There’s something deeply satisfying about taking a road trip across America – watching landscapes shift, exploring small towns, and living out of your truck for a few unforgettable days. That’s exactly what I did on my recent journey from Arizona to Lake Michigan behind the wheel of my Ford Maverick.
Compact, capable, and surprisingly versatile, the Maverick proved itself as the ideal travel companion on this cross-country adventure. Here’s how I prepared the truck, what I brought with me, and how the RetraxPRO MX tonneau cover kept everything safe from desert dust to Midwestern thunderstorms.
Getting the Maverick Road-Trip Ready
Although the Ford Maverick is one of the most efficient and road-trip-friendly trucks in its class, I didn’t want to take any chances before a journey that spanned over 1,800 miles. So, preparation was step one:
- Full maintenance check-up at my local Ford service center – oil change, brake inspection, air filters, and spark plugs.
- All-season tires inspection – to handle the mix of terrain and weather from Arizona’s desert to the unpredictable skies near Lake Michigan.
- Windshield washer fluid and new wiper blades – a must for insect-splattered highways and mountain rains.
- Emergency kit – jumper cables, air compressor, flashlight, first-aid supplies, and a tow strap.
- With the basics handled, I moved on to outfitting the truck with accessories that would make the journey more comfortable, organized, and secure.
Smart Accessories That Made All the Difference
One of the highlights of driving a truck like the Maverick is the flexible storage space. But to truly make it road-trip-ready, I equipped it with a few essentials:
RetraxPRO MX Tonneau Cover
At the top of my list was the RetraxPRO MX retractable truck bed cover. Built from heavy-duty aluminum slats with a sleek matte-black finish, it gave me both security and weather protection for all my cargo. Whether I was parked at a scenic overlook or in an overnight motel lot, I had peace of mind knowing my gear was locked up tight.
The cover was especially handy when unexpected rain rolled through Kansas. Everything inside – luggage, camera gear, camping supplies – remained bone dry. The RetraxPRO MX also handled desert dust storms like a champ while driving through northern New Mexico.
Modular Bed Storage System
To stay organized, I used stackable storage bins and a sliding drawer system in the bed. One held cooking gear and a compact grill; another stored tools, blankets, and food supplies. I could access them easily thanks to the Retrax cover’s smooth-glide retraction.
Tech Essentials in the Cab
Inside the cab, I relied on a few small upgrades that made a big difference:
- Magnetic phone mount for maps and hands-free calls;
- Dual-port USB-C charger for quick top-ups;
- Foldable sunshade for cabin cooling during pit stops;
- And of course, a solid playlist downloaded in advance helped pass the time across long desert stretches.
The Route: From Canyons to Coastlines
Leaving from Flagstaff, Arizona, I made my way through the sandstone canyons of Utah and into the golden plains of Colorado and Nebraska. I stopped to explore quirky roadside diners, state parks, and quiet mountain towns – a mix of adventure and serenity that you only get on the road.
Crossing into the Midwest, I was met with sprawling fields, charming small towns, and eventually, the cool blue expanse of Lake Michigan. The contrast between Arizona’s arid landscapes and the lush greenery around the lake was striking.
Arriving at Lake Michigan
Finally arriving at Sleeping Bear Dunes on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan felt like reaching another world. I spent a few days exploring the dunes, kayaking along the coast, and unwinding on the beach. The Maverick handled the transition from highway to soft sand trails with ease.
And thanks to the RetraxPRO MX tonneau cover, I never once had to worry about security or weather ruining my supplies. Whether I was camping lakeside or grabbing dinner in town, everything stayed protected and out of sight.
This road trip proved that you don’t need a full-size truck to take on a big adventure. The Ford Maverick, with the right setup and accessories, was more than up to the challenge. And the RetraxPRO MX tonneau cover was the MVP of the trip – tough, secure, and incredibly convenient.
From the red rock deserts of Arizona to the freshwater waves of Lake Michigan, this journey was a reminder that sometimes the best way to explore is by truck, one mile at a time.
