Update after 3 years and 49k towing miles

[oldblue]

I've driven the truck daily for 3 years. Had the recall services done and some routine maintenance performed by the dealer along the way.

Always use full synthetic oil and Motorcraft filters, change the oil at around 5k miles- the truck says it has 40-50% remaining life, and the used oil has never looked or smelled bad.

Tow a 5x8 V-nose box trailer every day with my tools and equipment inside. Trailer and tools usually weigh around 2k sometime as much as 2500#. The tool trailer was custom built with a longer tongue (tows and backs a lot nicer) and improved spring rate axle (keep my stuff from crashing around back there) with trailer shock absorbers. Trailer has electric brakes just because I could and it is nice to have. It tows like a dream and doesn't sway around.

Have a utility topper with ladder rack on the Maverick. There is an extension ladder and a 8' ladder there nearly every trip I take. The wind resistance does make a notable difference here.

Bought improved rear springs for the truck after trying air bags and being unsatisfied. The springs counter the added weight of the topper and ladders always being there, and add a little bit extra payload. Tongue weight handling is increased. The truck rides slightly stiffer- more like a truck, but not much more and I don't think anyone else notices. When the trailer is attached, every day, the truck sits level and drives great.

Get 15.4mpg driving blended town and interstate traffic with the trailer. If I remove the ladders, I get 16.5mpg. If no trailer or ladders, but with the drag of the topper, maybe 22.5mpg on the highway at 77mph. When new with no topper, got about 28mpg.

The truck has been reliable. It has towed every day without complaint and it tows the trailer I built just for the Maverick very well. Plenty of power, plenty of confidence the truck will always do what I want it to do without stressing the drivetrain.

A few weeks ago I felt a shudder upon acceleration. I took it to the dealer for a check. Transmission tech took a ride with me and said it's not trans, but it is half shafts. They kept the truck to repair it. Dealer knows I tow with it every day, and dealer knows my trailer rig is well matched to the Maverick. Dealer has never has any negative comments about the daily towing. Dealer has a good service department crew.

Service adviser calls me next day and says RDU is also bad. Unit had been serviced at about 20k miles, and mechanic determined unit was faulty at this time. Ford approved replacement.

Mechanic discovered rear main seal leak while under the truck. Ford approved replacement.

Both half shafts were faulty, Ford approved replacement.

I had the front brakes replaced with Motorcraft parts.

I had the transmission fluid replaced and the old fluid captured so I could inspect it. The fluid was clean with no metal particulate present.

Mechanic checked PTU fluid at no charge. Fluid was clean and topped up correctly. Probably should have changed it but didn't.

They returned the truck after a week and it works as it should.

While I was at the dealer I had to look at the new 2025 Hybrid AWD. It's what I wanted back in 2022 but they didn't yet make it. They had one I could drive and I was satisfied with the performance, but I really, really like the increased mileage. The Ecoboost isn't exactly a gas sipper. I put a deposit down and ordered a 2025 XL AWD Hybrid.

Now I'm having second thoughts. I didn't realize and apparently no one at the dealer knew the hybrid mode turns off when tow mode is enabled. The Atkinson cycle engine and eCVT will do the job, but there no fuel economy savings to be had. Some drivers report worse mileage with the hybrid when towing.
What a bummer. I really wanted that hybrid AWD Maverick to work for me.

Since I do put so many miles on the truck with a trailer behind it, I guess I've got to stick to the Ecoboost. I'm just gonna keep the 2022 and buy and extended warranty. I like the front end of my truck better anyway.

I guess I'll go ask for my deposit back. If anyone actually tows daily with a hybrid AWD Maverick and can offer some wisdom, I'd like to hear it. The Youtube video of the dude towing 4k for miles and mile up a 7% grade is not representative of regular towing. I'm hoping another tradesman who tows daily with a hybrid can offer some feedback.

Sponsored

 

[Scupking]

Apparently the new hybrid with the Improved HF55 eCVT has more power overall than the 22-24 hybrids and also runs cooler towing even compared to the EcoBoost.. You many see a little more mpg while towing and when you are not you will see a lot more mpg.

 

[710-oil-614]

Now I'm having second thoughts. I didn't realize and apparently no one at the dealer knew the hybrid mode turns off when tow mode is enabled. The Atkinson cycle engine and eCVT will do the job, but there no fuel economy savings to be had. Some drivers report worse mileage with the hybrid when towing.
What a bummer. I really wanted that hybrid AWD Maverick to work for me.

This is not accurate. Hybrid mode IS the eCVT and ICE engine working together and this happens in tow/haul. What doesn't happen is the ability to run on electric only which with the towing and payload you have would be just a blip.

I do agree you are unlikely to see significantly better MPG with the towing and hauling you do consistently but I find the hybrid drivetrain to be the one I prefer, especially with the HF55 (and I have had both Maverick EB and now AWD Hybrid).

EDIT: Also the HF55 comes with an 8 yr, 100k warranty where the 8F35 only has a 5 yr / 60k mile warranty

 

[Bob zimmerman]

I’ve towed a few times with my 25 XLT hybrid.
I had about 1700 pounds in the back and I got 28 mpg while towing.

That said, it was a 40 mile trip each time and relatively flat with most speeds under 60 due to the roads I travel. However, 28 mpg towing is pretty damn good.

You might need to do more research and get more opinions before you cancel the new truck.
Bob

 

[Nw_adventure]

Tracking - As I know 14.5 MPG on the highway at best with our Eco/Boost travel trailer and Mtn/West elevation/speeds is somewhat limiting for longer trips.

 

[oldblue]

I'm encouraged by these first comments. Thank you. I hope more people will comment.

I like my Ecoboost truck. For what it is, the thing will pull like crazy- like that 5x8 trailer isn't even back there. I am most concerned about the 8F35 and comments the dealer transmission mechanic made. I like the truck but am worried about that transmission.

I live in the flatlands of Florida. I don't pull more than the Maverick is rated for, I have an old F250 for that kind of work.

The eCVT seems like a simpler system than the 8F35, but is it more durable? Will it go more miles with just routine fluid changes? Is the eCVT really a car/SUV gearbox only marginally effective for my daily sort of towing?

If I decide to keep the 2025 truck I'd definitely buy an extended warranty next time 'round. I didn't on the 2022, and I regret it. The dealer transmission mechanic says it's $3500 for replacement of a 8F35.. Yikes!

The market value for the 2022 is good, I'll come out right on that. I paid sticker price only back in 2022. The dealer will sell me the 2025 Mav for sticker, no add-ons, and with whatever incentives are being offered. Since I'm a plain jane Hybrid AWD XL 4k with no other options kind of buyer, I won't ask for more discount.

I'd hate to trade or sell the 2022 Ecoboost AWD and find that the 2025 Hybrid AWD just doesn't do the job. And $3500 to replace the 8F35 wouldn't be so bad, if that actually fixed the problem. I'm not certain there even is a problem, all I know is what I read and that the transmission mechanic had unpleasant comments about the 8F35.

I just want better mileage. Maybe what I drive right now is the better tractor for the daily job. Thanks for sharing your opinions.

 

[710-oil-614]

I’ve towed a few times with my 25 XLT hybrid.
I had about 1700 pounds in the back and I got 28 mpg while towing.

That said, it was a 40 mile trip each time and relatively flat with most speeds under 60 due to the roads I travel. However, 28 mpg towing is pretty damn good.

You might need to do more research and get more opinions before you cancel the new truck.
Bob

What were you towing?

 

[Maverick123]

If you're towing constantly for work, after 3 years the truck should be pretty much amortized. It's a work tool. So whatever you get for trade-in is just gravy

You describe blended town and Interstate use. On the interstate at high speed you won't be saving much if anything. But in the city or suburbs or in stop and go traffic, the hybrid with regenerative braking and e-assist should use WAY less fuel than the EB does. And it's Florida so there are no hills to worry about being low on power ...

Also e-CVTs are simpler and generally more reliable than conventional automatics.

"I just want better mileage" if that's your priority, there's only one way to go

 

[thevol]

If im reading this correctly the two things that failed (outside of the rear main) are the RDU and the half shafts. Pretty sure the awd hybrid uses the same two parts.. You may want to look at a ranger or something with a beefier drivetrain for daily towing.

 

[Cherokee]

David, consider this,
Fleet rules apply to your truck. It's a work truck, the rules are simple. Every commercial fleet of what ever vehicles, box trucks, mini vans, pickup's, Tractor Trailer combos, all of them.

Are generally held onto thustley :
Not counting regular services, oil, tires, filters, shocks, wipers.
When repairs reach 50% of the original cost of the vehicle they are taken out of service or sold.

Odd example,
$30,000 work truck, $15,000 Is the repair limit.
$8,000 for an engine, that leaves $7,000
$6,000 for a Transmission, that leaves $1,000
Rear end failure, $2,000, Oops ! the truck is reviewed carefully and often parked permanently.
Held onto because of the newer engine and or tranny.

Your Maverick Is still doing the Job. You don't fire your right hand man If he works hard every day.
3 years old and 49,000 miles, Guess what.
That truck is still worth exactly what you paid for it, to you.
Lets assume your paid off. or not matters little.
You will likely get another Three years and another 49,000 miles.

Now what's that Maverick worth to you with 99,000 miles and still doing the job ?
Exactly what you paid for it.

Screw the gas mileage. Charge a bit more for your work. What, one percent ?

I took a 2008 Toyota Tacoma with a 2.7 Ltr 4 banger to 528,000 trouble free miles with about 150,000 of that pulling a 2,100 pound Iridium Trailer, a 5x8 enclosed.
In Central Florida, Interstate and city. I did roughly 90,000 miles a year and when the compression started dropping it was over.

I got, $1,000 trade in on an F-150 but lost $20,000 on the Taco, because that's what I paid for it.
Depreciation Pfft, words in a bank, Insurance company and a salesman's vocabulary.

528,000 miles over five and a half years grossing $85,000 a year. My Net was roughly $55,000 a year. Plus I got a 56 cents per mile deduction so the taco and the next truck were both basically free. Per the Tax codes and Earned Income Credit.

 

[oldblue]

David, consider this,
Fleet rules apply to your truck. It's a work truck, the rules are simple. Every commercial fleet of what ever vehicles, box trucks, mini vans, pickup's, Tractor Trailer combos, all of them.

Are generally held onto thustley :
Not counting regular services, oil, tires, filters, shocks, wipers.
When repairs reach 50% of the original cost of the vehicle they are taken out of service or sold.

Odd example,
$30,000 work truck, $15,000 Is the repair limit.
$8,000 for an engine, that leaves $7,000
$6,000 for a Transmission, that leaves $1,000
Rear end failure, $2,000, Oops ! the truck is reviewed carefully and often parked permanently.
Held onto because of the newer engine and or tranny.

Your Maverick Is still doing the Job. You don't fire your right hand man If he works hard every day.
3 years old and 49,000 miles, Guess what.
That truck is still worth exactly what you paid for it, to you.
Lets assume your paid off. or not matters little.
You will likely get another Three years and another 49,000 miles.

Now what's that Maverick worth to you with 99,000 miles and still doing the job ?
Exactly what you paid for it.

Screw the gas mileage. Charge a bit more for your work. What, one percent ?

I took a 2008 Toyota Tacoma with a 2.7 Ltr 4 banger to 528,000 trouble free miles with about 150,000 of that pulling a 2,100 pound Iridium Trailer, a 5x8 enclosed.
In Central Florida, Interstate and city. I did roughly 90,000 miles a year and when the compression started dropping it was over.

I got, $1,000 trade in on an F-150 but lost $20,000 on the Taco, because that's what I paid for it.
Depreciation Pfft, words in a bank, Insurance company and a salesman's vocabulary.

528,000 miles over five and a half years grossing $85,000 a year. My Net was roughly $55,000 a year. Plus I got a 56 cents per mile deduction so the taco and the next truck were both basically free. Per the Tax codes and Earned Income Credit.

Cherokee,

I read, and I think I must heed your wise words.

My Mav is a good truck. I had not thought it through so completely as you beautifully described in your comment. But you are right. I was really thinking about the 8F35, which cost $3500 at the dealer. There is a lot more to it than the transmission.

I've got $3500. It wouldn't harm me. And I've got no payment.
And I've no real proof that the 8 speed is a bad gearbox, I've read and heard negative comments- but people don't generally rave about their awesome transmission.

So I'll likely just keep the 2022 XL AWD 4k truck. And buy parts for a while when needed.

I think what I really need is a larger gas tank. That would be so nice.

 

[Cherokee]

Buy the extended warranty.
I did.
Now I can Fagetaboutit :XD

 

[Cherokee]

Flush that Tranny every 50,000 miles max,
Add an Intercooler, no more than 12,000 btu's for Florida.
Watch you fluid, smell it, pink is In.

 

[oldblue]

Flush that Tranny every 50,000 miles max,
Add an Intercooler, no more than 12,000 btu's for Florida.
Watch you fluid, smell it, pink is In.

Thank you. Very much appreciated advice.

 

[tkammen270]

What springs did you put in the back of your truck? I have a topper on my truck and noticed it's sagging a bit.

Sponsored