tire pump, battery jump starter and AC inverter.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220803_133639323

Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220805_232559636.PORTRAIT


Left side. Added cubby light, USB ports and 12v outlet. We use it to store our bungees and straps. The cubbies actually fit a lot.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220831_230749775

Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL 20220901_104837-COLLAGE


Side rails with adjustable tie downs, painted black with bed liner paint. $45 for parts from the hardware store.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220803_222456390
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220805_232149347

Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220805_232041988.PORTRAIT


Added two additional tie down rings above cubbies.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220809_035635262


Bed lighting. Wired it without having to take off tail lights or run wire under the truck. Much easier and super quick and clean looking install.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220804_034535003
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220808_194055176


I installed the power switch on the cover that had the wiring harness.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220808_194151577

Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220804_160344221
I also added a pin switch so lights turn on when the tailgate is open and off when closed.

Bed divider. Wrapped a 2x6 with waterproof material. The roll of material should be enough to cover two more dividers. Attached six triangle rings with elevator bolts to this one.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220830_021233641

Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL 20220829_202219-COLLAGE


Smartliner floor mats.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220728_212724592.PORTRAIT
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220730_025908956.PORTRAIT


Fire extinguisher in passenger door fits perfectly.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220821_024640495.PORTRAIT


Matching tumbler.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220821_025337449.PORTRAIT


Back seat cover.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20230424_012401382
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20230424_012005618


Center console inserts.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL 20220905_175101-COLLAGE

Additional blue inserts.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL 20220905_175258-COLLAGE


LED coaster in cup holder.



Used my Scosche phone holder. It fits nicely into the cubby without additional accessories.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220906_004308908.PORTRAIT


Wireless Android Auto using the Motorola MA1.
We use the non data USB ports for phone charging so Android Auto doesn’t get confused.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220906_004114410.PORTRAIT


Installed AAAD app for Android Auto.




Put my garage door opener onto the steering wheel.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20230407_013951822


Solar powered wireless phone charger.
Also doubles as a power bank and a flashlight.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20230311_024759611


This is where it's placed for solar charging, when the sunscreen isn't in place.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20230316_180637028.PORTRAIT


Windshield sunscreen.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20230424_011834775


Gloss black door latch covers.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20230406_233606137
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20230406_233910070.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL



Added protection for the door sills. The texture is similar to bed liner.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220823_202226417
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220823_202307235
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220823_202539524.PORTRAIT


Added a light that projects my logo onto the ground.




Hybrid emblems added.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220806_003210618.PORTRAIT

Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL 20230419_171429-COLLAGE


I installed a triangle tie down in place of bottle opener tie down to allow clearance for DeeZee tailgate assist.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220809_034543052


You can also pop them out before shutting the tailgate and tie things down. I installed four of them onto the tailgate.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220809_034552963


DeeZee tailgate assist.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20230407_002630296


AVS Bug Deflector II from Real Truck. It screws into the existing holes under the hood. I’ll be able to periodically remove it to clean the front of the hood. I didn't want the adhesive one.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220905_002212912~2

I also added MAVERICK lettering as you can see in the picture above I kept it very subtle.

Custom license plate.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20230216_203914333.PORTRAIT


Covered the outer chrome of the Ford badges. Tailgate
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL 20230216_122634-COLLAGE

And front
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20230216_203909695



Added step rails. Makes it easier for wife and grandkids. It might even help with dings.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20221001_011446791

Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20221001_011413813


Added side mouldings to give wife peace of mind regarding dings. I tell her trucks are going to get dings, but she still wanted them.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20221005_211931540.PORTRAIT


With these last two additions total upgrade costs are just under $2,600.


Ring Car Camera.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20230217_005300288.PORTRAIT
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20230217_005336237


Thanks to David from redneck Garage for showing this idea. It's one of my favorite modifications. Super simple to do. Super inexpensive at under $15 and, at least to me, super impressive looking especially on an XL grill.




HUD
This looks better in person. I can't seem to get a decent image of it with my camera. It also looks good in daylight.

Edit 3/31/23:
Added tent. $84 plus shipping from manufacturer as opposed to$279 from Ford. Test fitted tent and mattress. It's all good, we're ready to go camping.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL 20230331_141412-COLLAGE
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL 20230331_141530-COLLAGE


Switched to a stubby antenna.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL 20230412_125310-COLLAGE



Modified Ford badge. Some Maverick owners are going with F50. I decided to go with F51 because of its color, Area 51.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20230419_225010169
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL 20230419_135032-COLLAGE
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Last edited:

Meintc

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Wow. Nice job.
 

MaverRick

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Good Mods!! I am going to get the tailgate assist using some Fordpass points for that. Also going to replace the dual HVAC unit with one that has the LCD temperature displays.
 

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Clarkdonbran

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“Wife’s truck,” sure buddy! Just like I bought that Nintendo switch for my son. Regardless, that is a nice looking truck. Good work!
 

Christenhildebrandt

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Looks like you answered my question on if the XL can add cubbies. I just wish I felt better about the cruise control swap and it would be xl all the way!
 

Deleted member 6544

Guest
One year and one week from the order date we got my wife’s truck.
PXL_20220720_201953852.PORTRAIT.jpg

PXL_20220720_214347236.jpg

I took two plus weeks to decide on which modifications to do and wait for parts. Wish I would have been reading this forum sooner. Thanks to all who posted and shared their ideas and diy tutorials. Too many to list, but thanks to all of you.

Here's my additions.

Items that I had the dealership add:

Truxedo Sentry hard tonneau roll cover.
PXL_20220805_235256287.PORTRAIT.jpg

PXL_20220728_211900995.jpg

Line-X spray on bed liner.
PXL_20220803_131314346.jpg




XLT wheels – from forum member Mavlove, that the dealership swapped out for me.
PXL_20220803_131844221.jpg


My adds that I did yesterday after arrival of final parts:

Two bed cubbies modified and installed. Added locks and cubby lights in both. Works well for when I need just a little light and to see what’s deep in the cubby. Also added reed switches so the cubby lights turn off when the cover is closed. Right side cubby has the cig lighter socket, two USB C and one USB A port and the voltage display.
PXL_20220804_034535003.jpg
Truck looks really sharp. Care to share how you ran the wiring without going under the truck?
 

Ford Motor Company

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One year and one week from the order date we got my wife’s truck.
PXL_20220720_201953852.PORTRAIT.jpg

PXL_20220720_214347236.jpg

I took two plus weeks to decide on which modifications to do and wait for parts. Wish I would have been reading this forum sooner. Thanks to all who posted and shared their ideas and diy tutorials. Too many to list, but thanks to all of you.

Here's my additions.

Items that I had the dealership add:

Truxedo Sentry hard tonneau roll cover.
PXL_20220805_235256287.PORTRAIT.jpg

PXL_20220728_211900995.jpg

Line-X spray on bed liner.
PXL_20220803_131314346.jpg




XLT wheels – from forum member Mavlove, that the dealership swapped out for me.
PXL_20220803_131844221.jpg


My adds that I did yesterday after arrival of final parts:

Two bed cubbies modified and installed. Added locks and cubby lights in both. Works well for when I need just a little light and to see what’s deep in the cubby. Also added reed switches so the cubby lights turn off when the cover is closed. Right side cubby has the cig lighter socket, two USB C and one USB A port and the voltage display.
PXL_20220805_232749633.jpg

I added a lock to the door
PXL_20220803_133639323.jpg

It's were I store my tire pump and AC inverter.
PXL_20220805_232559636.PORTRAIT.jpg

Left side.
View attachment 62494

Side tie down rails painted black with bed liner paint.
PXL_20220805_232149347.jpg

PXL_20220805_232041988.PORTRAIT.jpg


Bed lighting. Wired it without having to take off tail lights or run wire under the truck. Much easier and super quick and clean looking install.
PXL_20220804_034535003.jpg

I installed the power switch on the cover that had the wiring harness.
PXL_20220804_160344221.jpg
I also added a pin switch so lights turn on when the tailgate is open and off when closed.

Smartliner floor mats.
PXL_20220728_212724592.PORTRAIT.jpg
PXL_20220730_025908956.PORTRAIT.jpg




Center console inserts
View attachment 62504 View attachment 62505

Hybrid emblem on driver’s side door.
PXL_20220806_003210618.PORTRAIT.jpg

Still waiting for Tailgate assist and D rings.

View attachment 62493

View attachment 62499
Awesome photos! Thanks for sharing and congratulations!
 

The Weatherman

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I’ld say you have covered it well with your mods and additions. Very nice setup.

Congrats and Happy Mavericking!!
 
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FordRick

FordRick

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Truck looks really sharp. Care to share how you ran the wiring without going under the truck?
Gladly, all the tutorials are using the Nilight two light strip set. I used the three string set.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL Screenshot_20220806-203629~2
It costs $7 more, you'll have an extra strip of lights and extension wire.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL Screenshot_20220806-203656~2

As you can see light strip "A" has a connection at the end for connecting strip "B".
I ran "A" along left side of bed and "B" along the right.
Connect "A" to"B". The wires are super long so I ran wires back to the corners and hid them.
Connect red and black wires to connector provided by Ford.
Plug into the 12v harness of the truck. Done.

Light strip "C" isn't used in this configuration. LOL, anybody wanna perfectly good strip light for 7 bucks, I'll even throw in some extra wire. Actually I'll give it away, free for the taking. It would make sense for them to just make a kit with one 12 foot light strip.


I'm not lazy, but just didn't wanna do all the extra steps. So I paid $7 for simplicity and time spent. All you need, maybe, are wire strippers.

Also tutorials and you tube videos cut the light strips shorter. My setup uses the full length and continues along the front of the bed. It leaves just a seven inch gap in the front without lights.
Looks good IMHO.
Ford Maverick Finally got my Area 51 XL PXL_20220808_194055176
 
Last edited:

Deleted member 6544

Guest
Gladly, all the tutorials are using the Nilight two light strip set. I used the three string set. It costs $7 more, you'll have an extra strip of lights and extension wire.

As you can see light strip "A" has a connection at the end for connecting strip "B".
I ran "A" along left side of bed and "B" along the right.
Connect "A" to"B". The wires are super long so I ran wires back to the corners and hid them.
Connect red and black wires to connector provided by Ford.
Plug into the 12v harness of the truck. Done.

Light strip "C" isn't used in this configuration. LOL, anybody wanna perfectly good strip light for 7 bucks, I'll even throw in some extra wire. Actually I'll give it away, free for the taking. It would make sense for them to just make a kit with one 12 foot light strip.


I'm not lazy, but just didn't wanna do all the extra steps. So I paid $7 for simplicity and time spent. All you need, maybe, are wire strippers.

Also tutorials and you tube videos cut the light strips shorter. My setup uses the full length and continues along the front of the bed. It leaves just a seven inch gap in the front without lights.
Looks good IMHO.
Thank you very much. That's awesome AND you get more lighting haha. It is very tidy.
 
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FordRick

FordRick

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Thank you very much. That's awesome AND you get more lighting haha. It is very tidy.
You're welcome. For anyone that wants to do this configuration just remember that you have to use the full of length of light strip "A". Since I planned to get a tonneau cover, I knew I'd want to run lights along the front of the bed. Without a tonneau you would see the strip.
 

Deleted member 6544

Guest
One more question... Looks like the switch is connected to 'C' strip which isn't being used. how did you connect the switch and where did you put it?
Thanks!
 
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FordRick

FordRick

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Looks like you answered my question on if the XL can add cubbies. I just wish I felt better about the cruise control swap and it would be xl all the way!
All of my wife's vehicles had cruise control that she never used, so she's good without. That's what's great about all the options available. We get to pick and choose for our specific needs.
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