Wanted to know peoples opinions on the newer 2018+ model year Expedition Max. From what I have read the later model, 2018+ have fewer problems, and great reliability easily lasting over 200k miles with regular maintenance. According to what I have read they are very roomy inside and have comfortable rides. Most articles mention how big they feel driving around but coming from an F250 I doubt it'll feel big.

I have an F250 Lariat now that my wife has never enjoyed because the ride is too stiff. With one kid now and another one soon plus a big chocolate lab and really no need for the heavy duty needs of the F250 anymore, I am looking to trade it in on a used Expedition Max. Just wanted to know peoples opinions of their Max and how it tows. I'm looking to get the heavy duty tow package so I can get the 9k# tow capacity because we will get a trailer in the future. Are the 3.5V6 good for towing? Anything to look out for? Any opinions on the Expy Max would be appreciated.

 

Wife and I downsized from a F350 Lariat Dually and a 41' Solitude 5th wheel. The camper was totaled from the 150 mph winds we had during Hurricane Ida last year. Sold the dually for what I paid for it 4-1/2 yrs prior. No pickups to be found anywhere and wife and I spotted a '21 FX4 Expedition on a dealer's lot. Dealer even came down off sticker so we bought it on the spot. It has the max towing package with 3.73 gearing...heavy duty radiator..back up assist and factory brake controller. For daily use this regular length version feels like a sports car compared to the 176" WB dually. It gets 22 mpg hwy at posted limits and usually 18 mpg around town. We bought a Cougar 25 RDS travel trailer and it tows this thing better than I thought. Camper is close to 8K pounds and heavy on the hitch weight but with a 10K pound Equalizer WDH it does OK at 60 to 62 mph and gets around 9 mpg on flat Louisiana highways. Small 23.5 gallon tank gives only 200 miles before you need to stop for fuel. Windy conditions can be a challenge but this can happen with any 1/2 ton tow vehicle. Lots of room for wife and I on trips and very comfortable for 2 and lots of luggage. The Max version with its longer length and bigger fuel tank would be ideal for your needs. Good luck with your decision!


The day we picked up the camper.

I did put some BFG KO2's 10 ply E rated tires for towing. They really help out over the P rated factory tires.

 

Depending on what year your pickup was, the dash in the 2018+ Expeditions and SuperDuties are pretty much the same; so won't take mush getting used to the controls etc. I have a 2019 which is seriously underused: 15k miles in almost four years but it has been probably the most trouble-free vehicle I've owned. And, at the rate I'm accumulating mileage (and age), it could be the last vehicle I own. In addition to the comfortable interior, the AC for the rear passengers is great. I have never had a complaint from a rear seat passenger that it's not cool enough for them. And in Arizona, AC performance is one of the top features you need in a vehicle.
I've only towed a few times hauling a trailer-load of plants and trees from the nursery to our property, but it doesn't lack for power for anything I'll use it for.