Can I trust a 2015-2017 Expedition EL to be reliable AND to tow in Rockies?

[chuck s]

Any liquid in non baffled, partially filled waste tanks will slosh around and cause handling problems in my experience. A lot depends on tank orientation. Mine have their long length sideways (if that makes sense) and give the liquid a long slosh to each side. Half full 30 gallon tank of clean water has 125 pounds sloshing side to side. Waste water is heavier. Think of running back and forth on the deck of a small boat. More cube shaped tanks don't have quite the same problem. Just something to be aware of.

Stiffening the tire sidewalls will help with squirm. Truck (I run 40 psi on my rear P-radials) and trailer. Unlike passenger car radials Special Trailer (ST) tires should always be inflated to maximum sidewall pressure -- typically 50 psi on common sizes.

For guys just reading along the factory HD Tow package is wiring and bigger engine coolant and transmission radiators all of which can be added fairly easily. Used to include the 3.73 limited slip axles but these are now separate options on other than the high trim lines. The excellent integrated brake controller can be added (separate thread running now). HD Tow has a street price of about $400 on a new truck so there is no reason whatsoever to not get it even if you only tow light weight trailers.

-- Chuck

 

[ltharley]

Forgot to mention in previous post, Very nice set up.
Good luck on the trip.
Dennis

 

[ltharley]

If you'll be towing heavy at altitude, make sure you get a powertrain warranty or buy certified pre owned and do regular oil changes. A transmission fluid change every season (done at a Ford dealer of course) will look good on your maintence and carfax records too.

I agree with coolzzy on the maintenance of transmission and I would add transfer case and differential fluid changes. As part of my purchase negotiations I had the dealer (Ford) include all the fluid changes. I only tow a fishing boat that's about 2500# but have always done the fluid changes in all my tow vehicles. Kills any "lack of maintaining" argument .
As for extended warranty programs, my insurance company, USAA, offers a program i might purchase on top of my CPO warranty. See if your company has anything. Often better value than some.

 

[powerboatr]

Any liquid in non baffled, partially filled waste tanks will slosh around and cause handling problems in my experience. A lot depends on tank orientation. Mine have their long length sideways (if that makes sense) and give the liquid a long slosh to each side. Half full 30 gallon tank of clean water has 125 pounds sloshing side to side. Waste water is heavier. Think of running back and forth on the deck of a small boat. More cube shaped tanks don't have quite the same problem. Just something to be aware of.

Stiffening the tire sidewalls will help with squirm. Truck (I run 40 psi on my rear P-radials) and trailer. Unlike passenger car radials Special Trailer (ST) tires should always be inflated to maximum sidewall pressure -- typically 50 psi on common sizes.

For guys just reading along the factory HD Tow package is wiring and bigger engine coolant and transmission radiators all of which can be added fairly easily. Used to include the 3.73 limited slip axles but these are now separate options on other than the high trim lines. The excellent integrated brake controller can be added (separate thread running now). HD Tow has a street price of about $400 on a new truck so there is no reason whatsoever to not get it even if you only tow light weight trailers.

-- Chuck

that would be athwart ships...for the long length sideways...
but in our bus i never carry water or waste in the tanks except what gets produced along the days drive. water is just a tad over 6 lbs , i carry 110 gallons only on long dry camp days or if we are staying in areas of known horrible water conditions (hard, sediment, etc) , other than that less than 25 gallons.

 

[powerboatr]

second the bumping up air pressure in tires all four. when i to, i max them out at 44psi.
IRS actually helps with less wiggle than the leaf spring set up.
good wdh and sway control on the hitch will go miles in making a good drive day

 

[chuck s]

Avgas or Mogas is about 6.3 pounds/gallon. Water is 8.34. Easy math notes 100 gallons of water weighs 834 pounds. US gallons.

-- Chuck