Auto show - Ford Expedition Max

Chief T · 04-14-2018, 05:35 PM

Sorry if this is long, but felt I should share the experience.

The auto show roll rolled through town this weekend. We're looking to upgrade from our 03 GMC Sierra regular cab, short bed w/4.8l. I'll preface this that what ever we get next will be DWs daily driver. Our TT is 4k dry (yeah, yeah, dry weight is for suckers). She came along since she should have a say in the matter. She says that she'll trust my ultimate decision, but hers is just as important.

We only looked at trucks and full size SUVs. The journey started out in the GM section. Tahoe/Suburban was eliminated. She really liked the GM 3/4 tons, sat high in the seat and comfy. She didn't care for the 1/2 tons. Didn't sit as high in the seat. Glanced at the Nissan and Toyota only.

Next the Ram. Didn't like the interior as much as the GMs. I advised that the Rams are the cheapest (in price) of the Big 3.

Ford was next and last on the journey. The F250 was impressive, but she liked the GMs better. They had 3 F150s with the EcoBoost engine. I advised the EB engine is a turbo and doesn't loose engine power as elevation increases. We live in the high desert, so our starting out point is at 5.5k in elevation. She understood and acknowledged that the EB would make sense for us. THEN... there was the Ford Expedition Max. She spent more time looking over the Expy than all other vehicles combined.

We discussed briefly, and she eliminated the Ram. So we looked over the GM 3/4 tons again and really, really liked them. Then we looked over the Ford's again. She like the 3.5 EB over the F250. So now we're down to the 150 EB and the Expedition Max EB. Decision, decisions.

On the way out of the convention center, Ford was offering Free test drives. So we test drove an Expedition and an F150. The F150 only had the 2.7 EB. DW and I were like "wow" that the Expedition was such a smooth ride and very comfortable. Next was the 150 w/2.7 EB and to be honest it was kinda blah. I'm sure a 150 w/3.5 EB would make a difference, but she fell in love with the Expedition.

So, I'm kinda thinking that an Expedition Max might be in our future. Can get an Expy with Max Tow Pkg w/integrated brake controller, trailer back-up assist and 3.73 gears. Payload really isn't a concern since it's just the two of us. I've seen online the XLT w/around 1660lbs payload. Plenty for us. Max tow rating is 9K. Again, plenty for us.

Sorry for the long thread, but a happy wife is a happy life.

Safe and happy travels.

thebrakeman · 04-14-2018, 09:26 PM

FYI, for just the 2 of you, why do you consider the MAX version (used to be called "EL"). The standard Expy will have all the same specs (both up to 9000 lbs MAX towing and 15,000 GCVWR), but with so much less sheet medal, and the extended frame, you'll end up with more payload capacity. As most people know, it's payload that will limit you, especially in the 1/2-ton market (which includes the Expy). You still get the same 3-row seating.

Chief T · 04-16-2018, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

FYI, for just the 2 of you, why do you consider the MAX version (used to be called "EL"). The standard Expy will have all the same specs (both up to 9000 lbs MAX towing and 15,000 GCVWR), but with so much less sheet medal, and the extended frame, you'll end up with more payload capacity. As most people know, it's payload that will limit you, especially in the 1/2-ton market (which includes the Expy). You still get the same 3-row seating.

A very valid point, but from what I've read on this forum the longer wheelbase will handle better with the TT.

Safe and happy travels.

tomkatb · 04-16-2018, 10:17 AM

My wife fell in love with the Ram 2500 Laramie diesel short bed.

Can't wipe the silly smile off her face. Sits really high. Sounds like a diesel.

Mileage is 12+ pulling 15,000 pounds.

20's when behaving on the highway. 18 mpg at 75-80

She disliked the Chevrolet and Ford.

jbrosecity · 04-16-2018, 02:06 PM

I see the Expedition is now on the towable list with no restrictions so that is probably a sound choice. I love Ford. We have been towing an 09 Suburban LTZ for years and loved it. Easy to set up for towing without restriction if it has the 2 speed transfer case. And it served us well for towing the boat and my sports car's enclosed trailer as well. But it was getting a little long in the tooth so we were looking at new(er) options. Stumbled onto the Dodge Durango R/T and fell in love with a 2016 with super lo miles. The hemi witth 365 HP and 395 torque makes it a very capable tow vehicle and though it is smaller in size than the Burb, it actually has significantly more room up front for driver and passenger. Amazing. And it is great for flat towing as well with the 2 speed transfer case... plus it is a little lighter than the Burb. Overall we are very pleased with our choice. In sport mode around town it drives like a sports car... and pretty to look at as well

Captn.Ken · 04-16-2018, 03:49 PM

Just from experience--I use a 2015 Expedition with the 3.5 eco engine. I tow a 27 ft 2018 Airstream. The Ford performs flawlessly. Prior to this trailer, I hauled a Surveyor SP220 all over the place. Thousand of miles with the Ford. I like the trailer mode you can select with a button on the shift column. It not only controls the transmission but engages engine braking for downhill braking assistance. Saves my brake linings and keeps things controllable. I would replace my Expedition with another and no other brand. Plus I like the fact that Ford did not need the government bailout a few years ago. They stood strong.

camper70 · 04-16-2018, 04:17 PM

I wish I could afford a new Expy My DW is not a truck person. We replaced our 2005 Explorer with a 2013 Ford F-150 to tow our recently purchased Coachman Apex at about 4900 lbs dry. It has the 3.5l ecoboost and pulls the trailer fine. It is only us also. The Explorer was here everyday drive and she is not happy with the car. She misses her Explorer.

Chief T · 04-16-2018, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captn.Ken

Just from experience--I use a 2015 Expedition with the 3.5 eco engine. I tow a 27 ft 2018 Airstream. The Ford performs flawlessly. Prior to this trailer, I hauled a Surveyor SP220 all over the place. Thousand of miles with the Ford. I like the trailer mode you can select with a button on the shift column. It not only controls the transmission but engages engine braking for downhill braking assistance. Saves my brake linings and keeps things controllable. I would replace my Expedition with another and no other brand. Plus I like the fact that Ford did not need the government bailout a few years ago. They stood strong.

Capt'n, thanks for sharing.

Chief T · 04-16-2018, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camper70

I wish I could afford a new Expy My DW is not a truck person. We replaced our 2005 Explorer with a 2013 Ford F-150 to tow our recently purchased Coachman Apex at about 4900 lbs dry. It has the 3.5l ecoboost and pulls the trailer fine. It is only us also. The Explorer was here everyday drive and she is not happy with the car. She misses her Explorer.

Completely understand. Expeditions depreciate much faster than the F150s. A gently used 1-year old Expy is much more affordable.

Safe and happy travels.

SailorSam20500 · 04-16-2018, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief T

A very valid point, but from what I've read on this forum the longer wheelbase will handle better with the TT.

Safe and happy travels.

Sort of the same discussion. I recently swapped a 2016 F-150 SCrew 157" WB for a 2018 F-150 SCrew 145" WB. I was worried about how the new truck would handle my trailer. Well, after 5K miles towing so far in the new truck, I will say there is a MARGINAL increase in porpoising. Enough that it was initially noticeable when we thought about it, I asked my DW what she thought and she said "yah, a little bit". Not really a big deal. Otherwise, I haven't noticed any other change.

I will also add that the seats in the Platinum trim level are WONDERFUL. Turning on the massage after sitting for a while extends my driving distance significantly.

YMMV

Chief T · 04-16-2018, 10:41 PM

Thanks SailorSam. Very insightful. Btw... what is YMMV?

**ependydad** · 04-16-2018, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief T

Btw... what is YMMV?

Your Mileage May Vary.

Ron045 · 04-18-2018, 04:28 PM

Chief T -. We have the Navigator L which is just an Ford in disguise. We love it for towing. You and your wife will love the Expedition Max.

The 3.5 EB does a good job.

Good luck.
Ron

Camping-man · 04-20-2018, 08:38 AM

I have a 2007 Expedition with the 5.4L, is an eddie Bauer. I tow a roo 23IKSS, and the expedition does a great job. we do have a husky WDH and that helps keep the trailer and truck level. the new expedition with the EB engine has way more power and torque than my 5.4L for a family of 2, I also recommend the short wheel base expedition. get a good hitch, make sure your TV and TT are level and enjoy camping!!!!

Ron045 · 04-20-2018, 02:31 PM

This may help you with your Ford choice. Watch this video. You might think the GMC 6.2 would blow EB 3.5 away, but there was no clear winner. Although they compare the GMC to the Lincoln, the only difference is the Ford has 3.73 gears vice Lincoln 4.10. The Ford also has the integrated brake controller which might be a plus.
https://youtu.be/Q3fjr1G60G8

thebrakeman · 04-23-2018, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief T

A very valid point, but from what I've read on this forum the longer wheelbase will handle better with the TT.

Safe and happy travels.

That's interesting. The towing thread is the only place I hang, and I don't think I've ever heard anyone compare handling between standard and long WB Expy. Plus or minus.

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