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Old 04-23-2018, 06:32 AM   #1
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Disappointed in 2017 Expedition

I’m in the market for a new tow vehicle. My 2013 Escalade has 85000 miles and is getting long in the tooth. Still works fine, but I think I’d prefer something newer.

Due to life circumstances I am restricted to a vehicle less than 211” long. That rules out all trucks. And since it’s a daily driver I prefer SUVs anyway.

And I can’t afford a new Escalade.

So I was looking at Tahoe, Yukon, Expedition, and Armadas.

My Escalade has a 1500 lb payload, which works for me. But I’m right at the line and would prefer not to go lower that that.

I was disappointed to find out that nicely appointed Expeditions were at the 1300 lb mark. An XLT was 1400. I know I’m taking a couple hundred pounds, but this is a binary decision for me. I’m either overloaded or I’m not. And I need 1500 lbs of payload to not be overloaded.

Dang.

So I’m off to buy an Armada this afternoon. It doesn’t have an integrated brake controller or trailer sway control or any of the nice tow features the Fords have. But it tows 8500 pounds and they have 1500 pounds of payload.

Sigh...
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Old 04-23-2018, 07:53 AM   #2
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Based on not a lot of technical data, I’d be excited to own a new Armada. The new ones are based on the Nissan Patrol platform which I’ve always thought looked cool. One of the best looking full size SUVs out there in my opinion. I think Nissan would be well served to rename it the Patrol like in the rest of the world.

The 5.6L engine is a beast (same one they are using in the Titan XD), and I don’t think you’ll miss the trailer sway control. Some folks argue that you should disable that anyway with a proper WD hitch setup. Throw a Prodigy P3 in there and be happy.
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Old 04-23-2018, 09:52 AM   #3
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Escalade to Armada sure seems like a lateral move without much change/benefit?

Or is the Escalade just falling apart? 85k doesn't sound like much to me and it should just be hitting its stride?
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Old 04-23-2018, 09:58 AM   #4
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Disappointed in 2017 Expedition

Quote:
Originally Posted by pteck View Post
Escalade to Armada sure seems like a lateral move without much change/benefit?

Or is the Escalade just falling apart? 85k doesn't sound like much to me and it should just be hitting its stride?


Yeah, the only benefit is a newer vehicle under warranty with a lot fewer miles.

The Escalade works great. It’s just pricey to get it serviced. I could have it serviced by third parties but then I introduce a whole new set of variables.

Plus, I should add, that the CFO (my wife) approved the purchase IF and only IF the rear seat was a bench seat and not a Captains chair like the Escalade. Because.... of the dog. He’s not very comfortable in a Captains chair.

Yes. I based my tow vehicle purchase decision in part because of my dog’s comfort level. I’m not exactly proud to admit it, but it is what it is. I love that dog...
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Old 04-23-2018, 10:30 AM   #5
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No need to apologize.

"Dog is with you."



reteP

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Old 04-23-2018, 11:00 AM   #6
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Servicing a vehicle can't be more expensive than buying a new vehicle? But I get it, you have other considerations too.
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Old 04-23-2018, 11:47 AM   #7
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You specified the 2017 Expedition in the title... but the 2018 is a different critter, I'd expect it to have more payload since they now have lighter bodywork. (That's just an expectation, mind you, I'm not in the market at all and mostly wouldn't be for an SUV, so I haven't watched their payload closely.)

Have you seen payload numbers for 2018 short-wheelbase Expeditions? On a Ford forum I saw some postings of door stickers off Platinum short-wheelbase 4WD models that were over 1500 lb. Platinums tend to be bloated-with-options units so that should cover what you're looking for, though of course you're not likely to find any bargains yet since Expeditions and Navigators seem to be selling really well.
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Old 04-23-2018, 12:47 PM   #8
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My base Infiniti QX56 has 1609 payload not bad but changes quickly when you add extras like bigger rims, televisions etc.
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Old 04-23-2018, 01:01 PM   #9
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My base Infiniti QX56 has 1609 payload not bad but changes quickly when you add extras like bigger rims, televisions etc.
The payload change for bigger rims is probably because they use different tires on the giant flashy wheels. Since wheels/tires are unsprung weight the only payload effect should be from the weight-carrying capacity of the tires.
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Old 04-23-2018, 04:11 PM   #10
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Curious why you elected to skip the Tahoe/Yukon in favor of the Armada. I know it’s subjective, but I’m curious.
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Old 04-23-2018, 04:58 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FCStreamer View Post
Yes. I based my tow vehicle purchase decision in part because of my dog’s comfort level. I’m not exactly proud to admit it, but it is what it is. I love that dog...
Perfectly reasonable. I do it ll the time.

Dog is my co-pilot.
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Old 04-23-2018, 10:48 PM   #12
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My current crew members include the Plane Captain, the Purser, and the Wait Staff (2), all doggies. DW is copilot and daughter is navigator. I get yo be Command Pilot and do all the driving....
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Old 04-23-2018, 11:41 PM   #13
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I have a 2017 4x4 Expedition EL XLT, with the max trailer package, heated and cooled leather seats, sync 3 nav, and sunroof for options. Has bench for second row. On the door jam sticker it list my payload 1452 lbs. GVWR per door jamb sticker is 7760 lbs. Mine also has 18 inch wheels and 3.73 for gearing.
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Old 04-24-2018, 06:08 AM   #14
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Originally Posted by YippieKiYa View Post
Curious why you elected to skip the Tahoe/Yukon in favor of the Armada. I know it’s subjective, but I’m curious.

No reason other than wanting something different. The 2017-18 Armadas are very nicely appointed for the price. But if I can’t find what I’m looking for I would certainly consider a Yukon/Tahoe that gives me 1500+ payload.
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Old 04-24-2018, 06:09 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DKB_SATX View Post
You specified the 2017 Expedition in the title... but the 2018 is a different critter, I'd expect it to have more payload since they now have lighter bodywork. (That's just an expectation, mind you, I'm not in the market at all and mostly wouldn't be for an SUV, so I haven't watched their payload closely.)

Have you seen payload numbers for 2018 short-wheelbase Expeditions? On a Ford forum I saw some postings of door stickers off Platinum short-wheelbase 4WD models that were over 1500 lb. Platinums tend to be bloated-with-options units so that should cover what you're looking for, though of course you're not likely to find any bargains yet since Expeditions and Navigators seem to be selling really well.

I did not look at the 18s. Their are a few in the used car lot. I should check them out.
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Old 04-24-2018, 09:58 AM   #16
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I've been happy with my 2017 Tahoe pulling my 25' FC in the Cascades and Rockies. Getting 13 mpg highway is nice too.
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Old 04-24-2018, 10:00 AM   #17
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Regarding Tahoes, I agree; they're really common.

We have a '16 Suburban LTZ 4WD that's loaded with options, and we scale at 5950# of 7500# GVWR with full tank of gas and our daily stuff in the back. Scaled at 6300# with me and one of the kids. Tahoe is at least 200# greater in payload due to the shorter length, and if you select 2WD instead of 4WD, you'll gain another 1-200#. That should put you well over 1500#. Sunroof adds a bunch of weight, but now we're getting deep into personal preferences. If you're not into the toys, there's a Custom option package on the '18 Tahoe LT (base model) that deletes the third row seat, taking out a bunch of weight and giving you more usable space back there. You can still get the HD tow package with it. Just looked at a new Expedition, and you'll find similar results there, too.

In general, the 1/2T SUV's are just about as bad as 1/2T pick-ups when it comes to payload. The ratings on the Ford/GM/Nissan are all really close, so it likely comes down to personal preference. Eager to see where you land, and hear your thoughts about how you got there. I enjoy these threads/perspectives.
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Old 04-24-2018, 10:17 AM   #18
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My 2016 Expedition Limited only has a 1329 lb payload...
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Old 04-24-2018, 10:27 AM   #19
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Why not the Yukon? It's payload is over 1,600#.
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Old 04-24-2018, 10:42 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DKB_SATX View Post
Have you seen payload numbers for 2018 short-wheelbase Expeditions?

I saw them today. 1700+ lbs. That’s what I’m talking about! Problem is new 2018s nicely appointed are very expensive, and there’s not a lot of used on on the market yet.

I’ve been test driving the Armadas the last couple of days, and they ride nicer and look nicer on the inside than the Fords. The Ford has more space in the 3rd row for passengers. But there’s a >$10K difference between similarly equipped models.

Plus I found two 2018 Armada SLs with Premium Packages with less than 15 miles. One five. Apparently some company bought them and never took possession of them and returned them. But they were titled so they are being sold as used with >$10K discounts from MSRP.

The only thing I regret is that my Max (Labradoodle) won’t have a rear DVD entertainment system to keep him busy. He sleeps most of the drive anyway so no big deal.....

I’m going in to close a deal this afternoon. Wish me luck!
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