New Owner! 2026 XLT Hybrid. Road trip tips?

[cp26]

I’m finally a truck gal! I moved along from an Audi Q5 into the 2026 XLT Hybrid since I’ll be driving several thousand miles this summer.

The dealer sprayed in the bed liner and when I got it home I added the Mabett fender flares, front mud flaps, tailgate assist and Truxedo hard rolling cover, purchased from our wonderful sponsor. The bed cover install wasn’t too bad after I watched a couple of YouTube videos. It was a little tough to get both the mud flaps and fender covers installed on the front as I really had to push to get the screws in, but I got there in the end. I also sprayed the fabric seats with a water protectant

Her name is Mystery because in different lights she looks different colors — light gray, a touch of blue, off white? So she’s a lady of mystery. So far I’m enjoying the “I’m a truck, too!” size and ride as we get used to each other.

I put a fire extinguisher, roadside emergency kit and portable tire inflator under the back seats and got the seat belt cutter/window breaker tool for the side door pocket. Is there anything else I should add before a long road trip?

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[icegradner]

You might want a breaker bar or better tire iron for the tire lug nuts, just in case you need to change a tire. The included tool works well enough, but depending on how strong you are it might not work for you.

 

[RideSolo]

Sounds to me like you've made a good start. We took our hybrid from Ohio to the Mississippi Gulf Coast from early December through February, full packed w/ two adults, two large dogs, and the bed completely full of our "stuff" and it never missed a beat (of course that's what I'd expect from a modern, relatively new vehicle in this day and age). We were warm and comfortable and maintained a steady average of around 37mpg. Have fun, your Mystery should serve you well.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Welcome to The Forum
The fender flares really look nice against the Space White.
While the breaker bar is a good idea if you get a flat tire don't forget about Ford Roadside Assistance.

 

[710-oil-614]

Keep it 65-70 mph for best efficiency

 

[2liggett]

Welcome!

I really like your truck! I have the same one and same color.

I agree with keeping speed around 65-70 if you can, the mileage really takes a huge hit above that.

I keep extra phone cords and USB cables in mine, and an IBD scanner just in case.

The only issue I have had with mine is lane assist acts up and goes off a lot, I just turned it off and no more issues. I have had issues more with freeway speeds then in town.

Good luck and let us know how your trip goes!

 

[Johnkn]

Congrats,


I've had (3) Hybrid Mavericks. A must have is this NOCO 1500a battery jump box..

Amazon.com: NOCO Boost GB50: 1500A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack, Portable Jump Box, Power Bank & Jumper Cables - for 7.0L Gas and 4.5L Diesel Engines : Automotive

There are both smaller and larger versions of the NOCO, this is a perfect size.. Very compact and will fit under the rear seat. Also, this is the supplier that Ford sells as a Ford-branded accessory..

Good luck

.

 

[Lane]

Couldn't agree more with having a jump box. Even just having it along is worth some peace of mind. I've used mine on occasion and it sure beats waiting who-knows-how-long for roadside assistance.

When you added your tailgate assist strut and removed the factory tailgate bracket that interfered, a useful tie-down point is lost. I made a replacement tie-down for mine.

Works well and clears the new strut and no issues with the cable. Enjoyed making it enough that I keep making more. I have a thread here in the For Sale forum if anyone would like one. Don't lose a tie-down point!

 

[Johnkn]

^^ Completely agree with Lane, a DeeZee, etc. tailgate strut is an inexpensive addition and simply makes for an easier, better experience every time you lower the tailgate.

The replacement tie-downs Lane manufactures are top notch, and you're supporting a Forum member!

In addition to your use, the jump box is great for helping others rather than hooking their unknown issues to your truck trying to jump them, LOL. , It also has a built in, long lasting light to include a strobe feature for emergencies...


.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

Bienvenido Welcome greetings from the #cancunbadlands

Lots of mods to come for sure!

 

[jono]

I’m finally a truck gal! I moved along from an Audi Q5 into the 2026 XLT Hybrid since I’ll be driving several thousand miles this summer.
View attachment 246759

The dealer sprayed in the bed liner and when I got it home I added the Mabett fender flares, front mud flaps, tailgate assist and Truxedo hard rolling cover, purchased from our wonderful sponsor. The bed cover install wasn’t too bad after I watched a couple of YouTube videos. It was a little tough to get both the mud flaps and fender covers installed on the front as I really had to push to get the screws in, but I got there in the end. I also sprayed the fabric seats with a water protectant

Her name is Mystery because in different lights she looks different colors — light gray, a touch of blue, off white? So she’s a lady of mystery. So far I’m enjoying the “I’m a truck, too!” size and ride as we get used to each other.

I put a fire extinguisher, roadside emergency kit and portable tire inflator under the back seats and got the seat belt cutter/window breaker tool for the side door pocket. Is there anything else I should add before a long road trip?

View attachment 246754

I’m finally a truck gal! I moved along from an Audi Q5 into the 2026 XLT Hybrid since I’ll be driving several thousand miles this summer.
View attachment 246759

The dealer sprayed in the bed liner and when I got it home I added the Mabett fender flares, front mud flaps, tailgate assist and Truxedo hard rolling cover, purchased from our wonderful sponsor. The bed cover install wasn’t too bad after I watched a couple of YouTube videos. It was a little tough to get both the mud flaps and fender covers installed on the front as I really had to push to get the screws in, but I got there in the end. I also sprayed the fabric seats with a water protectant

Her name is Mystery because in different lights she looks different colors — light gray, a touch of blue, off white? So she’s a lady of mystery. So far I’m enjoying the “I’m a truck, too!” size and ride as we get used to each other.

I put a fire extinguisher, roadside emergency kit and portable tire inflator under the back seats and got the seat belt cutter/window breaker tool for the side door pocket. Is there anything else I should add before a long road trip?

View attachment 246754

The tailgate assist required you remove the “bottle opener” tie down. There are various replacements available. I decided to go with this ring anchor setup from Amazon on both sides of the tailgate. I like it because it stays out of the way when not in use. Other options were fixed, and presented a jabbing/tripping hazard. https://a.co/d/0ax52HG9

I’m finally a truck gal! I moved along from an Audi Q5 into the 2026 XLT Hybrid since I’ll be driving several thousand miles this summer.
View attachment 246759

The dealer sprayed in the bed liner and when I got it home I added the Mabett fender flares, front mud flaps, tailgate assist and Truxedo hard rolling cover, purchased from our wonderful sponsor. The bed cover install wasn’t too bad after I watched a couple of YouTube videos. It was a little tough to get both the mud flaps and fender covers installed on the front as I really had to push to get the screws in, but I got there in the end. I also sprayed the fabric seats with a water protectant

Her name is Mystery because in different lights she looks different colors — light gray, a touch of blue, off white? So she’s a lady of mystery. So far I’m enjoying the “I’m a truck, too!” size and ride as we get used to each other.

I put a fire extinguisher, roadside emergency kit and portable tire inflator under the back seats and got the seat belt cutter/window breaker tool for the side door pocket. Is there anything else I should add before a long road trip?

View attachment 246754

 

[cp26]

Congrats,


I've had (3) Hybrid Mavericks. A must have is this NOCO 1500a battery jump box..

Amazon.com: NOCO Boost GB50: 1500A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack, Portable Jump Box, Power Bank & Jumper Cables - for 7.0L Gas and 4.5L Diesel Engines : Automotive

There are both smaller and larger versions of the NOCO, this is a perfect size.. Very compact and will fit under the rear seat. Also, this is the supplier that Ford sells as a Ford-branded accessory..

Good luck

.

Thank you for the suggestion, I ordered one!

 

[Gpp]

I sure it,s been said but a good set of jumper cables about 16 foot long just in case jump box doesn’t work.

 

[Johnkn]

I sure it,s been said but a good set of jumper cables about 16 foot long just in case jump box doesn’t work.

It hasn't been said as there is no need for 16 foot jumper cables with a high quality NOCO jump pack.


..

 

[Dad]

Welcome! Great looking Maverick. A gal who works on her truck is definitely a keeper! Safe travels.

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