The Ford Maverick has consistently surprised many with its capabilities, blurring the lines between compact trucks and their larger counterparts. Owners are continually testing its limits, from hauling impressive payloads of logs and mulch to tackling challenging terrains. However, one recent event truly pushed the boundaries: a Maverick owner decided to tow a significantly heavier Chevy Silverado 2500, and the story is quite remarkable.
It’s crucial to preface this by stating that such activities are generally not recommended and can be dangerous. This particular truck-trailer-truck combination was significantly overweight. Weighing in at approximately 12,500 pounds, the Ford Maverick, with a curb weight of around 3,700 pounds, was towing well over its official towing capacity. The trailer and the Silverado itself accounted for roughly 8,800 pounds – more than double the Maverick’s maximum rated towing capacity of 4,000 pounds. This extraordinary feat was initially shared in the Overloaded Facebook group, highlighting the sheer audacity of the attempt.
David Reza's Ford Maverick and Chevy Silverado on a scale
David Reza’s Ford Maverick on a scale with a Chevy Silverado, showcasing an overweight towing scenario.
David Reza, the Maverick owner, recounted his admittedly risky towing experience, which involved hauling the Chevrolet for about seven miles across gravel and asphalt roads. Despite the obvious overload, Reza admitted, “It went way better than expected. Trailer brakes were locking up at like 3.5 or 4.0, so we had insanely low stopping distances.” While he found a silver lining in the braking performance, it’s generally safer to have more controlled and gradual stops, especially under normal towing conditions.
The Maverick in question was equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This power is distributed to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Crucially, it also featured the 4K Tow package, which includes a factory trailer brake controller. Although the EcoBoost Maverick is designed for more demanding tasks compared to the hybrid version, towing a load of this magnitude was far beyond its intended design parameters.
The Ford Maverick is built on Ford’s C2 platform, shared with crossovers like the Escape and Bronco Sport. Among these vehicles, the Maverick boasts the highest towing capacity. Ford engineers have emphasized the rigorous durability testing the Maverick underwent. However, it’s important to remember that its foundation is still a car-based platform, not a traditional body-on-frame truck chassis typically associated with heavy-duty towing.
Ford Maverick towing a Chevy Silverado
Ford Maverick impressively towing a full-size Chevy Silverado, despite exceeding its recommended towing capacity.
While Reza didn’t attempt to reach highway speeds with this substantial load, he estimated reaching 55 mph on straight stretches of road. The majority of the journey took place on lightly trafficked local roads, negating the need for higher speeds. Interestingly, Reza mentioned that this was the only towing experience he had with his Maverick before trading it in for a 2022 Ford F-150 with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine. This upgrade suggests a recognition of the Maverick’s limitations when it comes to serious towing tasks and a move towards a vehicle better suited for heavier loads.
In conclusion, while the Ford Maverick demonstrated surprising resilience in towing a significantly overweight load, it’s essential to adhere to the manufacturer’s stated towing capacity for safety and vehicle longevity. The Maverick’s official towing capacity is designed to ensure safe handling, braking, and overall vehicle performance. Overloading can lead to compromised safety, potential vehicle damage, and voided warranties. This anecdote serves as an interesting, albeit extreme, example of the Maverick’s unexpected robustness, but it should not be interpreted as an endorsement for exceeding its recommended towing limits. Always consult your owner’s manual and prioritize safe towing practices.
