2017 Expedition Platinum

[powerboatr]

two tone breaks up the Slab side look and tends to optically make the vehicle look smaller.

i prefer two tones.
my 92 was two tone

 

[coolzzy]

And if you want to convert to 2nd row buckets down the line, the center section seat in the middle row unbolts with 7 bolts and can be removed. I did this to my 17 to allow the kiddos easier access to the 3rd row. I just covered up the holes in the carpet and bought custom cut carpets for the Captains chairs model to completely cover the floor.

 

[ltharley]

Coolzzy, Good to know. I really wanted the buckets but had to take best value. I'll check it out.

 

[coolzzy]

Yah you can't add armrests but the kids don't care. It will expose a few big portions of the metal floor when the seat is removed. I cut up one of the second row floor mats and slipped the pieces underneath the existing carpet to cover the exposed metal. You'll have to screw the bolts back in because the holes go straight through the floor and you'll want to keep them sealed. Then I ordered the carpet kit on ebay for the bucket seat version of the truck and you'd never know. Best part is I can put the middle seat back in if more seating is needed.

 

[chuck s]

Should be lots of information on this conversion here as guys have been doing this since 2007 when the first Gen3 trucks came out. I know I posted some photos which I imagine are still here albeit buried under 10 years of debris.

You can fit arm rests and there is/was a suitable carpet cover for where the seat tracks bolt in.

-- Chuck

 

[ltharley]

Thanks Chuck, we have the buckets in our 04 Eddie Bauer and love them. I'll look into the past posts.
Dennis

 

[star-art]

Guys, if you remove your middle 2nd row seat, not only must you put the bolts back in the holes, there is also an EXTRA hole plugged by the seat that is open to the outside world once the seat is removed. This must be plugged as well or it will let in fumes and vermin. Trust me, I learned about this the hard way!

BTW, one of the nicest things about the Platinum model is the leather on the seats. It's a "premium" leather which I believe is the same as what was used on the Navigator. It definitely feels more plush and comfortable than the leather that comes in the Limited and loaded XLT models. The KR leather is probably thicker and it has a different feel. I'd consider it more "heavy duty." But, the Platinum leather feels truly luxurious to me.

 

[Bmoe]

BMoe,
Congrats on the Limited. I would have purchased one if the deal was right. Did you get the COP on it?

No did not get CPO but it has two years of warranty left on it.

Thanks

Bmoe

 

[ltharley]

Bmoe, I just NOTED the mileage. Very nice purchase.
Dennis

 

[jrc50]

Our 2017 Limited has been great on our annual Summer "retreat to the mountains" from our Gulf Coast home (Mobile Bay). Swapped our GMC Acadia (had 2 over 10 years) for Limited and as we are staying at Sugar Top Resort (on top of Sugar Mountain NC) we are climbing (and descending daily) up to 5500' elevation of condo. As I burnt up the brakes on the Acadia last year (smoke billowing out of wheel wells) from the hills I am now actively using Limited's gearbox which is useful in reducing braking on this 3 ton porker (Acadia was perhaps 1/2 ton less), as well as keeping the rpm's up while climbing the hills as the Ford 6 speed trans tends to try to stay in highest possible gear and loaf up the hills which does not work at all-better to keep the engine speed up a bit!
So far so good on Limited, I was ready to leave GM behind anyway, their attitude on mandatory STOP/START non defeatable systems irritated me a bunch and GM dealer acted as if he could care less what I bought (though Service Dept was great).

 

[ltharley]

@jrc50,
Congratulations on the Limited.
Have you tried the Progressive Range Selection (PRS) for the transmission. Sounds like a perfect solution for you.
Dennis

 

[star-art]

Try using Tow/Haul mode. I climb a steep hill (with a switchback) to get home and my '17 lugs down very badly in Normal mode. Yet, in Tow/Haul it shifts almost perfectly all the way up the hill.

We used to have an Explorer but rented an Acadia for a month while it was being repaired after someone hit us. The Acadia was roomier (it was a long wheelbase Limited model) and had a smoother ride, and I liked the HUD, but we still missed our Explorer. The drivetrain, fit/finish, and interior design of the Ford won hands down. And, don't even get me started about GM's Navigation system. Even Ford's older MyTouch was *much* more intuitive and easy to use. The GM system was beyond frustrating.

 

[jrc50]

Dennis I am not familiar with PRS how do you access it? Thanks
Star-art, I will try tow mode, Thanks

 

[star-art]

I tried the +/- buttons on the shifter but found it to be unhelpful. On our explorer, pushing those buttons forced an up-shift/down-shift and then, after that, the transmission continued to shift normally. (We also had paddle shifters on the steering column.)

On the Expedition, however, using the "-" button simply locks out the uppermost gear. Thus, if you are currently in 6th, it forces a down-shift to 5th. BUT, with that said, the truck will *not* up-shift again to 6th unless you then press the "+" button and "unlock" it. If you press "-" again it forces you down another gear and so forth. You can see the available gears in the left hand instrument cluster display.

I find it much easier to use Tow/Haul because it's one button press and I get the behavior I want (delayed up-shifts) without fiddling with anything else.

 

[ltharley]

@jrc50,
This is from the online owners manual:
Progressive Range Selection (PRS)
Progressive Range Selection gives you the ability to lockout gears from the automatic shifting range. This may provide you with an improved driving experience (for example, in slippery conditions or when experiencing a steep grade).
With the gearshift lever in drive (D), press the – button to active PRS. The available and selected gears are indicated on the instrument cluster.
All available gears will display with the current gear indicated. Press the – button again to lock out gears beginning with the highest gear. Example: press the – button twice to lock out 6th and 5th gears. Only the available gears will display and the transmission will automatically shift between the available gears. Press the + button to unlock gears to allow the transmission to shift to higher gears. The transmission will shift automatically within the gear range you select.
I really haven't had the chance to use it much but in heavy stop and go traffic i have locked out 4,5,&6. Transmission still shifts through the remaining years but basically helps with engine braking.
that said, star-art might have a better solution, using towing mode. Here that info from manual:
Tow/Haul Mode
WARNING
Do not use the tow/haul feature when driving in icy or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause the rear wheels to slide and your vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of vehicle control.

To activate tow/haul, press the button on the gearshift lever once. The TOW HAUL indicator light will illuminate in the instrument cluster.
The tow/haul feature:

• Delays upshifts to reduce the frequency of transmission shifting.
• Provides engine braking in all forward gears, which will slow your vehicle and assist you in controlling your vehicle when descending a grade.
• Depending on driving conditions and load conditions, may downshift the transmission, slow your vehicle and control your vehicle speed when descending a hill, without pressing the accelerator pedal. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based upon the amount the brake pedal is pressed.

The tow/haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when using tow/haul.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and return to normal driving mode, press the button on the gearshift lever twice. The TOW HAUL light will deactivate. Tow/haul will also deactivate when you power down your vehicle.
Hope this helps.
Dennis

 

[jrc50]

Dennis
Thanks for the input, I did not notice that procedure while briefly reviewing the manual, I am used to seeing a separate Tow/Haul button on the console but we do not tow so I did not notice it missing yet!

 

[Bmoe]

Bmoe, I just NOTED the mileage. Very nice purchase.
Dennis

Thanks, I love it. Runs great and handle the snow well. My wife wanted a car she can drive in the winter and we just got her a Lincoln MKX 2014 and only had just over18,500 miles.

She's very happy

 

[Dorzak]

I am buying a 17 XLT with 202A Nav etc. it is Oxford white with Dune leather with 35K miles. I have a 04 expy I am trading in

I have a 2016 EL XLT with 202A. In my opinion it is enough luxury without giving up daily driver ruggedness. Navigation, CarPlay, leather heated/cooled front seats, remote start.