Ground Clearance, AT Tires, Lifted AWD Hybrid?

[OffGrayMulchWagon]

What about my octane question? Does Maverick really require 93 octane fuel?

This is the page that comes up when you search "octane" on the online 2025 Maverick manual.

"Your vehicle operates on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations, particularly those in high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating below 87. The use of these fuels could result in engine damage that will not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The performance gained by using premium fuel is most noticeable in hot weather as well as other conditions, for example when towing a trailer."

(note the big "87 octane" logo on that page)

Contrary to what I thought, there appears to be no different recommendation from Ford between the 2.5 and 2.0T at this time.

:-/

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[thev8man]

Are you going to be taking your truck through deep water a lot? The Maverick is a little... I don't know for that. A lot of the electronics, particularly on the hybrid are under the the vehicle just hidden by the plastic, synthetic fibre liner. On both versions (Hybrid and EB) the vehicles body control module (an important computer) is in the lower driver side fender. Being submerged in water regularly could very well damage it. I honestly think the sales person is giving you the right advice if being submerged often is a possibility.

Booyah

Steward XL XLT Lariat are all steps of comfort. What are you comfortable with the bare bones [XL] or do you need all the leathers and gadgets [Lariat].

The Octane question, I had a Hybrid and run 87. I tried 91 for a few tanks never saw a difference. I put over 50K on mine in sixteen months. The Maverick was designed to be a budget friendly truck, so it's core principles are supposed to be budget oriented. I can't speak for the LOBO. But I have had XL and XLT both with moonroofs, 2K hitches, Center console plugs, and never looked back. The XLT does have a look and feel better then the XL, but I have to tell you Even in the Lariat the core of the truck is still a $20,000.00 thoroughbred. In 2021 when the truck was initially marketed as a 19,995.00 Hybrid truck. That's what made me buy my first XL Hybrid. Then the options and prices started to raise and by 2023 19,995 was a distant dream.

I would say a great scale for Ford trucks period is
XL - Necessities
XLT - FEW options create comforts
Lariat - Ballin' / All the nice things in life.

Booyah .

 

[thev8man]

Thanks Defiant DJ and V8Man!
Defiant DJ, is your Lariat 4x4 or AWD?
Anyone else got any input?
What about my octane question? Does Maverick really require 93 octane fuel?

Steward

I would also look into relocating the ECM, depending on your wetness and off roadness. The computer is located right behind the driver's side fender liner before the tire. It hangs low and from a Waterfording point of view not the best location. I moved mine above the fuse box.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...rade-move-relocate-ecm-my-diy-solution.49252/

Booyah .

 

[thev8man]

Are you going to be taking your truck through deep water a lot? The Maverick is a little... I don't know for that. A lot of the electronics, particularly on the hybrid are under the the vehicle just hidden by the plastic, synthetic fibre liner. On both versions (Hybrid and EB) the vehicles body control module (an important computer) is in the lower driver side fender. Being submerged in water regularly could very well damage it. I honestly think the sales person is giving you the right advice if being submerged often is a possibility.

Booyah

I moved mine.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...rade-move-relocate-ecm-my-diy-solution.49252/

 

[OffGrayMulchWagon]

The Octane question, I had a Hybrid and run 87. I tried 91 for a few tanks never saw a difference. I put over 50K on mine in sixteen months.

Any of the forementioned towing, "warm" weather or lead-footedness during 91? I tried to do the 91 test, but somebody turned around and re-filled with 87 with .75 of a tank left.

 

[Steward]

Are you going to be taking your truck through deep water a lot? The Maverick is a little... I don't know for that. A lot of the electronics, particularly on the hybrid are under the the vehicle just hidden by the plastic, synthetic fibre liner. On both versions (Hybrid and EB) the vehicles body control module (an important computer) is in the lower driver side fender. Being submerged in water regularly could very well damage it. I honestly think the sales person is giving you the right advice if being submerged often is a possibility.

Now that's something to consider...

By Floatation, I meant floatation over saturated ground, which is our situation 90% of the year. Not planning to ford streams; HOWEVER, with the frequent heavy rains we get Windward Big Island, just driving down the highway is often a virtual underwater experience. Mauna Loa Weather Observatory says we get the largest raindrops on the planet, in the rainiest city on the planet.
Does the felt "liner" tend to retain water? Is it effective in keeping out the intense splashing of an on-road downpour? If I overlay the felt with aluminum sheeting, will it hold the water in the felt and promote rust?
My salesman was pushing me towards a barebones F150. Then I found out ALL the new Ford trucks have the felt liner and ample underbody electronics, correct? My salesman also conceded that the whole industry is focused on technowow and unconcerned about durability/serviceability. That's the only reason I am buying new, instead of used. Anything I buy that's less than 15-years-old will be computer-based. Orchid Isle Ford has excellent Service and Parts Departments, so I'll buy a 10-year extended warranty and let it be their problem. That plan only makes sense if the truck won't be living in a dealer repair bay.

Comments, pretty please!

 

[Steward]

It's not the wheel (rim) diameter, it's the outside diameter of the tire. Look at the OEM 19's, they are using a 55-series tire, vs 60 & 65 on other diameter wheels. The OD is pretty much staying the same, in a range from 28.6" to 29.1".

HRG

That helps. Thanks HotRunr.

So, with 2" lift, to avoid rubbing, max (actual) tire diameter 30"? Max (actual) tire width 265?
PLEASE CORRECT ME!

It's that "aspect ratio" thing, yes?

 

[Steward]

93? The manual says 87 for the 2.5 and 91 for the 2.0 in warm, heavy duty or towing use, no?

From the manual. Thanks OGMW.

This forum is awesome! Many thanks to everyone. Please keep it coming. Wanna place my order Monday.

 

[thev8man]

Any of the forementioned towing, "warm" weather or lead-footedness during 91? I tried to do the 91 test, but somebody turned around and re-filled with 87 with .75 of a tank left.

Booyah .

I'd say yes. To all the above. NOW with regards to tunes, they were just coming on line when I had my hybrid. I know there are a lot or MTC members that have perfected tunes and especially referencing FastMavericks, speed and performance mods.

I believe once a tune or parts upgrade happens then the octane will be crucial.

 

[Steward]

Steward

I would also look into relocating the ECM, depending on your wetness and off roadness. The computer is located right behind the driver's side fender liner before the tire. It hangs low and from a Waterfording point of view not the best location. I moved mine above the fuse box.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...rade-move-relocate-ecm-my-diy-solution.49252/

Booyah .

Uda v8man!
Wanna come to Hawaii and be my fleet manager?

 

[icegradner]

Now that's something to consider...

By Floatation, I meant floatation over saturated ground, which is our situation 90% of the year. Not planning to ford streams; HOWEVER, with the frequent heavy rains we get Windward Big Island, just driving down the highway is often a virtual underwater experience. Mauna Loa Weather Observatory says we get the largest raindrops on the planet, in the rainiest city on the planet.
Does the felt "liner" tend to retain water? Is it effective in keeping out the intense splashing of an on-road downpour? If I overlay the felt with aluminum sheeting, will it hold the water in the felt and promote rust?
My salesman was pushing me towards a barebones F150. Then I found out ALL the new Ford trucks have the felt liner and ample underbody electronics, correct? My salesman also conceded that the whole industry is focused on technowow and unconcerned about durability/serviceability. That's the only reason I am buying new, instead of used. Anything I buy that's less than 15-years-old will be computer-based. Orchid Isle Ford has excellent Service and Parts Departments, so I'll buy a 10-year extended warranty and let it be their problem. That plan only makes sense if the truck won't be living in a dealer repair bay.

Comments, pretty please!

I do live in an area with a good deal of rainfall in winter, a few hours north of Seattle, so regular rain shouldn't be a big problem. If you are talking about 4-5 inches a day, with lots of standing water on the road you'd just need to be cautious, not plowing through deep water at full speed. Just like any vehicle made in the last 20 years it's full of wires and computers, they have water resistant seals, but being submerged can be an issue. I've driven through the odd standing water, more than I would in a car, but not what I'd be willing to do in a bigger truck with more clearance.

Warranties only cover manufacturing problems, so don't expect them to cover water damage caused by driving through deep water.

 

[thev8man]

Uda v8man!
Wanna come to Hawaii and be my fleet manager?

Booyah
That's sounds pretty nefty.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

That helps. Thanks HotRunr.

So, with 2" lift, to avoid rubbing, max (actual) tire diameter 30"? Max (actual) tire width 265?
PLEASE CORRECT ME!

It's that "aspect ratio" thing, yes?

Steward, you're welcome. I'll let others respond to the lift vs diameter question, I have no personal experience with that, and I'd rather not lead you astray.

HRG

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