2022–2024 Expedition Limited/MAX buyer advice (HD Tow required, winter driving, prefer physical HVAC)

[fraggedbyjimmyjoe]

Hi everyone — looking for some guidance from current Expedition owners before I buy.

What I’m shopping for​

- 2022–2024 Ford Expedition (primarily Limited, likely MAX)
- HD Tow Package is a must (I will not buy without it)
- Strong preference for NO 15.5" screen and for physical HVAC buttons (trying to avoid fully touch-based climate controls). Anyone with 15.5" screen controls actually like the HVAC control on the touchscreen?
- I’m patient and can wait for the right configuration to come up

Use case​

- Family duty + road trips
- Occasional towing: travel trailer ~7,000 lbs loaded
- Located in North Idaho, so I drive regularly in snow, ice, cold temps, and mountain/winter conditions
- I’ve owned a 2000 Excursion and previously towed a travel trailer about 10k miles, so I’m comfortable towing — mainly trying to choose the right Expedition setup.

Questions for the group​

- Must-have options (besides HD Tow):
What packages/options should I prioritize for towing, winter driving, and long road trips? Any “you’ll regret not having it” features?

- Stealth Performance Package:
Is it actually worth it (value, drivability, towing performance, resale)? Any downsides for towing or winter use?

- CCD w/ Sport Tuning Suspension:
For those who’ve had it (or compared to non-CCD), is it a meaningful upgrade in ride quality, handling, and towing stability? Any long-term reliability or maintenance concerns?

- Control Trac w/ eLSD:
Worth seeking out for snowy roads, icy conditions, gravel, boat ramps, or campgrounds? Noticeable benefit over standard setups?

- Should I consider a 2025 or newer?
I’m focused on 22–24, but should I expand to 2025+? What do I gain or lose — especially around interior controls/screens, towing tech, winter drivability, reliability, and overall value?

If you’ve towed a similar-weight travel trailer with a 22–24 (or newer), I’d love to hear:
- How it feels at highway speeds and in crosswinds
- Winter traction and stability experiences
- Any “wish I had ordered X” lessons
- Any known issues or years/options to avoid
- Any upgrades you have performed or would recommend.

All insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[duneslider]

Mine is a 2020 Platinum Max but I also had a 2019 XLT Max, both with the max tow. I know there are some minor differences between the ones I had and the 22-24 but most of my experiences would carry over. I also tow a trailer that tops out at about 7000#

The XLT did NOT have CCD and I upgraded the shocks on that one to bilstein 5100's and I really really liked tthat setup. The XLT also had the 18" wheels which I also really liked for offroad and such. I thought this setup pulled like a dream, I loved it.
The Platinum has CCD and the 22" wheels. I put falken wildpeaks on the 22" wheels and it does great in the snow now, still wish I had 18's or 20's but all the rock rash on the 22's doesn't bug me that much. I do NOT feel like the CCD handles as well as the Bilsteins. I also had to add a rear heavy duty sway bar to help control things. Either way, I would probably add the heavy duty rear sway bar. It def helps.

Long pulls in hot weather and altitude can heat the transmission up hotter than I am comfortable with. I am going to be adding a real transmission cooler to the expedition and probably an oil cooler as well. The crappy heat exchanger setup on the expedition doesn't cut it for the higher temps and long pulls. It does fine most of the time but steep pulls in the heat it does get hot. One trip last spring I had to pull over for 40 minutes and let the expedition cool down and spray a bunch of water on the radiator. That was going up a canyon outside of Vegas in the spring, I wasn't the only one pulled over doing this but my friends with his f-150 that has a real transmission cooler was fine and didn't have to stop.

Not sure if they changed it in the 22-24 but usually the HD tow with the 3.73 gear automatically got the eLSD. Both of mine had it and I have used it a number of times and like but have never needed it for snow.

I think all the stock tires suck in the snow. The tires on the XLT were decent in the winter for me but the tires on the 2020 with the 22" wheels just sucked. Once I put good tires on it has been great.

If I could get rid of my sunroof and the CCD I think mine would be perfect. The interior noise is slightly louder with the sunroof compared to the solid roof. We really never use the sunroof and it has developed a slight rattle now and I can't track it down or figure out what is causing it. Those are really my only complaints. I don't need all the fancy stuff in the platinum, for me, the XLT with the HD tow was perfect. My wife does like the creature comforts in the Platinum.

 

[DieselMonk]

For me you contradict yourself a little. You don’t want the big Sync 4A screen, but you want CCD? You may not find such a thing. The 15.5” screen is o.k. Much better than it used to be before all the software updates. I have it and got used to it.
Get what you want, but CCD is expensive, but a plush ride. An SPP, non CCD but with HD trailer tow, rides like my GT500 does. It has the sport feeling like and you can send it around corners no problem. The CCD on an SPP is an option, same as the eLSD. The eLSD only comes with the big rear axles and with 3.73 gears.

What is most important to me is that it comes equipped with the eLSD. That makes a big difference in any weather condition / drive mode. It is more noticeable in some and less in others.

My SPP (non MAX) has every option besides CCD. It is a bit stiff riding empty, but loaded up with weight it is good. Wifey doesn’t get motion sick due to not having that boat ride feeling. Put winter tires on and this thing is a weapon during winter driving. That’s why I bought my SPP for. I need to be able to go places in any weather conditions.

 

[JasonH]

My recollection is that CCD only comes on trims equipped with 22" wheels. If that is the case, it may limit the selection of suitable tires for towing. Not sure how well CCD works if you go down to a smaller wheel. It's likely tuned for the heavier unsprung weight of the 22" wheel. But anecdotally, the combination of a smaller wheel with CCD seems to work ok.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

I only have the 2022 sales brochure, this is the options page.



huh, I don't see HD Tow on there at all. Yet, the 2022 Ford Towing Guide says its option 536. https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/conten...rand/cpo/pdf/2022_RV_Trailer_Towing_Guide.pdf
(on page 40)


OH, 3.73 final is standard with 4x4.

 

[fraggedbyjimmyjoe]

Mine is a 2020 Platinum Max but I also had a 2019 XLT Max, both with the max tow. I know there are some minor differences between the ones I had and the 22-24 but most of my experiences would carry over. I also tow a trailer that tops out at about 7000#

The XLT did NOT have CCD and I upgraded the shocks on that one to bilstein 5100's and I really really liked tthat setup. The XLT also had the 18" wheels which I also really liked for offroad and such. I thought this setup pulled like a dream, I loved it.
The Platinum has CCD and the 22" wheels. I put falken wildpeaks on the 22" wheels and it does great in the snow now, still wish I had 18's or 20's but all the rock rash on the 22's doesn't bug me that much. I do NOT feel like the CCD handles as well as the Bilsteins. I also had to add a rear heavy duty sway bar to help control things. Either way, I would probably add the heavy duty rear sway bar. It def helps.

This is very helpful, thank you! I added a HD rear sway bar to my 2000 Excursion also and it made a huge difference. I think I am going to steer away from the CCD.

Long pulls in hot weather and altitude can heat the transmission up hotter than I am comfortable with. I am going to be adding a real transmission cooler to the expedition and probably an oil cooler as well. The crappy heat exchanger setup on the expedition doesn't cut it for the higher temps and long pulls. It does fine most of the time but steep pulls in the heat it does get hot. One trip last spring I had to pull over for 40 minutes and let the expedition cool down and spray a bunch of water on the radiator. That was going up a canyon outside of Vegas in the spring, I wasn't the only one pulled over doing this but my friends with his f-150 that has a real transmission cooler was fine and didn't have to stop.

Sounds like a nice upgrade. I had to pull over a few times with my Excursion too.

Not sure if they changed it in the 22-24 but usually the HD tow with the 3.73 gear automatically got the eLSD. Both of mine had it and I have used it a number of times and like but have never needed it for snow.

I think they did make it an option.

I think all the stock tires suck in the snow. The tires on the XLT were decent in the winter for me but the tires on the 2020 with the 22" wheels just sucked. Once I put good tires on it has been great.

I'll plan on getting dedicated winter wheels. I also have a 2017 Outback and have dedicated winter wheels for that, makes it a dream driving in winter conditions.

If I could get rid of my sunroof and the CCD I think mine would be perfect. The interior noise is slightly louder with the sunroof compared to the solid roof. We really never use the sunroof and it has developed a slight rattle now and I can't track it down or figure out what is causing it. Those are really my only complaints. I don't need all the fancy stuff in the platinum, for me, the XLT with the HD tow was perfect. My wife does like the creature comforts in the Platinum.

This is helpful too, I'm indifferent on the sunroof, never thought it might be something I might not want.

 

[fraggedbyjimmyjoe]

What is most important to me is that it comes equipped with the eLSD. That makes a big difference in any weather condition / drive mode. It is more noticeable in some and less in others.

Thanks, I'll add eLSD to my must-have list.

 

[fraggedbyjimmyjoe]

My recollection is that CCD only comes on trims equipped with 22" wheels. If that is the case, it may limit the selection of suitable tires for towing. Not sure how well CCD works if you go down to a smaller wheel. It's likely tuned for the heavier unsprung weight of the 22" wheel. But anecdotally, the combination of a smaller wheel with CCD seems to work ok.

Thanks for the feedback, I'm going to skip CCD and probably look for 20" wheels.

 

[Fastcar]

I have the same truck as DieselMonk but with CCD. I like the performance of the bigger HP motor. I like the way it handles, it always feels "planted". I like the two sets of tires and wheels. I did a bunch of snow plowing around Boston for years and learned real quick that a dedicated snow tire like the Bilzzak were the only way to go. My wife loves it to the point that she does most of the driving and I get to look around. IMO it is a very good choice overall.

 

[JasonH]

Thanks for the feedback, I'm going to skip CCD and probably look for 20" wheels.

Another thing to consider. I think the CDF drum issue wasn't addressed until the 2023 model year, so I would avoid anything older to reduce risk of transmission or phaser issues.

 

[JohnnyG]

We have a 2024 Limited Stealth (not max, not stealth performance) and we love it. We have 23K miles in 11 months.

A note about towing (even with HD Towing), the max towing is 6,000 pounds. To get the full towing rating, you must use a weight distribution hitch.

I'm sure it can tow 7K without the hitch for short distances, but you risk voiding the warranty.

Goodluck with your search.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

I dunno if I said this already, but my '19 Limited Stealth 4x4 came with 22" wheels and CCD, and I immediately swapped them for 18" wheels, 22K+ miles later, including a LOT of towing of my Escape 21, I'm still really happy with the 18's.

huh, from the 2022 catalog I previously linked, that year, 18 only came on XLT 4x2 and Timberlane. XLT 4x4, Limited default to 20", and Limited Stealth default to 22".. Again, I don't have access to the 2023-2024 catalogs.

 

[byathread]

Spec hunting a used one... Good luck! I was looking for the same on a leftover last year and had two SPPs on my radar with smaller screen, hd tow, and elsd. Couldn't bring myself to pay the premium for what it is that can be had after market for way cheaper and better in that tune. That is all it is aside from red paint and black plastic. I have a '24 now without elsd but it has hd tow, ccd and it has been great. I just can't disable traction and slide the ass out when turning right now, it'll still do it turning left. Other than that, I don't miss it at all and we have had a good amount of snow/I've been driving it this winter and it is awesome. Re: the big dumb screen, in hindsight, I'd pay for one of those two SPPs to have an analog gauge cluster and physical HVAC controls - the big screen is ******** for that stuff, but, I have gotten used to it/will love the one I'm with. It rides awesome and I know it would pull a 7k trailer beautifully just like my '19 did... Ideally, I could do without the sunroof, but, that isn't happening unless you special order one brand new. My service guy said the '25s are giving above average for the typical first year problems (not to mention that garbage plastic rear hatch). I wouldn't buy new yet, myself... I bet they'll change to paint on the rear hatch in the next refresh and maybe offer a simplified dash with a round steering wheel, couldn't stand that yoke-ish one either on the '25s. A couple design decisions make me really wonder what the hell Ford was thinking on those new ones!

 

[C Trost]

Hi everyone — looking for some guidance from current Expedition owners before I buy.

What I’m shopping for​

- 2022–2024 Ford Expedition (primarily Limited, likely MAX)
- HD Tow Package is a must (I will not buy without it)
- Strong preference for NO 15.5" screen and for physical HVAC buttons (trying to avoid fully touch-based climate controls). Anyone with 15.5" screen controls actually like the HVAC control on the touchscreen?
- I’m patient and can wait for the right configuration to come up

Use case​

- Family duty + road trips
- Occasional towing: travel trailer ~7,000 lbs loaded
- Located in North Idaho, so I drive regularly in snow, ice, cold temps, and mountain/winter conditions
- I’ve owned a 2000 Excursion and previously towed a travel trailer about 10k miles, so I’m comfortable towing — mainly trying to choose the right Expedition setup.

Questions for the group​

- Must-have options (besides HD Tow):
What packages/options should I prioritize for towing, winter driving, and long road trips? Any “you’ll regret not having it” features?

- Stealth Performance Package:
Is it actually worth it (value, drivability, towing performance, resale)? Any downsides for towing or winter use?

- CCD w/ Sport Tuning Suspension:
For those who’ve had it (or compared to non-CCD), is it a meaningful upgrade in ride quality, handling, and towing stability? Any long-term reliability or maintenance concerns?

- Control Trac w/ eLSD:
Worth seeking out for snowy roads, icy conditions, gravel, boat ramps, or campgrounds? Noticeable benefit over standard setups?

- Should I consider a 2025 or newer?
I’m focused on 22–24, but should I expand to 2025+? What do I gain or lose — especially around interior controls/screens, towing tech, winter drivability, reliability, and overall value?

If you’ve towed a similar-weight travel trailer with a 22–24 (or newer), I’d love to hear:
- How it feels at highway speeds and in crosswinds
- Winter traction and stability experiences
- Any “wish I had ordered X” lessons
- Any known issues or years/options to avoid
- Any upgrades you have performed or would recommend.

All insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

With hd tow you get:
7-Wire Harness & 4-/7-Pin Connector X (Std.)
Class IV Hitch Receiver
Radiator Upgrade
Electronic Traction Assist (eLSD)
Upgraded Rear Axles
Tow/Haul Mode
2-Speed Automatic with 4WD
Trailer Brake Controller
Trailer Sway Control
Pro Trailer Backup Assist
I added bilsteins 5100s, Helwing rear sway bar, sumo springs, and power stop off-road/tow rotors and pads to my ‘20 XLT. and it does great with my 8000lb+ boat.
Winter is all about what tires you have on it. OEMs (Mich Primacy) were awful in snow and bad in rain. I put on a Cooper road and trail they are much better but lost ~2.5 mpg highway, guess those ECO designations are true.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

FWIW, *all* expeditions have the class IV hitch reciever and 4/7 wire harness & connector. HD Tow adds the integrated brake controller, 3.73 final drive, 2 speed transfer case with eLSD, backup assist (which I never got working)

 

[fraggedbyjimmyjoe]

Thanks for the additional feedback, much appreciated.

FWIW - After 2021 the eLSD is optional and no longer included with the Heavy-Duty Tow Package. That just makes finding one with both a little harder. Still looking....

 

[Rob6805]

Thanks for the additional feedback, much appreciated.

FWIW - After 2021 the eLSD is optional and no longer included with the Heavy-Duty Tow Package. That just makes finding one with both a little harder. Still looking....

It's after 2020. I have a 2021 with HD tow and no eLSD. Still has the 2 speed t-case though.

 

[Dice Roll]

Get the max if towing. Has the bigger gas tank. You’ll want that for daily use too. I rented a shorty once that was exactly the same as my max and I noticed the extra gas stops even without trailer.

I tested a regular suspension 20 when I bought my 19 and you can feel the float with ccd. I bought mine with SE package to get all the goodies like hd tow and leds. It came with ccd in the package. I have grown to like the floaty feel.

Michelin cross climates have improved things a lot for me. I get all sorts of rain and snow. Way better. Not silky smooth as before. Slight rumble on dry days at high speed. Will try Bridgestone equivalent next.

Make sure to get elsd! Did become a specific option at some point.

I’d get a 23 and up for the cdf upgrade. Also the star and phases got updated.

Sunroof rattle can be dried out tracks moving. Use silglide from Napa or similar to lube.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

get the regular if you don't expect to need the 3rd row often, and if you want to be able to easily parallel park in a regular parking space. I do agree the larger tank would be nice if you tow, but I've got about 20,000 miles of towing a 5000 lb camp trailer on mine with the regular tank, and its been just fine. go a little slower, get much better mileage.

 

[Samantha1]

I have a 2023 that I ordered new and love it! I got the 202A Equipment Group and the Special Edition package along with HD Tow. It also has the 2nd row bench seat. I ordered it that way because I wanted some of the goodies but didn't want a sunroof or the larger display (I like physical buttons/knobs). I just turned over 50K on it and have had it all over most of the continental US. I've towed with it, including a travel trailer without any issues. I haven't had any issues at all with it. I love it!