Questions from a Wannabe

[Coolwind]

Hi Everyone!

Long-time lurker, first-time poster here. Well, second if you count that I said 'Hi' over in the new member forum!

Anyway, I'm on the verge of placing an order for a new Explorer and wanted to check a few things with experienced 5th gen owners.

First, a bit about me so you have some context for the questions:
I live at the foot of the coastal mountains in Oregon, where we get plenty of moisture in winter, but (except for last week) very little snow. However, I love to head into the mountains for hiking/biking, and there can be plenty of snow in either the coastal mountains (3000' elevation) in our backyard, or in the Cascades (6000'+) an hour away. The Explorer appeals to me since it seems to be a very capable family hauler (my wife and I have 4 kids ages 11-18) that is far more rugged and stylish than the minivan it will replace, and more capable of handling the road conditions I've been reluctant to try with the van.

I've extensively researched/test-driven the Honda Pilot, 2014 Toyota Highlander, Chevy Traverse and Dodge Durango, and the Explorer seems to be the best fit for my family.

This will be a replacement for our trusty old '99 Honda Odyssey, which at 180k miles has carried on well. It will share daily driving with a Toyota Prius, which for obvious reasons will do most of the about-town stuff. This will be our primary roadtrip car, and we do a fair amount of driving (20k per year on each of our daily drivers). It will also be our 3rd Ford experience. The first Ford was a 1997 Escort wagon (terrible experience: lasted only 2 years, replaced by the van), followed by a 2002 F350 which is our heavy-duty hauler/tower/farm vehicle and which has been great.

So, to my questions:
1) I'm on the fence between an XLT with 202a or the Sport (don't need all the bells and whistles, but want something fun to drive). The question: should I be at all concerned about taking a sport with it's 20inchers into the mountains on gravel/logging roads? How harsh would the ride be, and would it risk damage to the wheels? Note: I'm not talking about serious off-roading, just gravel/mud on backcountry roads at elevation.

2) How is the snow traction on the Sport with standard all-season tires? I've read the thread about chains not recommended on 20" tires, so I'm wondering if this would really be an issue outside of extreme conditions, or if I'd have to get a whole new set of winter wheels/tires?

3) As you might imagine, I'm leaning towards the Sport as it seems more fun to drive, and frankly I'd really like to have some fun after driving a minivan/Prius combo for several years. However, should I be at all concerned with the reliability/longevity of the Ecoboost? I tend to drive my cars for a long time, and have pretty high expectations for durability. Is there any reason I should be more concerned about the longevity of the Ecoboost versus the standard V6?

4) Finally (for now) a minor worry: from what I've read about the dual moonroof, it's an attractive addition, but seems prone to leaks/rattles. Just wondering, how many of you have dual moonroofs that DON'T have any problems?

Sorry for the long post! I'm sure there will be more questions that spring to mind as soon as I post this, but thanks in advance for any thoughts you can share.

I'm excited and looking forward to graduating from Wannabe to Owner!

 

[peterk9]

Hi Everyone!

Long-time lurker, first-time poster here. Well, second if you count that I said 'Hi' over in the new member forum!

Anyway, I'm on the verge of placing an order for a new Explorer and wanted to check a few things with experienced 5th gen owners.

First, a bit about me so you have some context for the questions:
I live at the foot of the coastal mountains in Oregon, where we get plenty of moisture in winter, but (except for last week) very little snow. However, I love to head into the mountains for hiking/biking, and there can be plenty of snow in either the coastal mountains (3000' elevation) in our backyard, or in the Cascades (6000'+) an hour away. The Explorer appeals to me since it seems to be a very capable family hauler (my wife and I have 4 kids ages 11-18) that is far more rugged and stylish than the minivan it will replace, and more capable of handling the road conditions I've been reluctant to try with the van.

I've extensively researched/test-driven the Honda Pilot, 2014 Toyota Highlander, Chevy Traverse and Dodge Durango, and the Explorer seems to be the best fit for my family.

This will be a replacement for our trusty old '99 Honda Odyssey, which at 180k miles has carried on well. It will share daily driving with a Toyota Prius, which for obvious reasons will do most of the about-town stuff. This will be our primary roadtrip car, and we do a fair amount of driving (20k per year on each of our daily drivers). It will also be our 3rd Ford experience. The first Ford was a 1997 Escort wagon (terrible experience: lasted only 2 years, replaced by the van), followed by a 2002 F350 which is our heavy-duty hauler/tower/farm vehicle and which has been great.

Welcome to the Forum Coolwind.:wavey:
Here are my comments. I'm sure others will have their opinions as well.
1. The Owner's Guide for the 2011, which I have, did have a special notice to owners with 20 inch wheels saying they were designed for on-road use only. Subsequent printings of the 2011 guide had that removed. It was assumed by the members here that it was a concern about possible damage to the aluminum wheels by rocks etc. With the Terrain Management System (TMS) I think you would likely be okay in the conditions you described. The ride is not harsh in my opinion but you always risk damage to the wheels depending upon the terrain.
2. I do not have the Sport but assume it would be no different than the Limited as far as traction goes. I'm a believer in dedicated Winter tires and use them. I'm not a fan of the OEM Hankooks and replaced them ASAP because we were still in Winter when I got mine. There are differing opinions on these tires from 'great in snow' to the exact opposite.
3. The Explorer Sport would likely be more fun to drive from what I've read although I'm very happy with the standard V6. The Ecoboost definitely provides more power but minimally less fuel economy. For optimum performance, premium fuel is recommended although most owners I believe use the regular 87 octane grade. The Sport with the Ecoboost is only in its second year of production. I don't know if this engine was used elsewhere prior to that so for me it would be difficult to speculate on its longevity.
4. I have had zero issues with my moonroof and fully intend to get another one if I get another Explorer next year. Had them in 3 previous Highlanders with no problems at all. The number with leaks, squeaks and rattles is minimal.
The leak problems with seams in the roof is more prevalent but again not all that common. The moonroof really seems to open and brighten the interior. The shade on mine is never closed.
Now just wait for the other replies/opinions to roll in.

Peter

 

[fjc2]

I'm a wannabe like you (mine is ordered but I don't have it yet), so this is all just theory...

What about this solution - buy a Sport, but see if the dealer will swap out the wheels for one of the XLT 18" set? Or, after you buy it find a takeoff set from someone then sell the 20" wheels.

You'd get all the fun of the Sport, but have the thicker rubber between it and those bad roads.

As for the Sport's ecoboost engine - that 3.5L Ecoboost is used in a lot of Ford vehicles, including the Flex, Taurus SHO, and the F-150. Also some of the Lincolns I believe.

 

[peterk9]

I'm a wannabe like you (mine is ordered but I don't have it yet), so this is all just theory...

What about this solution - buy a Sport, but see if the dealer will swap out the wheels for one of the XLT 18" set? Or, after you buy it find a takeoff set from someone then sell the 20" wheels.

You'd get all the fun of the Sport, but have the thicker rubber between it and those bad roads.

As for the Sport's ecoboost engine - that 3.5L Ecoboost is used in a lot of Ford vehicles, including the Flex, Taurus SHO, and the F-150. Also some of the Lincolns I believe.

I doubt the dealer will do a wheel swap. I couldn't even get mine to take the Hankook tires. Best bet might be to find a local area dealer that sells wheels and see if you can get some kind of trade-in value for the 20" ones. That is what I did for the tires.

Peter

 

[fjc2]

I doubt the dealer will do a wheel swap. I couldn't even get mine to take the Hankook tires. Best bet might be to find a local area dealer that sells wheels and see if you can get some kind of trade-in value for the 20" ones. That is what I did for the tires.

Peter

Oh certainly not a straight-up swap, but they might cut a deal on a new set with trading in the Sport wheels.

 

[peterk9]

Oh certainly not a straight-up swap, but they might cut a deal on a new set with trading in the Sport wheels.

That is what I attempted to do with my tires but they weren't even interested in doing that. In fact, after making a few calls, I was only able to find one tire dealer that would take the Hankooks as a trade-in.

Peter

 

[Kpwweb]

Hi Everyone!

Long-time lurker, first-time poster here. Well, second if you count that I said 'Hi' over in the new member forum!, .

So, to my questions:
1) I'm on the fence between an XLT with 202a or the Sport (don't need all the bells and whistles, but want something fun to drive). The question: should I be at all concerned about taking a sport with it's 20inchers into the mountains on gravel/logging roads? How harsh would the ride be, and would it risk damage to the wheels? Note: I'm not talking about serious off-roading, just gravel/mud on backcountry roads at elevation.

--the ride is very good. Taught, but not harsh.. I don't think you can nake a 5000+ lb truck harsh..

2) How is the snow traction on the Sport with standard all-season tires? I've read the thread about chains not recommended on 20" tires, so I'm wondering if this would really be an issue outside of extreme conditions, or if I'd have to get a whole new set of winter wheels/tires?

--we've had extremely good traction in light snow--nothing over 6".. The Ex "handles like a cat.."

3) As you might imagine, I'm leaning towards the Sport as it seems more fun to drive, and frankly I'd really like to have some fun after driving a minivan/Prius combo for several years. However, should I be at all concerned with the reliability/longevity of the Ecoboost? I tend to drive my cars for a long time, and have pretty high expectations for durability. Is there any reason I should be more concerned about the longevity of the Ecoboost versus the standard V6?

--the ecoboost has been extensively tested. Watch the YouTube videos. It is a turbo, so more CAN go wrong, but so can power everything as well... A meteor could fall out of the sky as well... If you service it like it should be, and drive smartly, it will be fine...

4) Finally (for now) a minor worry: from what I've read about the dual moonroof, it's an attractive addition, but seems prone to leaks/rattles. Just wondering, how many of you have dual moonroofs that DON'T have any problems?

--no leaks, no drips, no worries. We love ours and are glad we got it! Besides, it means less roof to wax!

Sorry for the long post! I'm sure there will be more questions that spring to mind as soon as I post this, but thanks in advance for any thoughts you can share.

I'm excited and looking forward to graduating from Wannabe to Owner!

Some answers above. We love our sport! But test drive both before buying...

 

[pingbling23]

it sounds like you would be best suited with an xlt with the smaller rims and bigger tires. you can still get nice features and tech with the xlt. im sure the sport is a blast to drive, but in all honesty, the na 3.5 is well suited in the explorer and the stock explorer handles very well for its size and weight. it would be a huge upgrade from an older odyssey. you will be fine with the moonroof, and if there is a problem, thats what the warranty is for. ive got a friend with a 65K 2012 bmw x5 and his moon roof leaked and stained the headliner. it was an expensive fix for bmw, covered all under warrant ofcourse.

 

[fjc2]

Looks like a set of take-off XLT wheels runs about $700 on eBay right now with shipping. With tires, probably talking $1500.

Then sell the sport wheels. I see an ebay listing selling the Sport wheels with nearly-new factory tires for $1995 plus shipping.

Basically, I bet if you were inclined to go to the trouble, you could at least break even if you got a Sport and swapped to 18" XLT wheels.

 

[tmg19103]

My view on this is a simple as someone who goes off-road and on the beach quite bit.

20" look great, but in my view are road wheels.

18" is beneficial for a variety of reasons. In hard mud or soft sand areas you often need to let your tires down to 13-15 lbs to drive without getting stuck. With the higher sidewall of the 18" tire, when you let the air down you still have a relatively high sidewall while having a wider tire that will not sink into hard mud or soft sand. If you don't let the air out in these situations the tires/wheels can easily spin into the sand/mud, dig in and you get bottomed out.

If you are off road in a hard surfaced area with larger rocks, large tree roots, etc. where you don't need to let air out, you could dent the rim with a lower profile sidewall of a 20". Better to have more rubber sidewall on an 18" between an off-road object and the rim.

I see enough of this in the summer. Some of it is just common sense. Let the air out on the beach:

http://youtu.be/lRsIpOYjrYI

 

[peterk9]

My view on this is a simple as someone who goes off-road and on the beach quite bit.

20" look great, but in my view are road wheels.

18" is beneficial for a variety of reasons. In hard mud or soft sand areas you often need to let your tires down to 13-15 lbs to drive without getting stuck. With the higher sidewall of the 18" tire, when you let the air down you still have a relatively high sidewall while having a wider tire that will not sink into hard mud or soft sand. If you don't let the air out in these situations the tires/wheels can easily spin into the sand/mud, dig in and you get bottomed out.

If you are off road in a hard surfaced area with larger rocks, large tree roots, etc. where you don't need to let air out, you could dent the rim with a lower profile sidewall of a 20". Better to have more rubber sidewall on an 18" between an off-road object and the rim.

I see enough of this in the summer. Some of it is just common sense. Let the air out on the beach:

http://youtu.be/lRsIpOYjrYI

Following what you said, a 17" would then be even better. I have posted several times that I wished 17" wheels/tires were an option when I got my Limited. Use them for Winter and they are great.

Peter

 

[tmg19103]

Following what you said, a 17" would then be even better. I have posted several times that I wished 17" wheels/tires were an option when I got my Limited. Use them for Winter and they are great.

Peter

In the winter on pavement even with a lot of snow 20" are generally OK unless it is over 10" of snow, but yes, for off-road like soft sand you want to have a lot of sidewall (to keep the chassis above the sand) and a wide tire with the air down so you ride over the sand instead of sinking in. Also with full tire pressure where you hit hard objects in the woods, smaller rim and higher sidewall are better so rims don't get bent.

Interesting, in sand a bald tire with the air out is best as you tend not to dig in but glide over. In the YouTube I posted above there is a guy with a raised chassis and monster tires with big treads and you see him struggling.

 

[AZmom]

I think you and your family will LOVE the Explorer. As my last vehicle was a Honda Odyssey and the improvements from Honda to Ford will pleasantly surprise you. I cannot answer the other questions- but wanted to assure you that you will never look back over your shoulder again.

 

[billr]

I think if you go to 17" wheels, it is going to look strange, big wheel wells. Stay with the 20's. The Hancook tires are not the best in snow. My 98 Explorer I ran Michelin LTX M/S. My first set I got after the Firestone debacle of which I got 67K before the recall. I got 120K miles from the Michelin's and got a second set which I put on at the 200K mile mark. I sold my 98 with 265K miles on it for $1000. The second set still had tons of tread on them

 

[peterk9]

I think if you go to 17" wheels, it is going to look strange, big wheel wells. Stay with the 20's. The Hancook tires are not the best in snow. My 98 Explorer I ran Michelin LTX M/S. My first set I got after the Firestone debacle of which I got 67K before the recall. I got 120K miles from the Michelin's and got a second set which I put on at the 200K mile mark. I sold my 98 with 265K miles on it for $1000. The second set still had tons of tread on them

I doubt that you'd even notice the difference. The overall change in total diameter is 0.5 inches. I also notice a little better ride when I put the 17" Winters on compared to the OEM 20s

Peter

 

[tmg19103]

When I posted above when I got into what size wheels you want for off-road, I also said 20's look great. A bigger rim just looks better in a sleek, more refined way, but a bigger tire can look more like a an off-road, 4-wheel thing. You can make your Ex look great as a city cruiser or off road monster.

If you are a pavement driver and don't expect to be driving through deep snow, the 20's are fine.

If you do much off-roading at all, I'd go 18 and 17 would be even better, though the 18's on my XLT are fine for the type of modest off roading I do - which is really all a unibody AWD is made for.

As far as looks, its relative. Here's a Ford Escape for sale up on Nantucket that is rigged out for beach driving because everybody does it up there.

Note how small the rim is and how high the sidewall is. Looks like 16's to me. Also looks rugged to me and practical for the beach - though you still have to air down, but those will get you through the softest sand on island.

http://www.donallenford.com/used-in...5CKC33999&index=14&count=35&offset=13&limit=1

 

[peterk9]

......If you are a pavement driver and don't expect to be driving through deep snow, the 20's are fine......

That is the only part of your post I disagree with. Winter tires are more than just for snow. If you live in an area where the Winter temps are mainly under 43F then a dedicated Winter tire is much safer and better than a so called all season. The OEM rubber will begin to lose optimum traction at 43F so even if you are on bare pavement it will not provide the same grip/traction that a dedicated Winter tire will. Unfortunately it is a common misconception that Winter tires are for snow only. That is why they are now referred to as Winter and not snow tires.

Peter

 

[tmg19103]

That is the only part of your post I disagree with. Winter tires are more than just for snow. If you live in an area where the Winter temps are mainly under 43F then a dedicated Winter tire is much safer and better than a so called all season. The OEM rubber will begin to lose optimum traction at 43F so even if you are on bare pavement it will not provide the same grip/traction that a dedicated Winter tire will. Unfortunately it is a common misconception that Winter tires are for snow only. That is why they are now referred to as Winter and not snow tires.

Peter

We live in different climates and I was posting more to what I am used to.

I understand that below a certain temp standard all-season tires harden and become slick on even clear roads. That is the purpose of winter tires (as opposed to snow tires) - they are made so they don't get hard and lose friction in very cold weather.

We have had a very cold winter by Philly standards. Weeks in the teens and I have had no prob with all-seasons. the 43F you mention seems to me to be overkill for the need for winter tires. I personally put it at below 15F. My view is tire makers want to sell tires so they up the numbers for the need for winter tires.

However, I may well have a different view if I lived up your way so I am not going to disagree with what you are saying. Just saying in Philly's cold winters not many people use winter tires (you will see snow tires on rear wheel drive) and I and everyone I know has had no prob with all season based on temp. Snow is another story if it is deep.

 

[plumbago]

If you must have an Explorer, Id' seriously consider the XLT with 18 tires. There is a much better selection of replacement 18" tires available when the need arises. And with an out door life style and 4 kids, I'd skip the moon roof and consider the the tow package, which gives you a little better suspension and cooling, for possible furture needs. If you can get past the fleeting moment initial fun factor of the Sport, the standard V6, a proven excellent motor, will serve you best for the long run....best regards Plum

 

[tmg19103]

If you must have an Explorer, Id' seriously consider the XLT with 18 tires. There is a much better selection of replacement 18" tires available when the need arises. And with an out door life style and 4 kids, I'd skip the moon roof and consider the the tow package, which gives you a little better suspension and cooling, for possible furture needs. If you can get past the fleeting moment initial fun factor of the Sport, the standard V6, a proven excellent motor, will serve you best for the long run....best regards Plum

Don't disagree at all, but if you are a city/suburban driver who does not go off-road or tow, the 20's look nice and I love sun roofs - as long as they don't leak.

It's all personal choice and the nice thing is Ford gives you options with the Ex.

I was looking at pics here where a poster has put the mud flaps and running boards on his Ex with 20's. Vehicle looked awesome to me, but since I drive on the beach those mud flaps and the running board could get caught in soft sand, so it is 18's and higher off the ground for me.

Still, the vast majority of my driving with he Ex is city/suburb and I think the Ex drives pretty well with 18's on the pavement.