Is the Ford Maverick a Good Truck for Sign Post Installation Businesses?
If you’re in the business of real estate signpost installation, you know your vehicle isn’t just for transportation—it’s a mobile workshop. You need a truck that’s efficient, practical, and cost-effective. With gas prices rising and profit margins tight, it’s no surprise that many sign installers are exploring compact hybrid trucks. One truck getting a lot of attention is the Ford Maverick. But is it really a viable option for signpost installation?
We spoke with Martin from Real Estate Post Sign Installation LLC, a long-time SignTraker affiliate who operates a busy signpost installation business in Florida. He shared his firsthand experience using the 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid XL—not just one, but two of them—for daily operations. Here’s what we learned.
Fuel Efficiency: A Major Cost Saver
According to Martin, the fuel savings have been dramatic.
“Most of my older trucks, like my Toyota Tacoma or GMC pickup, cost me about $38 a day in fuel. With the Maverick, I’m spending about $20 to $22 a day. And the tank’s only 13.9 gallons!”
He reports averaging around 36 miles per gallon, thanks in part to smart driving habits like using regenerative braking and cruise control. The EPA estimate is 38 mpg, and Martin says it’s achievable—or even beatable—if you drive smart.
Modifications: Simple and Affordable
Martin has made two key customizations to his Mavericks:
A Rack System: He uses a Vevor Extendable Steel Truck Ladder Rack (800-lb capacity), purchased for $114.99 on Amazon. He added custom welds for extra support to prevent the rack from flexing under load. This helps keep the signposts secure and stable during transport.
Custom Seat Covers: Martin highly recommends Mabett seat covers ($249), which are tailored specifically for the Ford Maverick and look like factory upholstery.
“You’d think they came stock with the truck. I’ve had people tell me my Maverick looks like a limited edition just because of the seats.”
He also uses the bed’s built-in slots to insert 2x4s that prevent ground stakes from sliding forward and has added storage bins in the bed’s side pockets for cleaning supplies and tools.
Cargo Capacity: Slightly Less, But Manageable
The Ford Maverick is not a full-size truck, so naturally, it carries fewer posts than some larger models.
“In the Tacoma or GMC, I could haul 14 posts. In the Maverick, it’s a comfortable 11 posts across the back, maybe 12 if I squeeze. But that’s usually enough for my average of seven installs per day.”
Martin acknowledges that the smaller bed means more planning is required—especially on days with many removals. But with SignTraker’s routing and scheduling features, he can plan routes that start with removals, freeing up space for installs later in the day.
Daily Operations: Practical and Streamlined
Martin keeps his setup clean and efficient. He carries:
• Bleach spray and oxalic acid spray (similar to RustAid) to clean posts on the fly.
• A five-gallon bucket with scrubbers, gloves, and bags.
• A white towel-wrapped rack to prevent scratches.
He emphasizes that the key to maximizing the Maverick’s potential is route planning and adapting your habits:
“Your driving style has to change. You use regenerative braking to put energy into the battery. Then you use that energy instead of gas. If you don’t learn that, you’ll miss out on savings.”
Reliability: Two Trucks, Zero Problems
Martin currently operates two 2024 Ford Mavericks. Between them, he’s logged over 50,000 miles with no major issues.
“I’d buy it again in a heartbeat. If these trucks go 100,000 miles trouble-free, I’ll absolutely buy more.”
He notes that 2024 models are more reliable than earlier versions, some of which had recalls. The 2025 version features a redesigned front, but Martin sticks with the 2024 model for proven performance.
Final Verdict
So, is the Ford Maverick a good truck for signpost installation?
Yes—if you’re willing to adapt. With excellent fuel economy, solid reliability, and the right customizations, the Maverick can be a powerful and cost-saving tool for sign installers. While its smaller bed requires a bit more planning, SignTraker’s scheduling and routing tools help overcome that easily.
Questions About the Ford Maverick?
If you’re considering switching your fleet or just want to know more about how the Maverick performs in real-world signpost installation, Martin is happy to help. Reach out to Martin at (561) 440-7446. He’s open to answering questions and sharing insights about his setup, modifications, and best practices.
For additional information on SignTraker’s real estate sign tracking and real estate sign installation software, or how to join SignTraker’s network of professional sign installers throughout the United States and Canada, contact Douglas Deist, Vice President, Marketing and Technology, at 443-938-9178 Ext 2.
SignTraker Technologies LLC is a privately held sign installation service software provider located in Gaithersburg, MD. The company supplies cloud-based mobile software, consulting, and durable products to companies and real estate firms interested in providing a superior ordering and sign marketing experience for their stakeholders. For additional information, contact sales@signtraker.com.
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