Expedition Overland Build

[MATT0404]

Heading out west this summer and have begun building my Expedition into an overland capable family hauler. Not going all out with this...at least yet. Just planning on the basics for this summer; off road capability, ability to sleep 4, basic organization, etc.

First up was wheels and tires. Picked up a set of nearly new OEM Raptor wheels, tires, and TPS for $1000. Tires are 315/70/17 BFG KO2's. A lotta tire for a stock Expy.
2018 Expedition XLT by Matt Krepp, on Flickr
2018 Expedition XLT by Matt Krepp, on Flickr

Installed ReadyLIFT 3/2:
expy by Matt Krepp, on Flickr
Lifted 2018 Ford Expedition by Matt Krepp, on Flickr

Installed Yakima Timberlines and Jetstream crossbars. Also installed an Oztent Foxwing awning. I have a Tagalong tent that zips straight onto the awning, as well, but haven't had it outta the bag yet.
2018 Expedition by Matt Krepp, on Flickr
2018 Ford Expedition with Oztent Foxwing by Matt Krepp, on Flickr
2018 Ford Expedition with Oztent Foxwing by Matt Krepp, on Flickr
2018 Ford Expedition with Oztent Foxwing by Matt Krepp, on Flickr
2018 Ford Expedition with Oztent Foxwing by Matt Krepp, on Flickr

Next up is a large roof basket to carry the Tagalong tent, family tent, camp chairs, etc. Not sure what else is in the works yet, but I'll keep this thread up to date on my build progress.

 

[Artie]

Looks awesome! My wife and I have been discussing this same thing and are looking at overland trailers. I don’t wanna go nuts on my vehicle because I’ll still drive it 99% of the time on the regular road so I’m thinking of having wheels and tires to switch out when needed. How different is the ride with that wheel and tire combo? Any suspension changes planned? What would be an example of extreme off roading you think you’d encounter?

 

[Black]

@Artie I run 275/70/18 (33.5”) Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws with 2” of life and it is my daily driver. I am very happy with the ride I prefer it to factory.
The tires weren’t terribly expensive and have a 55k mile treadlife warranty. They will handle any off-roading scenario that these school buses are capable of but are a fantastic road tire. Very minimal noise increase.
Trust me you will not be wanting to swap wheels. The factory wheels and tires were not fun to take on and off. The new setup I dread removing the wheels. It is a freaking chore.

@MATT0404 An awning is one of my next priorities. Do you keep it on all the time? How is the wind noise?
Any particular reason you chose the driver’s side?
You decide what you are going to do about the rear axle shafts/center caps?

 

[Deadman]

Why didn't you get a Max?

 

[Randy Schmidt]

I think this is a awesome start to your Overland goal. Looks great! I hope that the Expedition exceeds your needs for your summer adventures.

 

[Adieu]

You take a fender gap that small off the pavement?

Brave man... or wait, are some of these pics pre-lift?

 

[MATT0404]

Looks awesome! My wife and I have been discussing this same thing and are looking at overland trailers. I don’t wanna go nuts on my vehicle because I’ll still drive it 99% of the time on the regular road so I’m thinking of having wheels and tires to switch out when needed. How different is the ride with that wheel and tire combo? Any suspension changes planned? What would be an example of extreme off roading you think you’d encounter?

Thanks! She's not really built for extreme off roading. At least not yet. Most of what I'll see this summer is back road exploration, some mild trails and getting to and from primitive campsites.

The ride with these wheels/tires isn't too far from stock. The ride is a bit more firm and bumps/potholes are slightly more jarring, but still totally acceptable, imo. They handle a little better than the stock tires, less sidewall flex. The best part of the big sidewall is airing down the tires for long stretches of rough dirt roads which leads to a surprisingly smooth and compliant ride.

@Artie I run 275/70/18 (33.5”) Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws with 2” of life and it is my daily driver. I am very happy with the ride I prefer it to factory.
The tires weren’t terribly expensive and have a 55k mile treadlife warranty. They will handle any off-roading scenario that these school buses are capable of but are a fantastic road tire. Very minimal noise increase.
Trust me you will not be wanting to swap wheels. The factory wheels and tires were not fun to take on and off. The new setup I dread removing the wheels. It is a freaking chore.

@MATT0404 An awning is one of my next priorities. Do you keep it on all the time? How is the wind noise?
Any particular reason you chose the driver’s side?
You decide what you are going to do about the rear axle shafts/center caps?

I'll probably keep the awning on most of the summer months. It's so easy to setup and great for quick shade whether you're trailside, at camp, or some other picnic/event where you need shade or to get out of the rain. There is a fair bit more noise from the roof when the crossbars/awning are installed. Not too bad, but certainly noticeable. I went with the higher end Jetstream bars hoping to minimize wind noise, but they're definitely still noticeable.Only reason I chose drivers side was it was heavily discounted and passenger side awnings were sold out.

Why didn't you get a Max?

I didn't feel the need for a Max with a family of 4. The additional cargo capacity would have been nice but with proper organization, we should be just fine.

I think this is a awesome start to your Overland goal. Looks great! I hope that the Expedition exceeds your needs for your summer adventures.

Thank you!

You take a fender gap that small off the pavement?

Brave man... or wait, are some of these pics pre-lift?

First pics are pre-lift, followed by ReadyLIFT 3/2 pics.

 

[Black]

Where did you get the awning?
Still on discount?

 

[MATT0404]

Where did you get the awning?
Still on discount?

Picked it up here, but sadly all sold out now.
https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/fs-foxwing-awnings-and-tagalong-tents-sold-out.202394/

If you're a service member, former or otherwise, you can get 45% off retail on the Batwing awning (either side). PM me for details.

 

[ExplorerTom]

Where “out West” are you headed? And when?

 

[MATT0404]

Where “out West” are you headed? And when?

Original plan was Southwestern Colorado in my Land Cruiser. However, during our trip planning, my buddy found out his wife was pregnant and her pediatrician recommended against the altitude.

New plan is Wyoming; Grand Teton, Yellowstone and whatever else we can find. Much less of a need for an off road capable rig, so the comfort and improved MPG's of the Expedition will be welcomed.

 

[jolexey]

Nice rig. I’m building mine with an Overland application too however, I have yet to find a roof rack/platform for the Expedition. Everyone says they might come out with one but none yet. I’d like to hear your ideas.

 

[jolexey]

What width did you go with on the roof rack crossbars?

 

[ExplorerTom]

Nice rig. I’m building mine with an Overland application too however, I have yet to find a roof rack/platform for the Expedition. Everyone says they might come out with one but none yet. I’d like to hear your ideas.

You’ll never find one that says “fits Expedition”. Go to www.equipt1.com and look at Eezi-Awn platform racks.

 

[MATT0404]

What width did you go with on the roof rack crossbars?

You’ll never find one that says “fits Expedition”. Go to www.equipt1.com and look at Eezi-Awn platform racks.

I went with the 60" cross bars. Outside of mounting the awning, I'm just putting a Yakima basket up there to stow camp gear for now. The above is a great option for a full platform. Equipt makes a nice setup for my Land Cruiser. Also check out Rhino Rack Pioneer platforms in various sizes.

 

[jolexey]

I went with the 60" cross bars. Outside of mounting the awning, I'm just putting a Yakima basket up there to stow camp gear for now. The above is a great option for a full platform. Equipt makes a nice setup for my Land Cruiser. Also check out Rhino Rack Pioneer platforms in various sizes.

I ordered a whole Pioneer platform system but had to send it all back because they don’t have a mounting system for it to the stealth bars I have to use. They said they may by 2020 though.

 

[MATT0404]

I ordered a whole Pioneer platform system but had to send it all back because they don’t have a mounting system for it to the stealth bars I have to use. They said they may by 2020 though.

Man, that's a bummer.