Ford Maverick Snow Challenge: I got stuck (Video)

[Big Kahuna]

We got a bunch of snow last week and although I'd already given the new Firestone Destination AT2 235/70R17 tires some good snow testing this year I figured I'd give the Maverick the tough task of trying to escape my slick concrete driveway without shoveling it first It's escaped previously in 3"-6" of snow but a foot of snow this time around made it interesting.

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[RedRider]

So what I get from this is that Firestone Destination tires are a poor choice for replacements.

 

[Nw_adventure]

I'm the expert of backing up with AWD and major snowy & slippery conditions . Like with my element it really needs to start slipping before it really activates all the wheels and then u are fighting an uphill battle. Going backwards just puts AWD at a disadvantage without lockers. You have a nice slip n slide -)

 

[Jeff D.]

Thanks for the video, Big Kahuna! I have the same snow issues with our alley. I'm usually good once I get out to the main street, but our garage is in the alley, and that's usually plowed long after a storm is done. I'm not snow blowing the whole alley so I end up making the same attempts you did with the snow as it is.

Thanks again for sharing.

 

[AzureBlueBill]

Once the bottom of the truck is resting on the snow, you are starting to lose traction.

 

[Big Kahuna]

So what I get from this is that Firestone Destination tires are a poor choice for replacements.

Not at all - you should watch the whole video They did extremely well in the snow and the difference from the Pirellis was very noticeable. I've been very impressed with the Firestone Destination AT2's and they are quieter and lighter than many of the other all-terrain choices. These are also one of the few AT tires that come in the 235/70R17 size.

The AWD system of the Maverick is just limited in what it can do and I also don't have the dual clutch rear of the Tremor which might have helped a bit in this scenario since it can kind of simulate a locking differential. The standard AWD system does pretty well but in the snow its faults definitely become noticeable at times. A Subaru Outback for example has a better AWD system in terms of capability and in the deep snow I do miss my old 1979 Chevy with full locking 4WD but I don't miss the 8 MPG from the 400 small block.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Once the bottom of the truk is resting on the snow, you are starting to lose traction.

True, and here in the NW as the snow is extremely heavy with moisture and as soon as you pack it down under the tires it's like instant ice. There also was some freezing rain underneath so the driveway portion wasn't a very fair test. Once I got out on the road no problems at all and I got out and helped some other people get unstuck.

 

[Nw_adventure]

Once the bottom of the truk is resting on the snow, you are starting to lose traction.

Yep snow plow ends up getting u high centered. Lifted life helps -)

 

[ducnut]

I don’t think anyone could complain about what your truck did. That’s a pretty good amount of snow and that grade was pretty sketchy, especially up against structures.

It would be really interesting to have a Tremor beside yours, just trying some different scenarios in snow, to see how the Tremor’s rear diff works and how much of a benefit it may/may not be.

 

[Steven Chandler]

I'm the expert of backing up with AWD and major snowy & slippery conditions . Like with my element it really needs to start slipping before it really activates all the wheels and then u are fighting an uphill battle. Going backwards just puts AWD at a disadvantage without lockers. You have a nice slip n slide -)

I just love my Bridgestone Desert Duelers. I've had them on every truck including my F150XLT with no problems.

 

[MaverickResource]

great video. I would have liked to see the Tremor with the electronic locking differential take it on

 

[EchoPear]

Haven’t got my mav yet so don’t know, but would turning off traction control help at all? Seemed like at the beginning of the video just as you would get going the truck would cut power

 

[RLmesc]

AT are NOT snow tires. Snow tires are not off road tires and are designed to provide better traction on pavement. Deep heavy lug designs on AT tires are better in sand, mud and broken ground, again not snow. I have had zero issues with my Michelin X-Ice snows and we got 2 ft of snow in a two day snowfall.

 

[fossil]

probably the biggest thing to do in this situation didn't happen before the snow fell, back into the garage

everyone seems to forget the Tremor has 4 wheel lock in addition to the rear lock and as you can see in different portions of the vid one end digging, the other pushing snow. I'd say that's nearly as important as the rear lock.

just for fun a locked up Focus RS plowing snow. what they don't show is the Focus over heating from all the snow packed into the engine compartment.

 

[Librarian]

Thank you for the video. It is helpful to see the capabilities and limitations of the Maverick's AWD system and the tires used. Wet snow is much more challenging to get through than dry snow, but your driveway looked to have reasonably dry snow. I was not impressed by the Mav's snow performance in the video and that is consistent with other peoples experiences. The Ford AWD system just isn't as good as a Subaru's in the white stuff. The video also shows off the limits of AT tires compared to actual winter tires. AT tires have improved over time and it is impressive what they can give you compared to a so-called all-season tire, but winter tires still blow them out of the water in snow and especially on ice. Given the Maverick's average snow performance, I still consider having dedicated snow tires a very sensible safety investment for any Mav owner in serious snow country.

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