Lightweight Camper for Hybrid Maverick

[James K]

I am sure there are a lot of opinions regarding towing with Hybrid Mavericks, but thought I would share that it is possible to build a light weight camper loaded at 1600 lbs.

My wife and I like to camp at northern Michigan National and State campgrounds during the summer. I started with an ALL aluminum 6ft x 13ft enclosed cargo empty under 1000 lbs. I designed the interior to be as versatile as possible with fold down table and working shelf, along with a functioning RV toilet and sink with fresh water and black water tanks. ( You do need to add the trailer axle lift kits for water tank clearance, bought from the axle manufacturer or Amazon )Added built in microwave, Bluetooth audio and LED lighting. It also has AC unit and power exhaust fan. I can connect to AC and have AC/DC converter. It also can run off DC from truck or additional battery. It also has two large RV sliding screened windows.

For sleeping we use two folding camping cots from Amazon, which can be stowed out of way for open seating area for four or used as couch during day use. Seating at fold up table for two. Heat is supplied by 1500 watt ceramic electric heater when connected to AC. I designed the trailer to be as versatile as possible with the capability to use as cargo trailer when needed. Food is stored in cooler stored in truck bed for on the go picnics.

Loaded for camping it weighed on scales at 1630 lbs. I have towed in both the "Towing Mode" and "Normal Mode", I prefer Normal Mode when towing and gas MPG varies from 19 to 23 MPG (computed not dash) towing. I tow at speeds 70 MPH or less preferring back roads at 60 MPH. The truck does not really feel the trailer when towing but I do refrain from heavy acceleration. For my Maverick Hybrid with 2000 lb limit it works for the two of us. I don't have mountains but have areas of steep incline and it does well. Price of project $12,000. Its compact like the truck but functional for our summer get a ways. Retired and enjoying life!

What a great build. I assume the fishing poles and tackle box stow under the cots.

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[Michaelkov]

I was thinking...

 

[JAFO]

I was thinking...

Unfortunately I don't think the uni-body Maverick truck would support one. Not much cargo combined weight after passengers loaded. I could be wrong if someone makes a basic unit made from fiberglass with no frills at 500-600 lbs.

 

[urwatuis]

Unfortunately I don't think the uni-body Maverick truck would support one. Not much cargo combined weight after passengers loaded. I could be wrong if someone makes a basic unit made from fiberglass with no frills at 500-600 lbs.

I've seen YT videos of guys making light weight campers with foam board insulation and fiberglass. Looks really doable for a handy person with a garage.

 

[barowe01]

I am sure there are a lot of opinions regarding towing with Hybrid Mavericks, but thought I would share that it is possible to build a light weight camper loaded at 1600 lbs.

My wife and I like to camp at northern Michigan National and State campgrounds during the summer. I started with an ALL aluminum 6ft x 13ft enclosed cargo empty under 1000 lbs. I designed the interior to be as versatile as possible with fold down table and working shelf, along with a functioning RV toilet and sink with fresh water and black water tanks. ( You do need to add the trailer axle lift kits for water tank clearance, bought from the axle manufacturer or Amazon )Added built in microwave, Bluetooth audio and LED lighting. It also has AC unit and power exhaust fan. I can connect to AC and have AC/DC converter. It also can run off DC from truck or additional battery. It also has two large RV sliding screened windows.

For sleeping we use two folding camping cots from Amazon, which can be stowed out of way for open seating area for four or used as couch during day use. Seating at fold up table for two. Heat is supplied by 1500 watt ceramic electric heater when connected to AC. I designed the trailer to be as versatile as possible with the capability to use as cargo trailer when needed. Food is stored in cooler stored in truck bed for on the go picnics.

Loaded for camping it weighed on scales at 1630 lbs. I have towed in both the "Towing Mode" and "Normal Mode", I prefer Normal Mode when towing and gas MPG varies from 19 to 23 MPG (computed not dash) towing. I tow at speeds 70 MPH or less preferring back roads at 60 MPH. The truck does not really feel the trailer when towing but I do refrain from heavy acceleration. For my Maverick Hybrid with 2000 lb limit it works for the two of us. I don't have mountains but have areas of steep incline and it does well. Price of project $12,000. Its compact like the truck but functional for our summer get a ways. Retired and enjoying life!

I don’t have a hybrid. I have the 2.0 with towing package and looking at the Liv camper. Very lightweight. No wood or metal, all thermoplastic.

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