I posted an idea for ford on the social media website

[rusty813]

I posted an idea for Ford to make the ground clearance higher on the 2014 Explorer social.ford.com, if anyone likes my idea please comment on it...thanks

http://social.ford.com/your-ideas/t.../higher-ground-clearance-ford-2014-explorers/

 

[OffTrac]

I think the low bumper might protect people from trying to take it places it simply can't go for reasons other than ground clearance. Gas mileage would suffer too. This vehicle is not in the same class as a Tahoe any longer. Ground clearance won't change that. It needs more than ground clearance to fix it's off road capabilities, IMO.

My wife wants to get either a Tahoe or Explorer next year and is leaning Tahoe because it is "tougher", her words not mine. She also traded her Z71 Tahoe for an Edge last year. She wants third row again and to sit higher. I think Ford will lose her only a year after I converted her.

She really likes the Explorer but is concerned it's too much like a minivan. I'm still pushing for the Ex Sport though.

 

[1950silverstreak]

I think that would be an excellent idea. Perhaps it could be part of a "light duty off road package" for those of us who ride on rural trails. Perhaps with an appropriate wheel/tire package.

 

[Flag Gibby]

I am with OffTrac, the 8" or so of clearance on the vehicle is fine. Just make the airdam under the bumper retractable like the F150 at the autoshow had this year and all the problems should be solved.

 

[JDraper]

Unfortunately it probably won't happen. There is a strong federal push for uniform bumper heights in vehicles so that in a collision you don't have one vehicle popping up over another and driving through the driver's compartment.

 

[rellyrooly]

She really likes the Explorer but is concerned it's too much like a minivan. I'm still pushing for the Ex Sport though.

Minivan? Really? Trust me when I tell you that I am the furthest person from ever buying a minivan and I have an Ex Sport on order. It's HOT! Not at all like a minivan.

 

[OffTrac]

Minivan? Really? Trust me when I tell you that I am the furthest person from ever buying a minivan and I have an Ex Sport on order. It's HOT! Not at all like a minivan.

Convince my wife, not me.

 

[phareous]

Actually a higher bumper would keep me from scratching the heck out of it everytime I park in a parking lot with the concrete stops...

 

[JETZ]

Our Explorers are NOT intended for serious off road excursions, buy a Jeep! Ford would never raise it higher as it would look stupid on the street, and I guess you've forgoten the problems with the last Explorer having issues of rollovers.

http://www.californiainjuryblog.com/2009/08/san-diego-ford-explorer-rollover-car-accident.html

http://www.rolloverlawyer.com/articles/ford-explorer-rollover/

 

[rusty813]

that's what is the social media is for JETZ, if we can get at least 100 comments on it...we will see if ford is really listening to us. comment on my idea if you like it

 

[77rednecktruck]

Our Explorers are NOT intended for serious off road excursions, buy a Jeep! Ford would never raise it higher as it would look stupid on the street, and I guess you've forgoten the problems with the last Explorer having issues of rollovers.

http://www.californiainjuryblog.com/2009/08/san-diego-ford-explorer-rollover-car-accident.html

http://www.rolloverlawyer.com/articles/ford-explorer-rollover/

I came from a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a Hemi. The Jeep had nice ground clearance but it wasn't as nice on the road, it was very "tippy" around corners. Not that it was very bad but once in a car based vehicle it was very apparent.

I really liked the Jeep but it had lot of little nagging issues. The Sport I have now is a ton more refined on the road and a much better vehicle for daily driving than the off-road focused Jeep (Or older generation Explorer for that matter).

 

[rellyrooly]

Convince my wife, not me.

Please tell your wife for me, that I am a lady too and believe me when I tell you that I would NEVER buy anything that resembles a minivan. I am actually going to be coming out of a very sexy BMW 335i Convertible to go into my Sport. I will, admittedly miss my cute little convertible but am going with the Sport for the exact reason that, IMO, it is the sexiest SUV out there. It has an aggressive look on the road, quick engine, all while providing tons of bells and whistles on the inside. Believe me, this wasn't an easy decision for me to get rid of my BM'er; I lost a lot of sleep. I just know that I need the space (even getting just a few groceries into my trunk was a big deal) and as my family growing larger; in height, not size, I needed to accommodate everyone. I really think I made the right choice. That is, as long as MFT doesn't cause me too many heartaches and piss me off! LOL

 

[Joe Dirt]

You're going to need way more than 100 comments on Facebook for Ford to completely change an engineered design. More like 100,000 people with $45,000 cash in front of World Headquarters.

 

[rusty813]

I came from a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a Hemi. The Jeep had nice ground clearance but it wasn't as nice on the road, it was very "tippy" around corners. Not that it was very bad but once in a car based vehicle it was very apparent.

I really liked the Jeep but it had lot of little nagging issues. The Sport I have now is a ton more refined on the road and a much better vehicle for daily driving than the off-road focused Jeep (Or older generation Explorer for that matter).

the 4th generation has excellent handling my friend...I think what ford did with 5th gen is nice but stupid at the same time.

 

[peterk9]

Actually a higher bumper would keep me from scratching the heck out of it everytime I park in a parking lot with the concrete stops...

I did that once also, but only once. Now I just don't get that close. Problem solved.

Peter

 

[peterk9]

I posted an idea for Ford to make the ground clearance higher on the 2014 Explorer social.ford.com, if anyone likes my idea please comment on it...thanks

http://social.ford.com/your-ideas/t.../higher-ground-clearance-ford-2014-explorers/

You have to keep in mind that the current Explorer is not meant for serious off-roading and the fact it is no longer on a truck frame is why people are buying it. I think the clearance is just fine although I don't like that the front air deflector is so low.
Rather than increasing the ground clearance for all Explorers, why not add an air lift option to raise it like some vehicles have. Then you would have the best of both worlds, if you so desire.

Peter

 

[JETZ]

Well...if YOU want higher ground clearance put a taller w/t combo on your car.
I think my truck is too tall, and want to lower it.

that's what is the social media is for JETZ, if we can get at least 100 comments on it...we will see if ford is really listening to us. comment on my idea if you like it

 

[77rednecktruck]

the 4th generation has excellent handling my friend...I think what ford did with 5th gen is nice but stupid at the same time.

excellent compared to other trucks/truck based suv's or excellent compared to the new car based suv's?

I'll take a car based SUV like the Explorer any day over a truck based SUV for normal daily driving. I have enough dedicated off-road toys to play with if I want to.

 

[FordService]

I posted an idea for Ford to make the ground clearance higher on the 2014 Explorer social.ford.com, if anyone likes my idea please comment on it...

Awesome idea, rusty813! Looks like you're already getting some activity on it, too! Nicely done.

Crystal