Trade truck for Expedition?

[BGBolt]

Hi all,

Wife and I have our first (human) kid on the way and I'm contemplating trading my truck (2014 F-150 Platinum) for an Expedition. Primary reason I'm considering this we will need more room for our other two kids (60-65 lb dogs). Right now they travel with us in a back seat "hammock" but this won't work for us with a car seat back there.

I've thought about adding a cap/shell to the truck bed but I don't like the idea of the dogs bouncing around back there (never crated them in the car and aren't about to start now).

At this point I believe my best option is trading the truck for a similar year Expedition or EL. I'm willing to sacrifice some of the creature comforts of my Platinum as long as I can make this as close to a wash as possible cost wise.

I would appreciate input from anyone with a 3rd Gen. Anything to watch out for in the 2013-2015 model years? Am I better off putting a cap/shell on the truck and building out something in the bed to make it safer/more comfortable for the dogs?

 

[cmiles97]

It depends on your requirements.

I have 2 greyhounds that fit very well in the back of my 17 EL with the mid row seat backs up. I fold one of the middle seats up against the front and they enter via that side door. Fold the seat back and 3 passengers can also ride along. It's a bit tall for them to enter from the back. When they get too old to hop in, I'll reevaluate and may go with a minivan for the room and lower entry point if I don't need to tow anymore.

Unless you need the towing or hauling capacity, an explorer would also fit your situation.

 

[JExpedition07]

With the dogs I’d do the Expedition EL and you can fold the 3rd row down for them. They are good trucks, watch out for peeling paint on hood and liftgate if that bothers you as it’s common.

2013-14 will have the 5.4L Triton and the 2015 year will have the 3.5 Ecoboost. Ecoboost is newer with more power, 5.4 is plenty powerful as well. 5.4 has hydraulic power steering and the 3.5 has electric power steering. Beyond that they are the same truck minus the fascia, towing cap is 9,000 on all the 4WD models.

 

[Langer]

I would definitely say EL, as well. We got a standard wheelbase this past winter for our newborn, and 2 (smaller) dogs. With the usual additional cargo we carry now a days, like stroller, diaper bag, car seat, etc., the extra room would be nice. As someone else mentioned above, we typically have far rear seats down in cargo mode. Love the truck, otherwise. We upgraded from a Dakota, so everything inside and outside is an improvement for us.

 

[Flexpedition]

We have an Expedition and an F150 with a Leer 100XL cab height shell. We joke the Leer was purchased for the dogs - we have 3 about the same size as yours, 60# Golden Doodles. Thought I wanted a raised roof shell, but the cab height style is more than adequate. Plenty of air circulation, the rear 1/4 windows pop out about an inch and half. I put a $100 rubber bed mat on the floor since the spray-on bed liner texture is a little rough. Dogs have never slid around & they were comfortable after the first 2 miles and love going for rides. Outside of going over railroad crossings, the ride in the F150 is no different than the Expedition.

If you ever take your dogs to a lake or river for boating/swimming, you'll appreciate them not being in the Expedition on the ride home. Even on the hottest of days the F150 cabin air conditioning keeps the shell cool. My shell is insulated and has headliner material throughout.

If you don't have a Leer dealer nearby, Snugtop was my 2nd choice. I also looked at ARE, Jason, and Centurion. Can't really go wrong with any of these.

Your money, your decision, but I can't see any reason to trade your F150 for an Expedition at this point.

 

[coolzzy]

I traded my platinum F150 for my 17 EL XLT with 202a luxury package expedition and there are times I really miss having a truck. I don't have dogs but would often pick up mulch, trees, etc with the truck that I can't with the expedition. My expedition has the ecoboost motor and it is a fantastic family road trip vehicle. I just got back from a 1600 mile trip with 3 kids plus 2 adults and luggage for 4 days, which all fit behind the 3rd row seat in my EL model. Cruised between 70 and 80 the whole time and got hand calculated 21mpg (crossed several mountain passes as well). I unbolted the center section of the middle bench seat so I now have Captains in the middle row which allows for easy 3rd row access. My wife loves the truck and it pulls our travel trailer with power to spare. Now that being said, if I were in your situation and assuming you have the ecoboost motor in your truck, I'd keep it and get a cap for the dogs. The expedition rides pretty soft with its IRS and the truck would tow a trailer with a bit more stability. The expedition has a tighter turning circle though so parking lot maneuvers are easier.

 

[SEPTIC PROFESSOR]

you should let the wife make that decision

 

[17limited]

I traded my 12 F150 for the same reason. I have 2 young boys and 2 large GSDs and putting them in a camper shell in the summer was not an option. We travel to the lake all year round and in the camper was ok in the winter, no go in the summer. Truth be told I did like the truck better but it had just run out of extended warranty and the expedition is still under factory warranty and will be extended as well.

 

[HavasuMike]

I have a 2016 EL. I can put 4 kennels in the back with the 3rd row seat folded. The back seats are still usable. I used to have a truck with a camper shell but the desert heat was too much to keep the dogs there. Now they have air conditioning.

 

[Adieu]

Hi all,

Wife and I have our first (human) kid on the way and I'm contemplating trading my truck (2014 F-150 Platinum) for an Expedition. Primary reason I'm considering this we will need more room for our other two kids (60-65 lb dogs). Right now they travel with us in a back seat "hammock" but this won't work for us with a car seat back there.

I've thought about adding a cap/shell to the truck bed but I don't like the idea of the dogs bouncing around back there (never crated them in the car and aren't about to start now).

At this point I believe my best option is trading the truck for a similar year Expedition or EL. I'm willing to sacrifice some of the creature comforts of my Platinum as long as I can make this as close to a wash as possible cost wise.

I would appreciate input from anyone with a 3rd Gen. Anything to watch out for in the 2013-2015 model years? Am I better off putting a cap/shell on the truck and building out something in the bed to make it safer/more comfortable for the dogs?

F150 hold resale value really well (your '14 is probably worth 25-30 grand)... Expeditions, despite being mechanically similar and in many aspects identical, don't.

You could probably straight trade it for a 2018. Or pocket a bunch of money if you go for a 15.

13-14? Don't make no sense, they're 5.4 V8 anf pretty much the same as earlier years, at this point look at mileage.... or don't, and get an older Expedition EL loaded to the gills or a Navigator L and put 10-20 grand difference in your pocket

 

[and0r]

Wayyyyyyyyyyy safer in an SUV than in a truck, or any other type of vehicle for that matter. It's simple physics.
I consider safety to be more valuable than anything.
Soon as that random driver crosses a red and plows into your family while you are at work or something, guess which thing you are going to be concerned with most. Here's a hint, it's not the resale value of truck vs. SUV!

Go with the SUV

 

[cmiles97]

Wayyyyyyyyyyy safer in an SUV than in a truck, or any other type of vehicle for that matter. It's simple physics.
I consider safety to be more valuable than anything.
Soon as that random driver crosses a red and plows into your family while you are at work or something, guess which thing you are going to be concerned with most. Here's a hint, it's not the resale value of truck vs. SUV!

Go with the SUV

With this logic, did you purchase A Ford F650? Why not travel around in an armored car? Heck why drive at all?

 

[LRNAD90]

Wayyyyyyyyyyy safer in an SUV than in a truck, or any other type of vehicle for that matter. It's simple physics.
I consider safety to be more valuable than anything.
Soon as that random driver crosses a red and plows into your family while you are at work or something, guess which thing you are going to be concerned with most. Here's a hint, it's not the resale value of truck vs. SUV!

Go with the SUV

When you say simple, I'm assuming you are talking about size/weight, but an F150 Supercrew is larger, and similar in weight. This would be an example of simple physics and why you want to be in the larger heavier vehicle in a collision between the two..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3-esjKXh5g

But design and safety features of the vehicle has far more to do with its survive-ability in a crash than truck vs suv body style. The F150 Supercrew has the highest ratings given for crash worthiness, side impact included, and has the same safety features (side and head curtain airbags) as an Expedition.

There is hard data on the performance of the 'Truck' from IIHS, but I don't believe the Expedition has been tested, so in the end its nothing but matter of opinion, but..

Please explain the simple physics that makes the Expedition significantly safer to be in in a collision..

 

[MidwestBoater]

After having driven 1/2 ton pickup trucks for many years, we really needed something with more interior room AND that could tow the boat with ease, so we ended up with a '16 Expedition XLT. This is my favorite vehicle of all that I've owned over the years. The low end torque, the smooth ride, the ability to tow the boat with the family, our 90lb lab, and our luggage in an enclosed/secure cabin. The dog really enjoys the rear AC vents in the ceiling. It's the perfect vehicle for us, my only concern is being able to afford a replacement a few years from now.

 

[Dr0idattack]

Probably should make sure to get tow package and a rear end better than the 3.31 (like a 3.55.)

 

[Wegner44]

The reality is it's all about the child and momma. The SUV is the logical choice and overall functionality for transporting a newborn is going to be your main factor. When kids arrive on the scene, all else is secondary. Our Expedition was the best purchase, we had a labrador too. Just get the SUV that suits your needs the best.

 

[Adieu]

Hey want a 2012 Lincoln Navigator L 4x4 (pretty much Expedition EL w/ bells and whistles)?

Looking to sell mine, I'm in Orange County

 

[and0r]

When you say simple, I'm assuming you are talking about size/weight, but an F150 Supercrew is larger, and similar in weight. This would be an example of simple physics and why you want to be in the larger heavier vehicle in a collision between the two..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3-esjKXh5g

But design and safety features of the vehicle has far more to do with its survive-ability in a crash than truck vs suv body style. The F150 Supercrew has the highest ratings given for crash worthiness, side impact included, and has the same safety features (side and head curtain airbags) as an Expedition.

There is hard data on the performance of the 'Truck' from IIHS, but I don't believe the Expedition has been tested, so in the end its nothing but matter of opinion, but..

Please explain the simple physics that makes the Expedition significantly safer to be in in a collision..

im not sure of your point in posting such a lengthy reply. seems like you are only trying to disprove me rather than contribute anything useful.
besides the weight of large vehicles such as SUVs and trucks being the most important safety factor on the road, hands down. the cabin space inside the SUV is particularly more safe, because it is much larger. there are various and types of specific accident scenarios where the larger cabin space is beneficial. not all accidentals are head-on, rear end, or side impact collisions you know.
truck beds and small rear cabin space just do not mix, even with the bed being specifically designed to absorb impact rather than just killing the rear passengers instantly. there is still danger of having such comparatively small cabin space compared to the larger one of the SUV.
thanks.

 

[Adieu]

im not sure of your point in posting such a lengthy reply. seems like you are only trying to disprove me rather than contribute anything useful.
besides the weight of large vehicles such as SUVs and trucks being the most important safety factor on the road, hands down. the cabin space inside the SUV is particularly more safe, because it is much larger. there are various and types of specific accident scenarios where the larger cabin space is beneficial. not all accidentals are head-on, rear end, or side impact collisions you know.
truck beds and small rear cabin space just do not mix, even with the bed being specifically designed to absorb impact rather than just killing the rear passengers instantly. there is still danger of having such comparatively small cabin space compared to the larger one of the SUV.
thanks.

An F150 provides pretty much the same amount of metal in all directions, and same or more amount of frame between the rear bumper and the 2nd row seats.

Interior cabin space doesn't cushion much of anything, it's only good for 2 things:

1. Not bumping your head on a dash you could have sat further away from in a larger truck (non-issue in a cavernous vehicle like any of the Fseries, which are close cousins to the Expedition in terms of interior layout anyway)

2. Not having some protruding part of another vehicle skewer you when it sticks on something solid --- engine block or frame for a truck... again, same difference, same engines available, same block and bumper to first and second row seat distances (length of the bed between you and a rear ender in the pickup's case), same width... only difference is a theoretically SLIGHTLY less safe 3rd row in a short wheelbase Expedition, where something could maaaaaaybe somehow penetrate inside the vehicle from behind deep enough to hit the seat (pretty darn unlikely... and downright impossible in an F150 or an EL, unless you look at bizzare ideas like a low sedan driving with a protruding telephone pole strapped to the roof or something)

All in all, both are HUGE vehicles with some of the largest bumper-to-seat distances and some of the widest interiors around, putting passengers at a safe distance from outside forces

 

[and0r]

good luck finding offset collision data on any of the new ford trucks
though i must say, the modern f150s seem to have a much sturdier cabin than previous generations

but still, the expeditions are about 1500 lbs heavier than f150
that is a major difference

now would you like me to sit here and detail rudimentary physics for you, on why energy seems to have the habit of taking the path of least resistance and which vehicle is going to provide
more resistance?