Tow package for extra 4x4 worth it?

[carymccarr]

I don’t really tow but I am nervous about NOT having the additional 4wd capabilities if I DONT get the tow package. Seems a bit hard to find on models sitting on dealer lots...

We are frequently in deep snow and not having a 4wd low scares me a bit.

Thoughts?


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[aggiegrad05]

I hope you brought a helmet....

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/just-ordered-a-2020-expedition.40948/page-3#post-364059

That's a link to my response the last time someone asked that question, along with the ensuing debate...which includes a link to the previous time someone asked, and the ensuing debate.

Yes, I understand your question is about 4wd and traction, but there is some of that in those pages and pages of debate about the tow pack.

 

[lurch]

My last two SUVs had single speed transfer cases and I never missed low range or the center locking differential in the snow. Tranction control systems are pretty good in modern vehicles. I would worry about resale though without HD Tow also if you were to want to buy a travel trailer in the future it would be good to get it now.

 

[carymccarr]

I hope you brought a helmet....

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/just-ordered-a-2020-expedition.40948/page-3#post-364059

That's a link to my response the last time someone asked that question, along with the ensuing debate...which includes a link to the previous time someone asked, and the ensuing debate.

Yes, I understand your question is about 4wd and traction, but there is some of that in those pages and pages of debate about the tow pack.

Yeah. I’m aware lol.

I’m really just looking for focused discussion on snow/mud capabilities w/out the locking diff, low range.

Thanks

 

[scottdm]

Yeah. I’m aware lol.

I’m really just looking for focused discussion on snow/mud capabilities w/out the locking diff, low range.

Thanks

Another way to think about it is that not too many people with the HD Tow package regret having the additional capability/feature content. Not sure the opposite is true though.

 

[carymccarr]

Another way to think about it is that not too many people with the HD Tow package regret having the additional capability/feature content. Not sure the opposite is true though.

Agreed. I’m curious how though without it have done in extreme wintry conditions.

I had a Tahoe a while back with just 4wd high and always wished I had the 4lo as well...

 

[Flexpedition]

FWIW, HD tow is included in various Ford packages that one might not expect to find it, including the Convenience Package, Special Edition Package, Texas Edition Package, Stealth Edition Package, and possibly others. So if shopping by window sticker alone just be aware the full content of these packages.

Ford periodically does package discount credits. If you are on the fence about the $3995 Special Edition package, know that it includes the $1570 HD tow and currently Special Edition has a $1060 credit, meaning you effectively can get some nice bonus options in addition to your HD tow for a meager $1365.

As a stand-alone option HD Tow is $1570, roughly 2.5% of a typical Expedition MSRP.

 

[carymccarr]

FWIW, HD tow is included in various Ford packages that one might not expect to find it, including the Convenience Package, Special Edition Package, Texas Edition Package, Stealth Edition Package, and possibly others. So if shopping by window sticker alone just be aware the full content of these packages.

Ford periodically does package discount credits. If you are on the fence about the $3995 Special Edition package, know that it includes the $1570 HD tow and currently Special Edition has a $1060 credit, meaning you effectively can get some nice bonus options in addition to your HD tow for a meager $1365.

As a stand-alone option HD Tow is $1570, roughly 2.5% of a typical Expedition MSRP.

Thanks. Yeah I’m not worried about paying for it just actually finding a vehicle equipped with it. Not easy to find on the navigator.

 

[Gumby]

I do not have the HD tow package (just have the 2H and 4A buttons) and I have zero issues in deep snow or ice. I get a lot of it. Just make sure to equip the expy with a set of good winters ( I have Blizzaks) and your are golden. Unless you are really doing some serious offroad (imo) then the base set up works 95% of the time in all but the most extreme conditions.

 

[carymccarr]

I do not have the HD tow package (just have the 2H and 4A buttons) and I have zero issues in deep snow or ice. I get a lot of it. Just make sure to equip the expy with a set of good winters ( I have Blizzaks) and your are golden. Unless you are really doing some serious offroad (imo) then the base set up works 95% of the time in all but the most extreme conditions.

Thanks for the feedback.


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[Wayne Decker]

Low range is not what you usually want for snow. All that torque breaks the traction. I only use my low for moving my trailer on steep or difficult areas where I want a lot of control.

(I didn't read the other thread, this may have already been stated.)

 

[Wayne Decker]

Oh, and the tow package gives a lower rear end, which you may not want.

 

[carymccarr]

Low range is not what you usually want for snow. All that torque breaks the traction. I only use my low for moving my trailer on steep or difficult areas where I want a lot of control.

(I didn't read the other thread, this may have already been stated.)

Agreed but I think it also has a locking diff which is good for really deep stuff and getting unstuck


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[Wayne Decker]

Yes the locking diff does work well, but only need in a desperate situation.

 

[KenK]

Depends what you want to tow. If towing a relatively heavy trailer then 3.73 gearing may be very desirable. Also if towing/launching a good sized boat then 4x4 low range and locking diff will also be desirable.
Everyone is different, but for me, I can't imagine buying such a large capable vehicle without low range 4x4 and towing package.

 

[carymccarr]

Depends what you want to tow. If towing a relatively heavy trailer then 3.73 gearing may be very desirable. Also if towing/launching a good sized boat then 4x4 low range and locking diff will also be desirable.
Everyone is different, but for me, I can't imagine buying such a large capable vehicle without low range 4x4 and towing package.

I don’t tow though. At least not anything frequently or heavy and with the vast majority of Navi’s not coming with it I’m not worried about it tanking resale.

 

[Plati]

I've used 4Lo only in very special situations. BUT it's super nice when you need it.

2014EL. This spring I was at the bottom of a steep gravel driveway in AWD, put it in Drive (had backed in) and touched the gas and I was pretty much digging holes with the rear wheels. Only did that for one short try. Put it in 4Lo and walked right out without damaging the driveway. I think the way AWD works is it senses a difference in rotation between front and rear drive shafts and sends power to front as needed. Well, that doesn't happen when you are just getting started so the power is all in rear. 4Lo gives 50% power to both front and rear drive shafts each from the git go without that sensing stuff. I think that's the way it works.

I would not buy and Expy without that
(or a written warranty guaranteeing coverage for paint bubbling).

Get HD tow package too. That way you can loan your Expy to your nephew so he can tow the big boat he owns but doesn't own a capable tow vehicle for some odd reason. And he never invites you on his boat either. I don't sound bitter do I?

 

[Artie]

I can't imagine buying such a large capable vehicle without low range 4x4 and towing package.

Especially at this price point, it’s $1500 for the tow package... I can see skipping on the lane departure stuff but if you’re getting the 4x4 you should get the 4x4 with low.

 

[duneslider]

I would also agree that for 1500 I would totally go with the tow package and low range. However, the reality is most people don't need low range. If snow driving is all you are worried about then I wouldn't think low range is a worry. If you are talking offroad snow driving then different story. I guess it comes down to what you really intend to with your expedition. I have a jeep wrangler with low range and front and rear locking diffs. I RARELY use low range and it is even more rare that I use the locking diffs. I can do most of what I want to do in Moab without lockers. I had a jeep commander and I NEVER even put it into 4lo. Open diffs and 4A did everything we ever wanted it to do.

Anyway, I would never discourage anyone from getting the tow package I don't think that most people need it.

I also had a hard time finding a new expedition on the lot that had the tow package.

 

[carymccarr]

Especially at this price point, it’s $1500 for the tow package... I can see skipping on the lane departure stuff but if you’re getting the 4x4 you should get the 4x4 with low.

That’s the thing though. I’m not looking to skip it. I want every option. There just don’t seem to be many expy reserves with it where I am.