Ford Expedition - Tools For Off-Road Exploration
Ford Expedition - Tools For Off-Road Exploration
Your Expedition is equipped to take you everywhere you need to go, with equipment and features that enable you to take on a comfortable road trip, high-speed desert run, or tricky mountain rock crawl.
Built to be as capable and comfortable off-road as it is on a long road trip, Expedition is packed with features and tech designed to help you explore with more confidence than ever. And let’s face it, what’s the point of owning a SUV if you’re not going to get a little sand or dirt on its tyres every now and then?
Driving off-road isn’t as simple as just pointing your Expedition at the nearest dune or wadi and standing on the accelerator – so we’ve listed of our top tips for tackling challenging terrain with the tools Ford has engineered into your SUV.
Vehicle Preparation
Successful off-roading begins with good preparation. Start by making sure your vehicle is in the right condition for the terrain. Start on the outside of your vehicle and take a good look both around and underneath.
you want to get familiar with the approach and departure angles, especially if you’re going to be driving over dunes, and check the ground clearance is sufficient to clear any obstacles you may encounter. Familiarise yourself with the location of your recovery points, and make sure you’ve got recovery gear handy should the need to use it arise.
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Airing down your vehicle’s tyres is one of the simplest tricks to improve its off-road performance and your comfort in the cabin. Reducing the air in your tyres means that more of the tyre is touching the ground, spreading the weight of the vehicle more evenly over a larger footprint. This improves traction and helps you to stay on top of softer surfaces like sand.
You can use the tyre pressure monitoring system display in the cluster to keep an eye on the pressure for each tyre. Be sure not to deflate too much and remember to keep your speed in check to avoid the tyre coming off the rim under load. Remember to check your tyres and tyre pressures before you get back on the road. Using under-inflated tyres for regular road driving will reduce vehicle safety, the lifespan of your tyres and fuel efficiency.
Traction Control System
Your vehicle is equipped with a traction control system that engages when a wheel slips. It momentarily brakes the slipping wheel and diverts power to wheels with better traction, ensuring your vehicle keeps moving. You can select optimal settings for different terrain, or leave the heavy lifting to Expedition’s drive modes which have been tailored to respond to various conditions you’re likely to encounter.
Four-Wheel Drive Modes
Some Expedition models – like the Timberline - are fitted with Ford’s intelligent Four-Wheel Drive system four-wheel drive system which features four modes of operation: 2H, 4H, 4L and 4A (four-wheel drive automatic).
Four Automatic (4A): This set-and-forget function is suitable for most situations. It provides four-wheel-drive capabilities when needed. Under normal conditions, most power goes to the rear wheels. When needed, 4A automatically sends torque to the front wheels.
Four High (4H): Gives you that extra bit of grip you need off-road. It provides electronically locked four-wheel-drive power to front and rear wheels and is only intended for off-road use.
Four Low (4L): Should only be used when you need maximum traction and power off-road, increasing torque when terrain gets a little trickier to navigate. Reduced gear ratios help when moving through deep sand and steep grades.
Locking Rear Diff For Difficult Terrain
Locking the electronically limited-slip rear diff locks the rotation of the back wheels together to power you through difficult spots. This helps maintain traction and drive, even when one of the rear wheels is off the ground, or buried in the sand or mud. Some off-road drive modes may engage the locking rear diff automatically.
Using Advanced Features
Your vehicle may also be equipped with advanced features designed to enhance your off-roading experience. Familiarise yourself with these features to make the most of your adventure:
Camera Views: Various camera views are available to help you navigate tough and tight terrain. Select your preferred camera view on the SYNC screen to gain a better perspective on the obstacles around your vehicle.
Trail Control: Trail Control is a low-speed, off-road cruise control system that accelerates and brakes for you, allowing you to focus on steering through tricky terrain. To activate Trail Control, press the Trail Control button and use the Set+ and Set- buttons on the steering wheel to set your desired speed. Unlike regular cruise control, using the brakes will not cancel Trail Control.
Trail Turn Assist: This feature aids in navigating tight turns by applying the brakes to the inside rear wheel during low-speed, high steering angle manoeuvres. It should only be used on loose or slippery surfaces and can be activated in 4H or 4L modes. To activate Trail Turn Assist, tap the vehicle icon at the top of the SYNC screen and select Trail Turn Assist.
Zone Lighting
If your exploration extends into the hours after dark, Expedition’s zone lighting system allows you to choose between four zones of illumination around the vehicle. You can control this from the SYNC screen.
Drive As Slowly As Possible, But As Fast As Necessary
Driving quickly means you will have less time to react if something goes wrong, and it will take longer to stop too. Fortunately, Everest features an enhanced ABS system to improve off-road stopping performance. Some obstacles might require more speed to tackle, such as steep ascents, but most obstacles require little more than a walking pace. Try to remember to drive as slowly as possible, but as fast as necessary.
Returning To The Road
When you’re ready to head home after a successful trip, be sure to re-inflate tyres if you’ve dropped the pressures and do a quick check of your vehicle to make sure there’s no damage you might have missed. Remember to double check that your number plates are still in place, and stow any recovery gear safely away.
With proper preparation and utilisation of your Expedition's advanced features, you're well on your way to a successful off-roading adventure. Remember to prioritize safety, follow local regulations, and respect the environment while exploring the great outdoors.