Still can't get a straight answer from Ford

[Fish Chris]

I’m sure someone there could. Unfortunately, I don’t know how you can get connected with the right person.

If I were you, I’d treat it like a comparable compact sedan, seeing how it is priced like one.
So whatever works with a new civic, corolla, or prius should be fine with a hybrid maverick.

Well as long as the Civic or Corolla are Hybrids. Even small compact ICE's can have rediculous powerful stereo systems and it's not a problem. It's only vehicles that don't have an alternator, but instead work off of a power inverter.

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[Fish Chris]

Test drive a Lincoln Navigator with the Revel ultima option and you wouldn't be making this comment. There are many fantastic stock car audio systems, but there are plenty of reasons (electrical requirements, weight, where to put even a small enclosure) really high-end audio systems aren't a priority on lower end vehicles these days.

I can't speak specifically for the new Lincoln Navigator. But I hear on the car audio forums all the time, "Just got (or test drove) a new ##### and it has the upgraded sound system that everybody was taking about... And it sucked" !
I think just so few people are into big, clean sound, that they really have nothing to compare it too.
If you saw how small, and how hidden, the system in my Prius was, and then listened to it, I think you would agree "every new car" should at least have the option to have a really nice sounding stereo system. And again, I spent a grand total of about $1300 on it. A big auto manufacturer could probably repeat it 10,000 X's for like $300. Dirt cheap. Fantastic sound.

Interestingly, people (let's use my best friend for example) say about the system in my F150, vs. my Prius....

So the system in the F150 is huge, and rediculous, but one might expect it to sound like it does.

But then when you hop in my Prius, and everything is so compact, and hidden. It's really very surprising it sounds as great as it does.
And it's a system like this, that I think should be available in every new vehicle.

 

[MimiE]

first off, I'm sorry, but it freaking kills me when I call by phone, to talk to a Ford representative with a technical question, and they connect me with some lady, most likely at home in her living room, and maybe changing her kids diapers, or feeding the dog, while she tries to answer my question on her hands free headset. Of course this lady knows absolutely nothing about my question, or even Mavericks in general, so whatever I ask her, she has to try to find it in her information booklet they give her, while I wait....... and wait..... Urgggg...

But I digress. I'm still trying to get a number... "What is the number of amps I can safely draw from the Maverick Hybrid electrical system" ???

I should say, "From the 12V side". Being able to draw straight from the high voltage traction battery would be freaking awesome ! But I don't think that technology is quite there yet, for the aftermarket scene. That would be kind of a deadly, warranty killing endeavor at this point in time.

Okay, i get your point about "some lady" BUT what I hate worse than that, being a woman, is to get a BOY on the phone of a technical hot line or support center, and he is barely off training wheels AND he has less technical savvy or knowledge than me.

 

[Red Ryder]

An upfitter isn’t calling a consumer customer support phone line.

You really thought you had something there

Indeed I did.

I'm familiar with upfitting, having worked with fleet vehicle procurement previously. My answer was "tongue-n-cheek'", intended to prove a point that it is a reasonable expectation to add electronics to the Maverick.

Besides, many small businesses (e.g. three vehicle pest control) that "upfit" for added equipment don't qualify for fleet volume and must go through the consumer route for info.

And even so, commercial or consumer, the customer service representative should be able to take the request, and elevate to resources that can reply to the inquiry. Just good customer service.

I'm sure there's been other topics that required escalation, it is common in any call center.

 

[Red Ryder]

Well as long as the Civic or Corolla are Hybrids. Even small compact ICE's can have rediculous powerful stereo systems and it's not a problem. It's only vehicles that don't have an alternator, but instead work off of a power inverter.

I'm almost positive you've seen this page on Crutchfield's site, having done the Prius and all. Basically limiting to 30A.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-JwFNLW8QclM/learn/tips-for-upgrading-the-audio-in-your-hybrid.html

At this point, I'm thinking Kicker Key bi-amped to fronts, and some type of sub behind seat (either self-powered or with the mono Key (500.1). I doubt the mono key will ever go near its potential current draw with the modest sub I would use. Like I said, still planning...

 

[Old Ranchero]

I can't speak specifically for the new Lincoln Navigator. But I hear on the car audio forums all the time, "Just got (or test drove) a new ##### and it has the upgraded sound system that everybody was taking about... And it sucked" !
I think just so few people are into big, clean sound, that they really have nothing to compare it too.
If you saw how small, and how hidden, the system in my Prius was, and then listened to it, I think you would agree "every new car" should at least have the option to have a really nice sounding stereo system. And again, I spent a grand total of about $1300 on it. A big auto manufacturer could probably repeat it 10,000 X's for like $300. Dirt cheap. Fantastic sound.

Interestingly, people (let's use my best friend for example) say about the system in my F150, vs. my Prius....

So the system in the F150 is huge, and rediculous, but one might expect it to sound like it does.

But then when you hop in my Prius, and everything is so compact, and hidden. It's really very surprising it sounds as great as it does.
And it's a system like this, that I think should be available in every new vehicle.

For the small % of people you identified, Ford has you covered with the B&O system in higher trim level. What's the problem?

 

[Old Ranchero]

The expectations that some of you have is astounding. If you're asking technical questions like this, you are not an average consumer, and to realize that the customer service line is for... wait for it... average consumers.

1000% agree with you. Why would any reasonable person assume a car company would employ a phone bank of highly technically skilled CSRs "operators standing by" to answer any technical question imaginable- especially before mass rollout of a brand new vehicle? Unrealistic expectations is an understatement!

 

[MimiE]

The expectations that some of you have is astounding. If you're asking technical questions like this, you are not an average consumer, and to realize that the customer service line is for... wait for it... average consumers.

My expectation was based on not a true customer service line, but a technical support line that I call within the scope of my work. I realize most consumers don't need true "technical" support, but I call a line dedicated to a certain sector of working professionals, and only one out of the roughly 20 different people I talk with on a regular basis has a foundation and skillset in the area about which they are supporting. He, by the way, is approximately 65. I hope he doesn't retire soon. My point was these days we are just as likely to reach a young person of whichever gender that is not equipped to do the job. There are women automotive techs in my town, and at least one of them is reputed to be the best tech at that particular dealership. There are women service advisors and, gasp, parts professionals, who are women that know their business. The problem is putting people into positions that they aren't skilled enough to handle. Sorry for the rant, but as a woman "partsman" in the business 41 years, I've heard a lot of "girl" comments.

 

[MimiE]

first off, I'm sorry, but it freaking kills me when I call by phone, to talk to a Ford representative with a technical question, and they connect me with some lady, most likely at home in her living room, and maybe changing her kids diapers, or feeding the dog, while she tries to answer my question on her hands free headset. Of course this lady knows absolutely nothing about my question, or even Mavericks in general, so whatever I ask her, she has to try to find it in her information booklet they give her, while I wait....... and wait..... Urgggg...

But I digress. I'm still trying to get a number... "What is the number of amps I can safely draw from the Maverick Hybrid electrical system" ???

I should say, "From the 12V side". Being able to draw straight from the high voltage traction battery would be freaking awesome ! But I don't think that technology is quite there yet, for the aftermarket scene. That would be kind of a deadly, warranty killing endeavor at this point in time.

Honestly, your best bet is to make friends with the shop foreman at your local dealer. Most of the ones I've been acquainted with usually have a strong background in electrical issues., and are proficient and knowledgeable about all the things. Caution: they can be grumpy and bite.

 

[Dechion]

Personally, my audio needs are probably 50% podcasts, 40% audio books, and 10% music streamed over pandora. Add tinnitus and high frequency hearing loss into the equation and upgrading the sound system isn't really on my radar.

No real point if I can't tell the difference.

Its still interesting reading about the mods others are planning to make, just because I enjoy the creativity and problem solving that goes into it.

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

 

[Fish Chris]

I'm almost positive you've seen this page on Crutchfield's site, having done the Prius and all. Basically limiting to 30A.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-JwFNLW8QclM/learn/tips-for-upgrading-the-audio-in-your-hybrid.html

At this point, I'm thinking Kicker Key bi-amped to fronts, and some type of sub behind seat (either self-powered or with the mono Key (500.1). I doubt the mono key will ever go near its potential current draw with the modest sub I would use. Like I said, still planning...

Yes, I've seen the 30A recommendation, but as I have said, I'm sure that is WAAY underrated, because everyone is so afraid of liability, in a country where anyone, can sue for anything

Kicker Keys Ha ! That is exactly what I was thinking about for my GF's Maverick I agree that during "normal use" the little 4ch + the mono unit would not be likely to go over 30'ish amps. But again, because of the whole liability thing, good luck finding someone to tell you this will be okay.

This said, if we end up doing this, I'm going to make sure, that "nothing is modified", so that everything could be easily removed without leaving a trace. In fact, I had already planned to make my little subwoofer enclosure portable anyway, so it could be removed from the backseat area, and thrown under the hard top bedcover, or even brought inside. Thinking about a nice, strong little 8" (love the 8" Sundown in my Prius) with maybe with a 10" passive radiator.

 

[Fish Chris]

Okay, i get your point about "some lady" BUT what I hate worse than that, being a woman, is to get a BOY on the phone of a technical hot line or support center, and he is barely off training wheels AND he has less technical savvy or knowledge than me.

Same thing. I just said "lady" as my most recent experience of this sort, happened to be a lady. I know their are a few very knowledgeable car audio women. But its probably less than 5%.

 

[TSAINTS1115]

Okay, i get your point about "some lady" BUT what I hate worse than that, being a woman, is to get a BOY on the phone of a technical hot line or support center, and he is barely off training wheels AND he has less technical savvy or knowledge than me.

Cherry on top being when they start doing the "Hey little lady" mode of talking to you.

 

[TSAINTS1115]

My expectation was based on not a true customer service line, but a technical support line that I call within the scope of my work. I realize most consumers don't need true "technical" support, but I call a line dedicated to a certain sector of working professionals, and only one out of the roughly 20 different people I talk with on a regular basis has a foundation and skillset in the area about which they are supporting. He, by the way, is approximately 65. I hope he doesn't retire soon. My point was these days we are just as likely to reach a young person of whichever gender that is not equipped to do the job. There are women automotive techs in my town, and at least one of them is reputed to be the best tech at that particular dealership. There are women service advisors and, gasp, parts professionals, who are women that know their business. The problem is putting people into positions that they aren't skilled enough to handle. Sorry for the rant, but as a woman "partsman" in the business 41 years, I've heard a lot of "girl" comments.

Not to derail but rather give a "high five" to women in the business, my mechanic at UPS was a woman and I would blindly trust her with my life. NEVER had a better mech in my whole career.

 

[MimiE]

Cherry on top being when they start doing the "Hey little lady" mode of talking to you.

Worse than that was the guy who called me Sugar Babe. I said, uh, no sir. He said, Excuse me? I said I am not in the least bit sweet enough to be called sugar, and you don't know me nearly well enough to call me babe. Yes, ma'am or just plain okay will do.

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