Can the 2022 Ford Maverick Tow a Camper Trailer?

It’s a new small truck for a new generation of drivers, but can the Ford Maverick tow an RV trailer?

Many trucks can handle RV trailers, but certainly not all.

Let’s find out if this much-anticipated addition to the Ford family has the power to take us camping.

What Is the Ford Maverick?

The Maverick is Ford’s new small pickup truck. Some folks may remember a compact car with the same name in the 1970s, but this is a different animal entirely.

The recently unveiled 2022 Ford Maverick has a hybrid powertrain and a starting price of $19,995. It has a short bed that’s only 4.5 feet, but it’s long on legroom. It can comfortably seat three backseat passengers. It’s tempting to think of the Maverick as a downsized Ranger or F-150.

In some ways, however, it’s more like a cargo-carrying Ford Escape.

The low-profile, unibody truck comes in three different trims, the XL, the XLT, and the Lariat. The standard trucks are FWD with a 2.5L, four-cylinder engine combined with a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

You can upgrade to a turbocharged 2.0L engine that provides 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The Maverick boasts up to 40 mpg in the city and 500 miles on a tank of gas.

What Is the Ford Maverick’s Towing Capacity?

The standard Ford Maverick tow capacity is 2,000 pounds. However, the amount doubles to 4,000 pounds with AWD models equipped with the turbo engine and a towing package.

The package also includes an improved engine cooling system, trailer brake controller, hitch receiver, and a seven-pin wiring harness.

Can the 2022 Ford Maverick Pull a Camper Trailer? 

The Maverick is capable of towing some RV trailers. They’re going to be on the smaller and lighter side, however, and you’re going to need that optional tow package.

Be mindful of the fact that, for safety’s sake, you’ll want to steer clear of the maximum towing capacity. Most RVers try not to exceed 80% of their vehicle’s total towing capacity.

That means the Maverick’s limit actually maxes out at 3,200 pounds.

What Kind of RV Can It Tow? 

That lower and more realistic limit is going to reduce the number of camper options you have. Thankfully, there’s a trend in the RV industry toward smaller and more lightweight camper trailers right now.

We can easily see a new Ford Maverick pulling a nicely appointed teardrop trailer or maybe a small travel trailer. 

Another option for Maverick owners is the time-tested pop-up camper. They weigh less than other RV trailers because they have collapsible sides made from canvas or a similar material. Unfortunately, they don’t have as many amenities as larger trailers, and storage is severely lacking, too.

Pro Tip: Before you go, know how much you can tow! This is how to How to Find Towing Capacity for Your Truck Or SUV.

Can the Ford Maverick Pull a Fifth Wheel?

Unfortunately, the Ford Maverick can’t tow a fifth wheel. They’re much bigger and bulkier, with a dry weight that averages around 12,500 pounds.

You’ll need a much more powerful truck than a Maverick to safely move a fifth wheel safely.

Can the Maverick Carry a Truck Camper? 

At first glance, it seems that the 4.5-foot truck bed might be a bit small to accommodate a truck camper. However, with the tailgate down, the bed expands to six feet.

In that case, your challenge becomes finding a truck camper that comes in under the Maverick’s payload capacity of 1,500 pounds.

This could be tough to achieve, especially considering you need to factor in the weight of your other cargo, including the driver and passengers.

Will the New Ford Maverick Make a Good Tow Vehicle? 

The Maverick has some cool innovations, and we love its price tag. It’s roomy, offers a smooth, comfortable ride, and can carry lots of cargo and passengers. It gets great gas mileage, too. In short, the Ford Maverick is a good tow vehicle as long as a small trailer suits your style.

Can You Use a Truck Bed Tent with the Maverick?

If you want to go even more minimal, a tent camper is another option. Tent camps are tents that secure inside the truck bed. They shelter you from the elements and let you sleep on a flat, level surface that’s off the ground.

On the positive side, they’re extremely economical and allow you to get into more remote places.

They have their disadvantages, too. There’s no bathroom or kitchen, and you have to take them down before you drive off from the campsite.

Pro Tip: No RV? No problem! This is How To Truck Bed Camp.

Ford Maverick Not a Heavy Hitter

The new Ford Maverick has a lot going for it, but let’s face it: it’s no workhorse. The Ford Maverick’s tow ratings are impressive for a small truck but not enough to make it an ideal tow vehicle.

Whether the Maverick makes up for its shortcomings in other areas depends on your specific needs and lifestyle.

What do you like most about the Ford Maverick?

Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA

To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).

You should give it a try!

As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.

Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site! 

We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: