Maverick 4k - Long Term Towing

[Tom 71 Maverick 24]

I'm of a mind that a Ranger or bigger is the better choice. You can carefully plan to go minimal on trailer and cargo but you stand a good chance of butting up against the towing capacity, payload, or GCWR rating rather easily with just some of the stuff that you'll want to carry. Keep the trailer weight around 50-65% of the towing capacity , including all the extra stuff you want to carry. Ranger tows, i think, 7500 pounds. Maverick, 4000 with the tow package. F-150, depends on model but 9000-12000 is generally the range that it'll tow, though the payload will restrict most likely there.

Sponsored

 

[Robot-Wrangler]

Just remember that packing for a weekend getaway in an RV is very different that long term living such as 1-1.5 years. If you have ever moved you understand how clutter builds.

I keep envisioning two cats with their tails tied and hung over a fence to claw each other to death here. Even the most disillusioned California utopians are unlikely to survive this tiny RV confinement for that long.

I do wish them the best though. The first objective is to be able to travel with a healthy margin of safety.

 

[rk06382]

Hey everyone! My girlfriend and I are looking to tow a camper long term and live in it for an extended period of time (1-1.5 years). I’ve done a ton of research but I wanted to see if anyone here has any experience doing anything similar.

I understand the Maverick isn’t exactly the best vehicle to tow.. but we want to keep costs low that way we have more spending money on the road. I still have a mortgage I need to keep paying but will rent out some rooms to help supplement my cash. I looked into F-250’s but they’re just unreasonably priced even for a base model XL crew cab (900/m with a substantial down payment). I’ve seen plenty of videos of the Maverick doing very well towing. It seems to not have a huge issue towing things even up sharp grades and maxed out on payload/ towing capacity.

My biggest concern is long-term reliability. An F-150 just doesn’t make sense in my opinion. F-150 crew cabs are so close to an F-250 it just doesn’t make any sense to go with one given how massive of an upgrade in capability the F-250 has over an F-150. Arguably an even bigger jump from F-150 to F-250 than even a Maverick to an F-150.. A Ranger has similar towing capability as an F-150 but I’ve sat in one and somehow the interior is smaller.. no idea how they managed that. Plus, we like the smaller footprint of the Maverick, so we can tow our trailer into camp, park it, and go explore nearby cities. The Ranger is still in the equation so input there is appreciated. But I’m leaning Maverick currently.

We live in the West Coast, and plan to spend a good chunk of our time traveling on the East Coast to see all of the continental US. The other flexibility would be us paying off the maverick in the year we have it, then when we come back home, we would use it as a daily and invest in a full size Bronco, or Ineos Grenadier as a long-term local overlander here out West. I have no doubts about the EB 2.0L reliability as it’s a SOLID platform. I currently own a 2023 Bronco Sport Badlands with the same drivetrain plus the additional off road goodies and that vehicle has been ABUSED HARD with zero issues 33k miles later. I’m more concerned about the transmission than the engine’s capability.

I was thinking a Maverick XL w/ 4K tow package, with bags in the rear for squat/ stability and a trailer not exceeding 3,700~lbs - 3,800~lbs fully loaded. Cheap vehicle, cheap-ish trailer and lightweight. If we went larger on a Ranger, with additional capacity we’d go larger on the trailer too but at a significant cost. Same goes for an F-250. I know it’s less than ideal but we really want to keep costs low if we intend on starting a family too shortly after the trip. Having a 5/6 year loan that’s 1,000/m JUST for a vehicle is insane to me and even though we both make good money, is just a ridiculous expense if we can afford to do it at a significantly lower cost.

New to the forum but I’ve been browsing anonymously for some time while I make a decision on the vehicle (I was put in charge of the truck, she’s in charge of picking the camper). Any and all input is valuable to us! Thank you in advance!!

Welcome to the Maverick Truck Club forum from Alaska!

When I was younger, I thought a teardrop trailer would be cool. But to keep your girlfriend happy make sure you have a clean bathroom & a queen-size bed.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

I'm of a mind that a Ranger or bigger is the better choice. You can carefully plan to go minimal on trailer and cargo but you stand a good chance of butting up against the towing capacity, payload, or GCWR rating rather easily with just some of the stuff that you'll want to carry. Keep the trailer weight around 50-65% of the towing capacity , including all the extra stuff you want to carry. Ranger tows, i think, 7500 pounds. Maverick, 4000 with the tow package. F-150, depends on model but 9000-12000 is generally the range that it'll tow, though the payload will restrict most likely there.

FWIW the Mavericks Payload could be as good as the Ranger or better!! My brothers Payload on His 2023 F-150 Crew Cab XLT 4X4 is only like 90-100 pounds than My 2025 XLT AWD Maverick with the 2.0 EB which is 1,491 lbs.

 

[Robot-Wrangler]

FWIW the Mavericks Payload could be as good as the Ranger or better!! My brothers Payload on His 2023 F-150 Crew Cab XLT 4X4 is only like 90-100 pounds than My 2025 XLT AWD Maverick with the 2.0 EB which is 1,491 lbs.

Unfortunately payload capacity won't increase the towing capacity but can affect the trucks overall GVWR. Using a lightweight truck to tow with can get out of hand in an instant under unexpected conditions. A short singled axle trailer is less stable than a slightly longer two axle trailer. With extended living conditions loading at maximum GVWR it becomes a control challenge and in compromised conditions can lead to a real mess. The OP sounds like an absolute RV towing rookie with an unrealistic dream, but who am I to judge. I wish them safe travels and peace through their confinement.

 

[Schaal701]

Hey everyone! My girlfriend and I are looking to tow a camper long term and live in it for an extended period of time (1-1.5 years). I’ve done a ton of research but I wanted to see if anyone here has any experience doing anything similar.

I understand the Maverick isn’t exactly the best vehicle to tow.. but we want to keep costs low that way we have more spending money on the road. I still have a mortgage I need to keep paying but will rent out some rooms to help supplement my cash. I looked into F-250’s but they’re just unreasonably priced even for a base model XL crew cab (900/m with a substantial down payment). I’ve seen plenty of videos of the Maverick doing very well towing. It seems to not have a huge issue towing things even up sharp grades and maxed out on payload/ towing capacity.

My biggest concern is long-term reliability. An F-150 just doesn’t make sense in my opinion. F-150 crew cabs are so close to an F-250 it just doesn’t make any sense to go with one given how massive of an upgrade in capability the F-250 has over an F-150. Arguably an even bigger jump from F-150 to F-250 than even a Maverick to an F-150.. A Ranger has similar towing capability as an F-150 but I’ve sat in one and somehow the interior is smaller.. no idea how they managed that. Plus, we like the smaller footprint of the Maverick, so we can tow our trailer into camp, park it, and go explore nearby cities. The Ranger is still in the equation so input there is appreciated. But I’m leaning Maverick currently.

We live in the West Coast, and plan to spend a good chunk of our time traveling on the East Coast to see all of the continental US. The other flexibility would be us paying off the maverick in the year we have it, then when we come back home, we would use it as a daily and invest in a full size Bronco, or Ineos Grenadier as a long-term local overlander here out West. I have no doubts about the EB 2.0L reliability as it’s a SOLID platform. I currently own a 2023 Bronco Sport Badlands with the same drivetrain plus the additional off road goodies and that vehicle has been ABUSED HARD with zero issues 33k miles later. I’m more concerned about the transmission than the engine’s capability.

I was thinking a Maverick XL w/ 4K tow package, with bags in the rear for squat/ stability and a trailer not exceeding 3,700~lbs - 3,800~lbs fully loaded. Cheap vehicle, cheap-ish trailer and lightweight. If we went larger on a Ranger, with additional capacity we’d go larger on the trailer too but at a significant cost. Same goes for an F-250. I know it’s less than ideal but we really want to keep costs low if we intend on starting a family too shortly after the trip. Having a 5/6 year loan that’s 1,000/m JUST for a vehicle is insane to me and even though we both make good money, is just a ridiculous expense if we can afford to do it at a significantly lower cost.

New to the forum but I’ve been browsing anonymously for some time while I make a decision on the vehicle (I was put in charge of the truck, she’s in charge of picking the camper). Any and all input is valuable to us! Thank you in advance!!

Have

Hey everyone! My girlfriend and I are looking to tow a camper long term and live in it for an extended period of time (1-1.5 years). I’ve done a ton of research but I wanted to see if anyone here has any experience doing anything similar.

I understand the Maverick isn’t exactly the best vehicle to tow.. but we want to keep costs low that way we have more spending money on the road. I still have a mortgage I need to keep paying but will rent out some rooms to help supplement my cash. I looked into F-250’s but they’re just unreasonably priced even for a base model XL crew cab (900/m with a substantial down payment). I’ve seen plenty of videos of the Maverick doing very well towing. It seems to not have a huge issue towing things even up sharp grades and maxed out on payload/ towing capacity.

My biggest concern is long-term reliability. An F-150 just doesn’t make sense in my opinion. F-150 crew cabs are so close to an F-250 it just doesn’t make any sense to go with one given how massive of an upgrade in capability the F-250 has over an F-150. Arguably an even bigger jump from F-150 to F-250 than even a Maverick to an F-150.. A Ranger has similar towing capability as an F-150 but I’ve sat in one and somehow the interior is smaller.. no idea how they managed that. Plus, we like the smaller footprint of the Maverick, so we can tow our trailer into camp, park it, and go explore nearby cities. The Ranger is still in the equation so input there is appreciated. But I’m leaning Maverick currently.

We live in the West Coast, and plan to spend a good chunk of our time traveling on the East Coast to see all of the continental US. The other flexibility would be us paying off the maverick in the year we have it, then when we come back home, we would use it as a daily and invest in a full size Bronco, or Ineos Grenadier as a long-term local overlander here out West. I have no doubts about the EB 2.0L reliability as it’s a SOLID platform. I currently own a 2023 Bronco Sport Badlands with the same drivetrain plus the additional off road goodies and that vehicle has been ABUSED HARD with zero issues 33k miles later. I’m more concerned about the transmission than the engine’s capability.

I was thinking a Maverick XL w/ 4K tow package, with bags in the rear for squat/ stability and a trailer not exceeding 3,700~lbs - 3,800~lbs fully loaded. Cheap vehicle, cheap-ish trailer and lightweight. If we went larger on a Ranger, with additional capacity we’d go larger on the trailer too but at a significant cost. Same goes for an F-250. I know it’s less than ideal but we really want to keep costs low if we intend on starting a family too shortly after the trip. Having a 5/6 year loan that’s 1,000/m JUST for a vehicle is insane to me and even though we both make good money, is just a ridiculous expense if we can afford to do it at a significantly lower cost.

New to the forum but I’ve been browsing anonymously for some time while I make a decision on the vehicle (I was put in charge of the truck, she’s in charge of picking the camper). Any and all input is valuable to us! Thank you in advance!!

Not sure on towing aspect but keep in mind the frontal area on the trailer besides tongue weight, gross cargo weight combined etc.

My concern is one a hard tonneau cover to keep clothes etc in plastic totes.

Another concern is the amount of time both of you will be in the truck and also different climates, etc. I highly suggest you rethink this and up it to XLT with the luxury group. Spending hours no days and days just sight seeing and extending base camp the extra creature comforts will come in handy, every day. You won't get mileage towing but running errands and sight seeing should help when averaged out.. I don't think you have considered or realized how much time you will be in your Maverick.

Whatever you both decide best of luck and hope you enjoy the time.

Have you consider SUVs w 5k towing capabilities? As for living out of a trailer for a year one option is the low profile Trailmanor. When opened they have much more livable space than other popups. The TM 2518 might be ideal as the weight starts at just under 3k. I've towed a TM 272O w my Maverick Lariat w 4k towing. It towed great and no sway but the weight is too close to the 4k limit so will primarily pull with our SUV. Wishing you fun times on the road.

 

[todd92]

I wouldn't sweat towing a 4000 lb camper long term with the Maverick. It tows great. I would be much more concerned about spending 12-18 months in a 4000 lb camper. They're small.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

Unfortunately payload capacity won't increase the towing capacity but can affect the trucks overall GVWR. Using a lightweight truck to tow with can get out of hand in an instant under unexpected conditions. A short singled axle trailer is less stable than a slightly longer two axle trailer. With extended living conditions loading at maximum GVWR it becomes a control challenge and in compromised conditions can lead to a real mess. The OP sounds like an absolute RV towing rookie with an unrealistic dream, but who am I to judge. I wish them safe travels and peace through their confinement.

I didn't say it does just saying the Payload could be close between the 2.

 

[Timothyd]

Hey everyone! My girlfriend and I are looking to tow a camper long term and live in it for an extended period of time (1-1.5 years). I’ve done a ton of research but I wanted to see if anyone here has any experience doing anything similar.

I understand the Maverick isn’t exactly the best vehicle to tow.. but we want to keep costs low that way we have more spending money on the road. I still have a mortgage I need to keep paying but will rent out some rooms to help supplement my cash. I looked into F-250’s but they’re just unreasonably priced even for a base model XL crew cab (900/m with a substantial down payment). I’ve seen plenty of videos of the Maverick doing very well towing. It seems to not have a huge issue towing things even up sharp grades and maxed out on payload/ towing capacity.

My biggest concern is long-term reliability. An F-150 just doesn’t make sense in my opinion. F-150 crew cabs are so close to an F-250 it just doesn’t make any sense to go with one given how massive of an upgrade in capability the F-250 has over an F-150. Arguably an even bigger jump from F-150 to F-250 than even a Maverick to an F-150.. A Ranger has similar towing capability as an F-150 but I’ve sat in one and somehow the interior is smaller.. no idea how they managed that. Plus, we like the smaller footprint of the Maverick, so we can tow our trailer into camp, park it, and go explore nearby cities. The Ranger is still in the equation so input there is appreciated. But I’m leaning Maverick currently.

We live in the West Coast, and plan to spend a good chunk of our time traveling on the East Coast to see all of the continental US. The other flexibility would be us paying off the maverick in the year we have it, then when we come back home, we would use it as a daily and invest in a full size Bronco, or Ineos Grenadier as a long-term local overlander here out West. I have no doubts about the EB 2.0L reliability as it’s a SOLID platform. I currently own a 2023 Bronco Sport Badlands with the same drivetrain plus the additional off road goodies and that vehicle has been ABUSED HARD with zero issues 33k miles later. I’m more concerned about the transmission than the engine’s capability.

I was thinking a Maverick XL w/ 4K tow package, with bags in the rear for squat/ stability and a trailer not exceeding 3,700~lbs - 3,800~lbs fully loaded. Cheap vehicle, cheap-ish trailer and lightweight. If we went larger on a Ranger, with additional capacity we’d go larger on the trailer too but at a significant cost. Same goes for an F-250. I know it’s less than ideal but we really want to keep costs low if we intend on starting a family too shortly after the trip. Having a 5/6 year loan that’s 1,000/m JUST for a vehicle is insane to me and even though we both make good money, is just a ridiculous expense if we can afford to do it at a significantly lower cost.

New to the forum but I’ve been browsing anonymously for some time while I make a decision on the vehicle (I was put in charge of the truck, she’s in charge of picking the camper). Any and all input is valuable to us! Thank you in advance!!

Ill meet you down in the Keys in February.

 

[OleFordGuy]

Well written and live links. Humm, sounds like an advertisement to me.

I seriously doubt that a Maverick is going to be an off the road tow rig needing 360 degree hitch articulation. Folks can spend their money as they like though and it certainly can't hurt.

Personally, I like weight distribution hitches for on the road use. They help reduce rear end sag and improve control.

definitely not advertisement, simply provided a link and quick info for anyone interested. Suggested it just based on my neighbors numerous praises with his experiences since he changed from the traditional ball style. He has one on his 2WD Ranger and does a lot of camping in all kinds of places. Not saying everyone needs one but a simple search online and one will see the benefits/advantages, especially in different terrains. Anyways, have a great day

 

[HessMav]

'23 Maverick XLT Ecoboost w/ 4K package. I tow a2022 Forest River Wolf Pup BHS.

No problems towing. (except for a tire blowout that did $8000 damage to the camper. Thank God for insurance, which I had just renewed a week before it was due!)

 

[Got2go]

Can confirm EB fuel mileage takes a huge hit towing.
Recently towed this U-Haul trailer to move my daughter 3 hours away to University and the mileage decreased by close to half. Went from 8.5L per 100km to 15.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

'23 Maverick XLT Ecoboost w/ 4K package. I tow a2022 Forest River Wolf Pup BHS.

No problems towing. (except for a tire blowout that did $8000 damage to the camper. Thank God for insurance, which I had just renewed a week before it was due!)

Nice Set Up!!

 

[Prestonscott536]

Replying to the original post:

My friend I have a 2023 ecoboost Lariat 4K tow.

I am a window treatments installer and tow a 5x10 enclosed trailer that always weighs between 2000 and 3500 lbs depending on my daily work load.
Adding my weight and the tools kept in my cab i am pushing 2500-4000 pounds of payload at least 3 out of 5 days driving. I have personally logged 74k miles on this truck in the last 18 months (purchased with 6k miles on it april 2nd 2024)

This is texas hkll country driving where my Territory is anywhere between 40-120miles from where I live so it’s easy to clock 80-200+ miles in a day for me.

All that being said, this truck averages 24-26mpg without the trailer. 16-17mpg with the trailer. Acceleration is lackluster when towing, over 55-60mph you lose a lot of power and you will kick up to 3000rpm going up any small hill or grade. I service transmission, ptu, RDU, every 25000 miles. Oil every 4k. You go much longer than that the fluids get really dirty… brakes had to be redone at only 50k ‘miles. transmission still feels good and strong, motor had a fair amount of carbon buildup (1/8” thick at valve stems and back of valves) that I had to walnut blast to remove. I will install an oil catch can shortly to hopefully reduce this phenomenon. It will occur more in a engine under boost, which by the way is the only way this 4 banger can make enough torque to tow. The turbo has no signs of stopping anytime soon but remember that it is under lots of load when towing.

this truck has proved reliable and I enjoy the good MPG and comfort it provides. The ease of driving, especially in the city make it a nice ride. The AWD is freaking wonderful even pulling my trailer loaded up steep gravel hills to beautiful hill country houses in the middle of nowhere.
I drove an F350 crew cab long bed diesel for 4 years before downsizing to this maverick.

I love the maverick, but to be frank, I will hop back into a gas XL F250 after this. The cost of maintenance will be much less and even though the price may be 1.8x my maverick was new, that teuck will probably last 2.5-3x as long as the maverick. And what you save in gas on the mav is simply lost to the extra maintenance and I can promise you that.
When gas was 4.50-5 per gallon, the maverick was saving me so much thay it was a better deal than the bigger truck but now that it has come down to $2.50 per gallon, it’s no better.

I would advide a F250 XL with a gas 6.2 or 6.8 V8. I will drive this truck into the dirt though before I buy myself an F250 to replace it.
Thanks for reading— Preston (over 40k miles towed near max capacity in 2023 ecoboost Mav 4K.
(P.S.) Also, buy a steelcraft grill guard, it could save your front end from a deer collision that is less than 45mph I hit a deer at 65 and was able to finish my day before checking into a body shop for damage to the hood and fender (deer was in 3rds after the hit)

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Here's a hitch for your Maverick
It is adjustable up and down.
Sorry, it does not articulate.

With a recommended towing weight of 4,000 lbs.
I think the hitch pictured below will work fine on your Maverick. =

Sponsored