I’ve been driving an F150, which does great off-road, but I need something with more space for the family. I’m thinking about getting an Expedition. Does anyone here use theirs for off-roading? How does it handle rough terrain?
The old diesel Excursions were beasts off-road. They don’t make them like that anymore.
Parker said:
The old diesel Excursions were beasts off-road. They don’t make them like that anymore.
I’ve got one of those! Just hit 170k miles on it. I don’t think I’ll ever let it go.
Expeditions are surprisingly good off-road, but they’re massive. Agencies like the Forest Service use them for a reason (though fleet deals probably help too). Still, they’re huge, so tight trails could be a challenge.
The Expedition is still built on a body-on-frame setup with a solid 4x4 system and transfer case. Some trims, like the Timberline, even come with a rear locker. It should be capable off-road unless you’re dealing with really tight trails. The independent suspension is better for on-road comfort, but it won’t handle extreme articulation as well as a solid axle like in the F150.
It’s not fun on narrow trails. Think of trying to squeeze a walrus into a small seat… there’s just too much bulk.
I’m not a Ford guy, but I’ve taken my Suburban off-road. There aren’t many places where a smaller vehicle like a Tacoma can go that I can’t. A body-on-frame SUV like the Expedition should be pretty comparable to the F150 in terms of capability.
@Finch
I used to have a 1994 Suburban with a V8. That thing could go just about anywhere! I’m sure the Expedition is similar in what it can handle.
Luca said:
@Finch
I used to have a 1994 Suburban with a V8. That thing could go just about anywhere! I’m sure the Expedition is similar in what it can handle.
Nice! I’ve got a ‘93. I’m a sucker for those classic square-body designs.
I wouldn’t take any of the newer ones with independent rear suspension on more than basic fire roads.
Harlan said:
I wouldn’t take any of the newer ones with independent rear suspension on more than basic fire roads.
I get it, solid axles are great. My Land Cruiser has them front and rear, and it’s amazing. That said, here in Australia, the Y62 Patrol with independent suspension front and rear is really popular, and people take it on some serious trails. Though, breaking CV joints is a known issue for those.
@Valen
Don’t forget the Hummer H1 has independent suspension all around.
Nico said:
@Valen
Don’t forget the Hummer H1 has independent suspension all around.
True, but it’s really designed for sand, not for rocks and deep ruts.
I know someone who off-roads with a lifted Expedition they call the ‘Flex-pedition.’ It’s hilarious to see but surprisingly capable. Just be ready for lots of scratches and dings!
Expeditions can handle just about anything you throw at them. The biggest downside is their size, which makes tight spots tricky.
I had a 1998 with a 6-inch lift. It was a tank but could get through anything.
How big is your family? I took my wife, mother-in-law, and two kids all the way to Baja and back in mine. Tons of space.
I’ve got an ex-police Interceptor Expedition, and I love it! I’m slowly turning it into an overlander with a lift, shocks, rock lights, and a light bar. For now, it’s still white, so it kinda looks like I’m pretending to be a cop, but I promise it’s a work in progress!
My F-350 does great off-road. I bet the Expedition would be just as good, maybe even better because it’s heavier.
The newer Expeditions are pretty pricey to take off-road, but people do it. Check out Redtail Overland’s Expedition build online—it’s impressive.