Towing without tow package

[MavFord7560]

Hello MTC: what campers can you tow with a Hybrid Maverick without the tow package? Does using the Tow/Haul setting help at all? Thinking of towing a Scamp 13. Feedback appreciated.

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[710-oil-614]

Scamp 13 has a dry weight of around 1,500lbs so you'll be pushing up against the max tow capacity but it is doable.

 

[cclark]

To start, scroll down to the bottom of the page and you'll see a lot of real-life info to your question. Other's will chime in too.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Hello MTC: what campers can you tow with a Hybrid Maverick without the tow package? Does using the Tow/Haul setting help at all? Thinking of towing a Scamp 13. Feedback appreciated.

You should be good in MI.

The following information is about legal/LAWS requirements for brakes on trailers.
Not towing capacity or wind resistance.
I'm guessing because of mountainous Terrain.
Approximately five to six U.S. states (CA, ID, NV, NH, OR, and sometimes NY) specifically require trailer brakes for trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeding 1,500 lbs. While 1,500 lbs is a common threshold for some states, many others set their mandatory brake requirements at 3,000 lbs or higher.
https://www.rvtravel.com/trailer-brake-laws-50-states-1100/

 

[MaverickDragon]

I'm guessing because of mountainous Terrain.
Approximately five to six U.S. states (CA, ID, NV, NH, OR, and sometimes NY) specifically require trailer brakes for trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeding 1,500 lbs. While 1,500 lbs is a common threshold for some states, many others set their mandatory brake requirements at 3,000 lbs or higher.
https://www.rvtravel.com/trailer-brake-laws-50-states-1100/

Good point Glen. It's not only a law issue, but a liability issue, as operating an unsafe vehicle (as defined by the vehicle code) can open you up to severe consequences if you get sued as the result of an accident.

Another item worthy of note is that without trailer brakes, all of that load in an emergency stop is going to do it's best effort at passing any and all of its accumulated momentum onto your truck.
In an emergency stop, bad things can happen.

Back in the day, a car was towing a trailer up the road from my house.
Right across the street, a small child ran out after a ball and the car slammed on it's brakes to not hit the kid. The trailer flipped the car over and landed on top of it, killing a passenger.

The driver probably thought he didn't need trailer brakes, but likely spent the rest of his life wishing he had made a better decision.

 

[surfstar]

Most Scamps, even 13s, come with brakes.

I'd highly recommend that setup [trailer brakes] - which means you need to upgrade to a 7-pin and install a brake controller or use a wireless brake controller. (Curt echo sucks in my opinion - a Prodigy is better, but I'd go wired if you can DIY it)


Also new or used Scamp?
If you were looking at a new one, I'd say - consider overall cost of the tow vehicle + trailer. Trade your Mav in for a 4k tow equipped one and get a used 16' Scamp. Could be spending the same $ overall, and have a much more capable setup.

 

[djarms12]

I have a 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid. I also have a 1998 Scamp 13' standard (no bathroom) that I tow with the hybrid. I recently had an axle upgrade with electric brakes to assist with safety, especially close to the max towing capacity. My 1998 Scamp weighs fully loaded with my gear 1640 pounds. That does not include what contents I have in the Maverick. I towed it to Colorado/New Mexico this past September and was able to handle Raton Pass (about 9000 ft elevation) with no issues as long as I stayed between 30% to 50% on the power meter. Of course, you are not going to be driving faster than 65 MPH, often slower. Gas mileage (which everyone wants to know) was about 23-25 MPH with the tow/haul mode.

Now with that said, the newer Scamp 13' models start weight are 1600 pounds before the add-ons (i.e. AC, heat, awning, etc.) which can quickly creep to 2000 pounds before the personal gear you add. Scamp also sells a Scamp Lite model which weighs about 1250 pounds before add-ons. Recently, I have thought of upgrading to a newer Hybrid Maverick with AWD and increased tow capacity to give me more cushion in the towing weight capacity and less strain on the engine with the 2000-pound towing capacity. As someone suggested, the higher towing capacity allows you to tow the Scamp 16' and gives you options either way.

 

[KimDP]

I got my 22 hybrid wired for a 7 pin connection and use Curtis break system (live in OR ). Seems ok when pushing the max trailer and truck capacity . When i get my next Maverick i would differently get a tow package. Being nervous about the tow system is not worth it.

 

[lm126027]

You should be good in MI.
I'm guessing because of mountainous Terrain.
Approximately five to six U.S. states (CA, ID, NV, NH, OR, and sometimes NY) specifically require trailer brakes for trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeding 1,500 lbs. While 1,500 lbs is a common threshold for some states, many others set their mandatory brake requirements at 3,000 lbs or higher.
https://www.rvtravel.com/trailer-brake-laws-50-states-1100/

I tow a 13' snowmobile single axle trailer with my 4K Mav. With two 4 stroke sleds along with the trailer and our gear, I surmise I am in the very low 3000 lb range (rough calculation). I have never seen a snowmobile trailer maker that offers brakes on a single axle trailer. Duel axle, yes. Though there may be one, not seen one on a single axle. Seems like a vast majority of these trailers are being maid in Maine... I wonder if Maine does not require breaks on this class of trailer, thus they get away with not having due to no state requirement. Hmmmm?? Weight wise I am fine per Ford, though do notice the added weight when stopping.

Wind resistance is more of or as much of an issue towing as the weight when it comes to mpg. My trailer is 90" wide (11" narrower than the standard) and is lower roof line than most hybrid trailers, thus my wind resistance should be a little less than the standard of the industry. When I purchased, I brought it home with my Escape (empty) and now tow with my Mav. Surprisingly mileage is very similar towing empty vs loaded. 13's in either case. I rode home (rode up in an F250) from northern Maine with my buddy a couple of weeks ago with his mid sized GMC pickup and he only got 9.1 mpg on premium fuel. OUCH !!! Even with the smaller frontage, I am a little over the Ford frontage recommendation if I am calculating it correctly. The front of the trailer is tapered back from just below the middle of the trailer as well as the lower section tapering back as well. Neither of these tapers to reduce wind resistance is in Fords calculation. My calculations have me just under 3' over Fords recomendation.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

DOT specifically requires trailer brakes for trailers like that

 

[lm126027]

DOT specifically requires trailer brakes for trailers like that

It is possible that the manufacturers are rating the trailers just under the max to require brakes so they don't have to add. Know at one time "Triton" would not put "D" rated tires on a trailer I was ordering. My guess is that the higher rated tires would have allowed a higher weight to be carried on the trailer. Two 2 stroke machines should be well under 3000 lbs, but two 4 stroke turbo sleds may be putting it very close to the 3000 max even without all our gear in the truck.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

Hello MTC: what campers can you tow with a Hybrid Maverick without the tow package? Does using the Tow/Haul setting help at all? Thinking of towing a Scamp 13. Feedback appreciated.

As others have said, it is mostly about rules in your area.

And having trailer brakes and brake controller in your truck. (Inexpensive to add.)

Has nothing to do with the engine power or battery power (exactly the same in all hybrids) and transmission (almost the same but a little beefier for 2025 plus AWD).

AWD is desirable on wet, snowy, or off-pavement towing. FWD is fine on dry pavement. FWD is even fine on dry dirt and gravel at campground speeds.

FWD Hybrid here.
Get an OBDII data scanner and get the numerical values for temperature. You'll see the Hybrids won't overheat pulling this uphill on a 95°F day.

Properly maintained, hybrid won't overheat. They just won't. And the eCVT is perfect for towing. Better than shifting gears in a traditional vehicle.

 

[Backin15]

Keep in mind the tow package does include a transmission cooler, as well as a larger radiator and fan.

 

[OleFordGuy]

one thing to consider for the OP, i couldn't tell from you post is if your truck if FWD only or AWD.

(so as info, at least per google AI)....

Adding extra weight to the rear of a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle negatively impacts steering by reducing front tire grip, leading to increased understeer (less responsive turning). It shifts the vehicle's center of gravity backward, creating a "pendulum effect" that can make handling unpredictable and reduce braking efficiency.

Key Impacts on (FWD) Steering and Handling:

• Reduced Front Traction: Because FWD vehicles rely on the front tires for steering and power, adding weight to the rear lightens the load on the front axle, decreasing its ability to turn.
• Understeer: The car may not turn as sharply as expected when the steering wheel is turned, as the front wheels lose grip before the rear.
• Pendulum Effect: Excessive rear weight, especially behind the rear axle, can cause the back to swing out, making the car harder to control in corners.
• Snow/Ice Considerations: While some believe this adds traction, it actually reduces the weight needed on the driven wheels for traction, making it harder to steer and, if on a hill, harder to accelerate.

 

[MavFord7560]

Approximately five to six U.S. states (CA, ID, NV, NH, OR, and sometimes NY) specifically require trailer brakes for trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeding 1,500 lbs. While 1,500 lbs is a common threshold for some states, many others set their mandatory brake requirements at 3,000 lbs or higher.
https://www.rvtravel.com/trailer-brake-laws-50-states-1100/

Great info. Thanks

As others have said, it is mostly about rules in your area.

And having trailer brakes and brake controller in your truck. (Inexpensive to add.)

Has nothing to do with the engine power or battery power (exactly the same in all hybrids) and transmission (almost the same but a little beefier for 2025 plus AWD).

AWD is desirable on wet, snowy, or off-pavement towing. FWD is fine on dry pavement. FWD is even fine on dry dirt and gravel at campground speeds.

FWD Hybrid here.
Get an OBDII data scanner and get the numerical values for temperature. You'll see the Hybrids won't overheat pulling this uphill on a 95°F day.

Properly maintained, hybrid won't overheat. They just won't. And the eCVT is perfect for towing. Better than shifting gears in a traditional vehicle.

Thanks. I am not handy or techy so all the brake controller or data scanner stuff does mot work for me. Grew up in the era where we just put a temporary hitch on a RWD sedan and knew nothing about tow protocol/weight limits etc.

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