Ford Maverick Snow Challenge: I got stuck (Video)

[Big Kahuna]

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.

Yeah, the Subaru system is definitely one of the best AWD ones out there and dedicated snow tires would help as well. My wifes Santa Fe has a pseudo rear diff lock option you can engage and I wish they had that on the maverick as it really makes a difference. I bet the Tremor would have much better success but i wouldnt want to give up my 4K tow.

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[Big Kahuna]

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.

I totally would have backed in if I had known how much snow we were going to get!! It was forecast for 2-4” I’ve had no problems backing out previously in the snow with these new tires but this was just too much snow.

 

[51mavhatter]

Thanks for the video. Nicely done. . Love my Falken AT3's. I have had them in 8 inches on the road no problem. Two observations here:
1. I know it was a test but the conclusion is you just don't go out on the road with foot of snow. Wait till it's plowed.
2. you need a snow blower for sure.
regards from Dillon Colorado

 

[WNYEscapee]

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

I've installed Destination AT2s on my Maverick and with the last round of snow we've had just over a foot of snow locally, and a short distance away an excess of five feet. I've had no issues with them on my Maverick. I've pulled through the snow at the end of my driveway after the plow has gone by without a problem. Stood on the throttle from a stop on an unplowed road with half a foot, it just accelerates without drama.
Of course, if I wanted to autocross or mud bog, I'd have chosen something different; but for my needs and use of my Maverick they've been great.

This is the third set of Destinations I've bought, had them on my last truck and my last Ranger, too. Before buying this set I've read and watched dozens of reviews/test videos. This tire in most of them performed very well, often among the top picks; and depending upon your actual use, aside from serious off-road and deep mud, for many people who venture barely off of pavement, is a great choice.
I personally think the original tread design was better in wet heavy snow, but I've not encountered any issues thus far with mine.

Just keep in mind, if you've ice underneath the snow, or it's wet, heavy, and plugging up your tread, anything short of a designated snow can likely struggle.

 

[mav_kev]

Looks fun and kudos to you for posting a video on a forum that could only end up being armchair quarterbacked!

I'd echo the sentiments that, in general, a computer controlled AWD system is inferior to a mechanical one in these situations. Unfortunately, the computer needs data (ie. spinning wheels) to make adjustments; if you're going 2 ft forward and 2 ft back with little wheelspin, it's just gonna shrug at you. Slick driveway next to your house obviously isn't the best environment to just floor it and let the truck figure it out. That's what empty church parking lots are for!

 

[Snowbird]

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

Excellent suggestion. This is what you want to do.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Excellent suggestion. This is what you want to do.

Sand mode basically disables the traction control that’s why I’ve used it multiple times in deep snow with good results. On ice or compact snow slippery mode is the better choice but when you need wheel spin sand mode tends to work the best.

 

[Snowbird]

Sand mode basically disables the traction control that’s why I’ve used it multiple times in deep snow with good results. On ice or compact snow slippery mode is the better choice but when you need wheel spin sand mode tends to work the best.

If you get a chance to play around in the snow with the different mode's try just the regular with the traction control turned off.

I have a lifetime of experience, I'm 66, driving in a part of the country that gets snow on a regular basis. Oswego NY and north central Vermont. The drive mode suggested is pretty effective.

I like the look of the tires and thank you for both the videos you posted!

 

[mcgarveyjb]

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.

Got stuck in a foot last week in wisconsins snowmageddos 2.0, in my 22 hybrid, as soon as i turned off traction control she pulled right out.

 

[Joester]

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

I was thinking the same.
I know I had fantastic traction with the Escapes we've owned (20 years worth) and Yokohama Geolander tires. Was planning to try them on the Maverick.

 

[Montana]

From what the manual says, there is no difference between sand and mud/ruts. I don't understand it. I removed sand. I'll use slippery and mud/ruts if I need to. My drive modes go from normal, to slippery (used the most during winter), to sport, then mud/rut and back to normal. Less time spent scrolling through drive modes and having to go through again because I skipped one forgetting where it was

But yea, the "part time AWD" system aint too bad... but it also still aint no Subaru... My driveway was interesting for a while there. I definitely miss 4WD and lockers, but I also don't use it as often now and the only real challenge is my driveway. I guess that's a good thing?

And I have to agree... the Firestones are "meh" at best. I'd assume even the Wildpeak Trails are a better option in snow than the Firestones. For deep snow, it's still pretty hard to beat a good set of M/T's.

Overall, thank you for sharing!

 

[Delzona]

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

I see as they're good up to 11" of snow!

 

[Dad]

Great video and narration. I have to agree with RLmesc that tires specifically for snow would've worked for you. As much as I liked watching the Maverick I couldn't help notice your environment. Beautiful! Hats off for picking out a beautiful place to live.

 

[dhill59]

Snow is a four letter word . . . I don't miss it. Great video though. Thanks for sharing.

 

[BlueRio52]

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.

Where in Wa. are you ?

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