I was wrong. THIS is the perfect tow vehicle for Class B+ RVs like Leisure Travel Vans
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- Опубліковано 2 чер 2024
- In this third video about the topic of "best tow vehicle for a Leisure Travel Van (or Airstream Atlas, Winnebago View / Navion, Tiffin Wayfarer) I find, what I think, is the perfect tow vehicle for my Leisure Travel Van.
The Ford Maverick is a compact truck that is lightweight, flat towable with the hybrid engine and has a truck bed perfect for hauling camping gear.
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Yes! We ordered our Maverick at the end of September to use with our 2021 LTV MB. Best guess on delivery is April or May. One thing that makes towing setup and execution easier with Fords is having push button start. If you have this, there's no need to keep the key in the ignition's accessory position. We flat towed a Focus Titanium (with push button start) behind a diesel pusher we previously owned and it was very simple and trouble free. We went with a Lariat package for the SINC system with bluetooth connectivity and navigation. I've seen and sat in a factory demo XLT Maverick in September. The cab is more roomy and comfortable than the heavier Ford Ranger Supercrew. That was a huge surprise.
Wow, that's great. Wish I had that info before I filmed, as that's a huge benefit. Congrats on the purchase and hope you get it sooner rather than later!
Well if you ordered yours in September you just got in on the end of the 2022 models. They have stopped production and are not taking orders for the hybrid model. They stopped production and taking orders in October to the beginning of November. The orders that are placed now will be for 2023 models. And they don’t know when they’ll start taking those orders and producing the hybrid model again
Thanks for the explanation of gvwr and gcvwr as I passed up a deal today for a Winnebago view because the low occc. The seller was using the gcvwr to make the sell to us. I’m glad I saw your video as it clarified the low occc on the Mercedes’ chassis. Congrats on your new rig. ❤️
That's great, glad it helped!
Great session(as usual). You cover all the things I’m interested in while I await my 2022Leisure FX.
That's great. You will love the FX
I can not just thank you enough for this video . I feel as if you could read our minds as RViers. Great 👍 video , excellent recommendation. 👌
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks 🙏 for your help on proper two vehicles.
Glad to help!
I finally got my 2022 Unity TB and your video is perfect timing. I had started to look at Crosstrek and didn't like it. I have the F150 Hybrid so it would be cute to have the baby. (Maverick). Thanks for your information. I'm looking forward to your service video.
Great! I have a F350 and an F150, so the Maverick will be a nice little ornament for them, lol
Wow, hold on! The "New" perfect tow vehicle for you and me (with a Tiffin Wayfarer) having similar weight as your LTV is a Buick Encore GX AWD. It comes with 9 speed automatic, AWD, 3,200 lbs and totally flat towable. Compact SUV and It looks sharp also. I just purchased a new 2023 and having Blue Ox towing system installed this week. This set-up gives me an extra 1,000 lbs of cargo carrying weight in the Toad and an automatic transmission.
Cool, gonna check that out
Hey thats looks like a great option as I own a F350 Limited and love it so going to a wonder, and a hybrid triuck sounds perfect for what we plan on doing. We live in northwestern ontario one of the most beatiful spots west of the rockies in my opion. I thank you for you knowledge and blog and hopefully every thing being equal I too will be showing off my part of the world with some wonderful video photorgaphy. cheers.
You have some beautiful country up there!
absolutely correct...plus the fuel efficiency, utility and it s Ford
Great MPGs
I ordered the Maverick Hybrid Lariat in October. Hope to get it before we retire next September so we can tow it behind our LTV UMB. By the way….we currently take out Solo Stove Bonfire in the UMB rear exterior storage. It fits and we love it. No smoke and all 100% ash when it goes out.
Ah, jealous. We have such small outdoor storage in the FX
My research has shown that the Lariat is over 5000 pounds which exceeds Sprinter towing capacity, is that true?
Absolutely! Was ready to pull the trigger on an Escape Hybrid but the Maverick created a dilemma. Almost thankful I had surgery alive any car until sometime in December. I believe the Maverick is based on a slightly stretched Escape chassis, but bummed that Ford doesn’t offer AWD in the hybrid Maverick where they do in the Escape hybrid. Biggest issue not addressed in various UA-cam videos is rear seat comfort, so have to see if when appears on dealer lots. On the Escape, the panorama moonroof is a no-go if planning to carry anything (canoe, kayak, bike racks) on the roof as it doesn’t have the structural support discussed in manual and on a build, optional crossbars deleted when optional moonroof added. That doesn’t appear to be the case on the Maverick but it also lacks the standard rails on the Escape, so nothing for rails to connect to requiring the more basic strap clamp crossbar. From what I understand, Ford is giving preference to customer special orders over dealer orders. Starting point is with the dealer who places the order and delivers. I think Ford is testing that sales model, like well established in Europe.
I saw a review video of a pretty big guy in the back seat, and he said, it was more room than the Ranger, which is a larger vehicle. That's probably due to it being the Escape chassis. I think at this point, this is an excellent option for flat towing.
@@Pagosa That is good to hear because it was the Ranger/Colorado/Canyon that was a consistent review knock and I confirmed it sitting in those models. While not an everyday issue, as a primary driver becomes important when family visits.
Sorry to hear your coach is still in the shop awaiting repairs. One thing I’ve learned is that one needs to be able to repair problems for quick resolution and turn around.
Waiting on a RV shop just to get you in can be a long wait. Procuring parts during this era can also take a long time as well. I’m currently waiting on a Magnum inverter/charger that I’ve been told may not deliver until February. (Sigh) Between solar and a patchwork temporary fix it will keep us on the road camping until the inverter/charger gets delivered.
We’re currently towing a two door Jeep with a Blue Ox braking system. Tows and brakes really good. Still under weight limits.
Yes, but it's all good, we didn't plan any trips right now, and it should be out this week. That's great on the Jeep, was my first choice, but my FX has a pretty low OCCC, so I need something a bit lighter.
Great job as always, Brandon! Thank you.
Personally, I’d forgo the extra stuff and get a used 370z for some fun sprints away from camp. Of course I’m going to first need the Wonder Rl, expected some time next year.
Hope you get it sooner rather than later! Thanks for watching
I have my Wonder RL on order too. When did you place your order? I'm hoping that it truly is Q3/Q4 2022 for me. Cheers.
While a Jeep Wrangler is heavy(I tow a 2-door with my Unity with rear seat removed and no cargo), the fact that it is 3’ shorter than a Maverick or other small pickups, makes for better rear tracking. If I’m on a very tight, curvy road, like Highway 1 in California, I don’t have to worry about the rear of the towed getting close to the edge of the road. Makes it easy to maneuver and park when sightseeing or parking at campgrounds on shared site with motorhome. And, of course, so good off-road.
Ah, nice!
Last day to order a 2022 hybrid maverick was 11-15-2021.Ordered mine the week before.
Glad you got one!
We have a 2017 Unity FX. We currently tow a 2004 Honda Element small SUV with an automatic transmission AWD. The 2003 and 2004 models offered a transmission that allowed flat towing. The vehicle weighs 3200 lbs..and hanmam Demco auxiliary braking system. This Amy third motorhome and also my third toad. My first toad was a Saturn LX with the same transmission as the Honda. My second was a 2003 Element but two years ago, it was showing its age so I sold it. I am a below knee amputee so I needed an automatic. I looked at current choices in the latest "Dingy Towing Guide" published by Motorhome magazine and was not happy with the choices available at the time. We found man super clean 2004 Element with 78,000 miles on itmandm bought it for $10,000. Since I drive between 55-60 mph and average about n15 mpg. Works great.
Yeah the Element is a great car. A perfect choice. But its an older used car now. I kinda get the sense that this crowd are looking at getting something very nice and new to pull behind the LTV. Money does not appear to be a hurdle either.
Good pick
That's great, glad it worked out. At the end of the day, whatever you get that works is the best choice!
I ordered a hybrid Lariat in October for this reason. Should be interesting how they'll develop a base plate for the hybrid Maverick to be flat tow behind our class A.
I haven't looked yet, but I'm sure E-Trailer will have the correct system by the time it's available.
Ltv is the best hands down!
yep
I'm interested in flat towing behind our LTV but not in a big hurry to add complexity to our camping. I want to see how we use the LTV during the next year. That said, I'm looking forward to your reporting on how it works for you during the year to come.
That's a good strategy, you may not even need a tow vehicle
Wow. Great idea. I would add a locking tonneau cover for security and air stream/fuel economy.
Yes, for sure. They have a factory option, but it seemed expensive, so maybe want to do aftermarket
Great video, as usual! I was leaning toward a jeep until I saw your video.. I read online that the 2.0 L EcoBoost engine Maverick is not flat-towable. I also read that the Lariat weighs over 5,000 pounds, exceeding the max towable weight for the LTV. Can you confirm either of those?
Correct, the ecoboost is not flat towable, but the Lariat is not 5k pounds, that's light F-150 territory. The website says the Lariat still has a curb weight of 3,600 or so.
Hi Brandon. Thank you so much for your excellent videos. I have learned so much from you and feel so much more confident in buying my Unity thanks to you. Quick question on the Ford Maverick. I understand that you need a hybrid engine that is front wheel drive to flat tow. I have not been able to figure out if you can get the tow package that allows you to tow 4K instead of the standard 2K without it being a four wheel drive. Do you know the answer to this question? Thanks! Mary
So glad the videos are helpful. Unfortunately the tow package appears to be on the other engine, which is not flat towable.
@@Pagosa thanks
Great information. Does anyone know if the tow plates for the Maverick are available yet? And if so, where did you purchase it? We are looking at purchasing a Maverick for your next big trip next May.
I read that Blue Ox would have to get their hands on a Maverick to engineer, so I’m sure they will be available by the time you could actually get a Maverick.
Did you get yours ordered? I believe the cutoff was around the same day you recorded this. I'm in the "queue" for a 2023...stoked for many reasons...occasionally towing it with our 2023 Unity RL is one of the smaller ones...just a cool endeavor overall especially at 42MPG in the city!
I didn't, but plan to soon. I have a bit of an inside track with a dealer I know that has my F350 on order, so maybe he can pull some strings for me. If not, then bummer!
@@Pagosa Yes hope you score one! Since they are the only “truck” in this category, hopeful they will either ramp up production or a solid competitor will present itself…I don’t mind waiting, just want to get my order technically submitted…later in the summer is the sound of it.Thank you for doing this video though because I had no idea how useful this would be as a residential appraiser (ended up with the XLT with cruise and wheel upgrades, the safety package and still at 26K) and yes, I’m that entry level person to drive a “truck”…sounds like that is the market on this one!
Just a note to think about. Don’t forget the stuff you want to load into the tow vehicle adds weight so you can’t go crazy with what you bring.
absolutely, that's why I really don't recommend getting a Jeep at the leading edge of max weight. I think the Maverick is perfect as 300 - 400 pounds of things (if you could even get that much weight to fit) would still be totally underweight.
One thing to be aware of on the Maverick...but potentially resolved by the time one gets a Maverick delivered. Being a new vehicle, the baseplate for towing doesn't exist. While Blue Ox is silent on the issue requiring contacting them for historically the same deal as Roadmaster that has posted on website "We are actively searching for this vehicle to pattern a new baseplate. See the instructions and/or the notes below to see what is necessary for you to provide your vehicle for this project." Essentially, get a free baseplate as they use your vehicle to fabricate for their future sales. Does require taking your vehicle to their factory and leaving for about a week. Or wait and just buy one when fabricated.
I would totally do that if I could get my hands on one
Brandon, Given the hybrid Maverick is no where to be found, did you consider the Ford Escape. It is also hybrid with great mileage. It actually weighs a little less than the maverick. It costs a little more but reviews as a more comfortable ride. I'd be interested in your thoughts
Yes, same drivetrain. I haven't thought about that, as the truck is very much inline with how we want to carry extra gear. I was about to grab one, but couldn't justify the $5,000 over sticker price that was mandated. So still waiting.
@@Pagosa I called every ford dealer in Florida and there are no Mavericks to be had. So yesterday I pulled the trigger on a 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid. After one day I'm pretty impressed. Now to just wait on my FX
It appears only the hybrid version of the Maverick is flat towable and that version is only available in front wheel drive. The AWD is only available with the eco boost engine and is not flat towable. I was considering it over the Crosstrek till I found out the towable version was only available in FWD and I need the AWD for the conditions I will be driving in (some off road, snow, and ice).
Yes, then the Crosstrek would be perfect
The Sprinter, Transit & Pro van all are limited to 3500lb toad vehicle weights.
Regardless of the tow bar which says 5000 the vehicle is 3500.
!
The Leisure uses the 3500 chassis that has 7500 pounds towing. 4200 is the actual number after house is added to not exceed GCVWR of 15000. It could tow 7500 if you left it as an empty cab and chassis. There are multiple versions of the Sprinter that have different tow capacities, so you are thinking of the lowest capacity Sprintet. The Transit LTV now uses has a 6000 pound tow capacity before house is added.
What transmission did you go with? Can you give the specs on the one you ordered? I am currently looking for a towable vehicle now. Also what about a tow base plate?
The hybrid is now sold out, so prob have to wait a while to get one of these. I'm sure baseplates will be available soon for them
@@Pagosa yes, they are not taking orders but when they do start again it will be for 2023 model. Will likely cost more to. I have a Honda PCX I put on the back of RV and it’s great when weather is warm. Not so much when it’s cold. Love using it most of the time. Gets about 100 miles per gallon
Brandon: When you get the new Maverick truck, how much stuff will you be loading in the back of it?
Max payload is about 1,400 pounds which is nearly as much as my F150 Supercrew 4X4.
I won't be going with really heavy stuff, but "larger stuff". Like our camp chairs now are subcompact (the Nemo Stargazer, which I love, but we want to carry our Kelty "loveseat" camp chair), and Janet wants to take a larger table than the little roll up Coleman table we have now.
do you have to start the engine everytime you fuel like the colorado/canyon?
I'm not sure. There will be a battery draw because of the tail lights and the brake system, so I would imagine so
If was going to tow a vehicle I would not be looking in the Class B+ market for a RV. Now you have a small RV with limited towing capacity. A new RVer would be better off with a Class C with a better chassis or even a small Class A if they plan on RVing with a tow vehicle. The sprinter chassis will be very near max weight pulling anything including a Maverick. That strains the transmission which is the first item that breaks when you tow overweight. Just my opinion from 22 yrs of RV experience.
Maybe a Chevy Sonic or the smallest Toyota might work. Still limits you.
I have faith that MB builds their system accurately for towing in their specs, so don't have an issue for a sub 4,000 pound tow vehicle.
Do you have any idea
what your fuel mileage drops to when flat towing?
I’ve heard just a couple of MPGs. Not terrible
I'm just wondering where you get all the money to spend over $350,000 on a Leisure Travel Van, a new Airstream, a Ford F350, a new Ford Maverick, and take an extended trip to the UK. You must quite wealthy. Wow.
We are very fortunate for sure.
The Crosstrek gives you almost 500 pounds more carrying capacity. We’ve towed ours for over 6500 miles with no problems. IMHO, it’s a far better value.
It’l would be my first choice if automatic for sure. The wife said she doesn’t want to deal with a manual, so Mav it is!
If I understand you correctly you can't get 4WD with the hybrid so your tow vehicle cannot be 4WD - that sucks.
Correct. if you want 4x4 and within safe weight limit, my best suggestion is the Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux with Active Drive II
@@Pagosa My choice (having owned one) would be a Suzuki Samurai or a Geo Tracker - small, light and can literally go anywhere. They have manual hubs and a two speed transfer case and some have a removeable soft or hard top.
@@Hogger280 great choice
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Why can’t the wife drive the car separately?
Your's maybe. Mine? not a chance.
Sorry but your add to the confusion on class A, B C… RVs with the whole B+ reference. It’s a marketing scheme but not a real class. I know you know this. Your Unity is a Class C, that’s it end of story. I had a Wonder, Class C , our current View - Class C. UncleOrly Out
Yep, I use the marketing term to market the video and always make sure to let everyone know it’s a class C as well. The problem with small class C’s when it comes to towing is there is such a massive chasm between a class C that can tow 10,000 pounds and our class C’s that can only tow 4,200. So I think the B+ is very appropriate here
Bla Bla Bla at 7:10 its a ford maverick
Be sure to like and subscribe for more blah blah blah 😂
You can get subcompacts at about 2700lb.
For sure