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Mastering the Tow: A Practical Guide for Your Ford Maverick

The Ford Maverick has quickly established itself as a versatile compact pickup, offering a compelling blend of fuel efficiency, utility, and surprising capability. For many owners, its towing prowess is a significant draw, enabling weekend adventures and practical hauling tasks. This guide delves into the essentials of towing with your Ford Maverick, covering hitch options, critical weight distribution principles, and vital safety tips to ensure a secure and efficient towing experience.

Hitch Options and Towing Capacity

Understanding the foundation of your Maverick's towing capability begins with its hitch options. From the factory, the Ford Maverick typically offers two main configurations:

• Standard Hitch: Many Maverick models come equipped with a Class I or Class II hitch receiver as standard or as a standalone option, generally supporting up to 2,000 lbs of towing capacity. This is suitable for smaller trailers, utility trailers, or light recreational equipment like jet skis or small ATVs.
• 4K Tow Package: For those requiring more substantial towing, the available 4K Tow Package is essential. This package upgrades the Maverick with a Class III hitch receiver, a trailer brake controller wiring, a transmission oil cooler, and a unique radiator, boosting the maximum towing capacity to an impressive 4,000 lbs. This package is crucial for towing larger campers, boats, or heavier utility trailers. When considering a 2026 Ford Maverick for towing, verifying the presence of this package is paramount for maximizing its potential.

Always consult your specific vehicle's owner's manual and the sticker on your hitch receiver for exact towing capacities, as these can vary based on trim level, powertrain (hybrid vs. EcoBoost), and specific equipment.

Weight Distribution: The Key to Stability

Proper weight distribution is not just a recommendation; it's a critical safety measure that significantly impacts handling, braking, and overall stability while towing. Neglecting it can lead to dangerous trailer sway and loss of control.

• Tongue Weight: This is the downward force exerted by the trailer's coupler on the hitch ball of your Maverick. The ideal tongue weight should be between 10% and 15% of the total loaded trailer weight. Too little tongue weight can cause the trailer to sway excessively, while too much can overload the rear of your Maverick, lifting the front wheels and negatively affecting steering and braking.
• Payload Capacity: Remember that anything you put in the truck bed, passengers in the cabin, and the tongue weight of the trailer all count towards your Maverick's total payload capacity. Exceeding this limit can compromise safety and vehicle performance.
• Weight Distribution Hitches: For heavier loads, especially those approaching the 4,000 lbs limit or with significant tongue weight, a weight distribution hitch can be highly beneficial. These hitches use spring bars to distribute a portion of the tongue weight from the rear axle of the tow vehicle to its front axle and to the trailer axles, resulting in a more level ride and improved stability.
• Trailer Loading: Load your trailer with about 60% of the cargo weight in the front half of the trailer. Secure all items to prevent shifting during transit.

Essential Towing Safety Tips

Towing introduces new dynamics to driving, requiring heightened awareness and preparation. Adhering to these safety tips will help ensure a smooth and secure journey:

• Pre-Trip Inspection: Before every tow, check your trailer's tires (including the spare), lights (brake, turn signals, running lights), brakes, and safety chains. Ensure the hitch connection is secure and the coupler is properly latched and locked. Verify that the electrical connection is clean and functional.
• Tire Pressure: Maintain correct tire pressure for both your Ford Maverick and the trailer, as specified in their respective owner's manuals. Underinflated tires can lead to blowouts and instability.

Adjust Driving Habits:

1. Slower Speeds: Reduce your speed, especially on highways and winding roads. Towing at high speeds increases the risk of trailer sway and makes stopping more difficult.
2. Increased Following Distance: You'll need significantly more distance to stop when towing. Double or even triple your usual following distance.
3. Wider Turns: Trailers cut corners. Make wider turns to avoid hitting curbs or other obstacles.
4. Anticipate: Look further ahead to anticipate traffic changes, hills, and curves, giving yourself ample time to react.

• Braking: Be smooth and gradual with your braking. If your trailer has its own brakes (which is highly recommended for loads over 1,500 lbs), ensure the trailer brake controller is properly adjusted.
• Trailer Sway Control: The Ford Maverick, particularly the 2026 Ford Maverick and earlier models, often includes Trailer Sway Control as part of its stability systems. This feature can automatically apply individual wheel brakes and/or reduce engine power to help mitigate trailer sway. However, it's a corrective measure, not a substitute for proper loading.
• Mirrors: Ensure your side mirrors provide a clear view along the sides of your trailer. Extendable towing mirrors can be a valuable accessory.
• Practice: If you're new to towing, practice in a safe, open area before heading out on public roads. Practice turning, backing up, and braking.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep your Maverick well-maintained, especially its brakes, transmission, and cooling system, as towing puts additional strain on these components.

Conclusion

The Ford Maverick is an exceptionally capable compact truck, and with the right equipment and knowledge, it can be an excellent towing companion. By understanding hitch options, meticulously managing weight distribution, and adhering to crucial safety practices, you can confidently and safely utilize your Maverick's full towing potential, whether you own an earlier model or are looking forward to the capabilities of the 2026 Ford Maverick.

Written for Vehicles for Sale near Des Moines , by the USA TODAY Network Automotive Insights team, in collaboration with Moffitt's Ford