Ford Maverick with Custom Camper Build Is an Overlander’s Dream
A Ford Maverick First Edition gets a custom-built slide-in camper with solar, water, and a pop-up tent—turning the compact pickup into an overland rig.
The Ford Maverick has made waves since its debut, carving out a niche as a compact, fuel-efficient pickup with plenty of versatility. Whether you go for the hybrid or the standard ICE powertrain, its size and mileage make it perfect for daily driving—but that doesn’t mean it can’t pull off bigger adventures. Case in point: Justin’s 2022 Maverick First Edition, which he transformed with a custom-built slide-in camper complete with a pop-up roof tent.
Making the Maverick Overland-Ready
Space is at a premium in the Maverick’s bed, but Justin’s build proves you don’t need a full-size rig to get the full overland experience. The camper packs a surprising amount of features into the compact footprint:
- Eight-foot sleeping platform
- Fridge, sink, stove, and portable toilet
- 400 watts of solar paired with a 100Ah lithium battery bank
- 14-gallon stainless steel water tank + 3-gallon water heater
The entire setup weighs just 700 pounds—well under the Maverick’s 1,500-lb payload capacity.
Built from Scratch
Ford encouraged DIY culture around the Maverick from the start, releasing guides to help owners customize their trucks. But with aftermarket options still catching up, Justin had to build this camper himself. Constructed from laser-cut aluminum, TIG-welded, and powder-coated for durability, the result is equal parts lightweight and rugged. The pop-up tent on top makes clever use of vertical space, turning the Maverick into a true micro-overland rig.
Style Meets Function
This Maverick isn’t just about the camper—Justin also added a 2-inch lift and wrapped all four corners in BF Goodrich rubber. The MPG drops to around 22 (below the stock 29 EPA rating), but the tradeoff is clear: a compact truck that can haul gear, support off-grid living, and look good doing it.
⚡ AutoZealot Take: Builds like this show why the Maverick is such a disruptive platform. It might not tow like an F-150 or crawl like a Bronco, but with some creativity, it’s one of the most efficient and approachable overland rigs you can build today.
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