Update, I used the new Expediton to trailer the boat for the first time this past weekend.
WOW !!! I should have upgraded my tow vehicle a long, long time ago. I didn’t realize what I was missing but now appreciate how much better a nice ride to and from the water can make a boating experience.
Even though the base vehicle is the same as my previous 2001 Expediton the 2010 is a very different animal. Things i noticed right away are that the suspension is softer, the ride is quieter, the seating is set up better and the seats are more comfortable. I love the self leveling suspension and that Ford designed in 9,000 lbs in towing capacity without the need of a load balancing hitch. Although I was not sure what to think when the compressor for the leveling system turned on while the vehicle was in the incline of a ramp with a trailer but no boat in tow.
The other things are attributable to the limited v. The xlt (base model, next being the Eddie Bauer and last after limited is the king ranch).
The sun roof/moon roof, electric 3rd row seats, tailgate and running boards, lovely.
The synch system: good touch screen navigation with integrated rear view camera, backup sensors, blue tooth or hard wired auxillary input to a nice stereo system and passenger dvd system.
The 7 passenger seating configuration gives 4 people captains chairs instead of just 2 and the elimination of the center console in the 2nd row makes getting into the 3rd row possible without folding seats up in the 2nd row.
The heating and cooling controls are well thought out and includes heated and cooled front seats and heated second row seats as well as separate temperature controls for the pilot, copilot and rear seat passengers.
There is probably more but I could not be happier about this. I still feel the boat back there when I’m driving but it’s just a much smoother more comfortable tow vehicle and/or daily driver than I am used to. I’ve only towed with it once but I was a lot less fatigued after towing 2 hours to the lake and 2 back than I usually am.
What’s it missing? A front hitch, which I plan to install soon and and rear view camera with display in the rear view or synch screen, which I also plan to install soon. I’m on the fence about the eco boost twin turbo engine but I can’t deny that it produces more hp and torque, I can and did deny the big increase in price for going newer and with an ecoboost engine.
I highly recommend this to anyone that needs a lot of towing capability and passenger capacity.
