A Full-Size Review And Holiday Road Trip Guide with RV Rules!
About this episode
A detailed review of the 2025 Ford Expedition Max highlights its spacious interior, powerful EcoBoost engine, and modern design features. The hosts discuss its impressive towing capacity and fuel efficiency, while also suggesting the addition of a hybrid option. The episode transitions into a holiday road trip guide, featuring festive destinations like Frankenmuth, Texas Hill Country, and Leavenworth. Additionally, the episode covers important RV rules, including weight limits and safety regulations, making it a comprehensive listen for those interested in road trips and RVing.
Big power, big space, and even bigger holiday plans. We put the all-new 2025 Ford Expedition Max under the microscope, from its streamlined grille and clever two-piece tailgate to a fully revamped interior with twin screens and a sliding center console that actually changes daily usability. With 400 horsepower, 480 lb-ft of torque, and up to 9,000 pounds of towing, the Max Platinum proves it can haul, cruise, and carry with confidence. We share true-to-life fuel economy, where it shines on ride quality, and why a hybrid option could be the smartest next step. Plus, we stack it against Suburban, Yukon XL, Sequoia, and Armada to help you decide what belongs in your driveway.
Then we hit the map with road trips that wrap driving fun in holiday magic. Start in Chicago and glide to Frankenmuth’s Little Bavaria charm and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. Chase lights and live music across the Texas Hill Country, from Grapevine to Fredericksburg to San Antonio’s River Walk. Crave snow? Cross the Cascades to Leavenworth, Washington, for carolers, nutcrackers, and alpine energy. Prefer a slower pace? Wander Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the Biltmore Estate sparkle, or make a quick East Coast run from Philadelphia’s Christmas Village to New York City’s iconic tree and window displays.
We close with a no-nonsense guide to RV laws that keep your holiday rolling instead of ruined. Learn why overweight rigs are dangerous and costly, where parking gets you ticketed, how propane rules shift by state, why belts matter for every passenger, and what boondocking boundaries you must respect. Whether you’re picking a full-size SUV or plotting a festive escape, you’ll leave with practical insight, smart safety tips, and a shortlist of destinations worth the drive. If you enjoyed the ride, follow the show, share it with a road trip friend, and drop a review telling us where you’re heading next.
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Ford Expedition
"Had a chance to drive the all-new 2025 Ford Expedition Max. It was assembled in Louisville, Kentucky."
The 2025 Ford Expedition Max is a large SUV that can fit many passengers and has a lot of room for luggage. It's built to be strong and can handle heavy loads.
The 2025 Ford Expedition Max is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and powerful performance. It is designed for families or those needing extra cargo space, featuring a body-on-frame construction for durability.
trim levels
"Here are the available trim levels. The active, the max active, the platinum, the max platinum, the tremor, king ranch, and max king ranch."
Trim levels are different versions of the same car that have different features. Some might have more luxury or technology than others.
Trim levels refer to the different versions of a car model that come with varying features and options. Higher trim levels usually offer more luxury, technology, and performance enhancements.
body-on-frame
"This is a standard or full-size SUV body on frame. Old school, but boy, it works great."
Body-on-frame means the main part of the vehicle (the body) is built on a strong frame underneath. This makes it tough and good for carrying heavy things or going off-road.
Body-on-frame is a vehicle construction method where the body is mounted on a separate frame. This design is common in trucks and SUVs, providing strength and durability, especially for towing and off-road capabilities.
front skid plate
"Grill, more streamlined now with a full front skid plate on this particular model. It's modern."
A front skid plate is a piece of metal or plastic that protects the bottom of a car from getting damaged when driving over rough ground or obstacles. It keeps important parts safe from rocks and other things that could hit them.
A front skid plate is a protective component that shields the undercarriage of a vehicle from damage, especially when driving off-road or on rough terrain. It helps prevent rocks and debris from impacting sensitive parts of the vehicle.
lower profile tires
"It has lower profile tires on it, which I noticed. So it's got to be significant if you can notice the lower profile tires."
Lower profile tires are tires that are shorter from the rim to the ground. They can help a car handle better when turning and make it look sportier, but they might make the ride feel bumpier on rough roads.
Lower profile tires have a shorter sidewall height compared to standard tires, which can improve handling and responsiveness. They often provide a sportier look and better cornering performance but may offer a harsher ride on rough surfaces.
two-piece tailgate
"Two-piece tailgate works well. I'll tell you about that more in a minute."
A two-piece tailgate is a type of back door on a truck that can open in two parts. This makes it easier to reach into the truck bed and load or unload things without having to open the whole door.
A two-piece tailgate is a design feature commonly found on trucks and SUVs, allowing the tailgate to open in two sections. This can provide easier access to the cargo area and improve functionality, especially when loading or unloading items.
movable center console
"It has a movable center console. Yeah, you can slide it back and slide it forward. Not just the lid."
A movable center console is a part of the car's interior that can be adjusted to make it easier to reach or store things like bags. It can slide back and forth to fit your needs.
A movable center console is a feature in some vehicles that allows the console to slide forward or backward, providing flexibility in storage and accessibility for the driver and passengers.
third row
"Well, it's big back there with the third row down. Obviously what I liked about it, again, the spaciousness of it because it's big engine."
The third row is an extra row of seats in some larger cars, like SUVs. When you fold those seats down, you get more space for things like luggage or groceries.
The third row refers to an additional seating area in some SUVs and minivans, allowing for more passengers. When the third row is down, it typically increases cargo space.
torque
"that turns out 400 horsepower and 480 pound feet of torque..."
Torque measures how much turning force an engine can produce. Here, the engine has 480 pound-feet of torque, meaning it can pull heavy loads easily.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which is crucial for acceleration and towing capability in vehicles. The engine produces 480 pound-feet of torque, indicating strong pulling power.
EcoBoost
"this comes with a three and a half liter high output EcoBoost V6 engine that turns out 400 horsepower..."
EcoBoost is a type of engine made by Ford that uses turbocharging to give more power while using less fuel. The 'high output' version is even more powerful.
EcoBoost is a line of turbocharged, direct-injection engines developed by Ford, designed to provide better fuel efficiency while maintaining performance. The 'high output' variant offers increased power compared to standard EcoBoost engines.
horsepower
"that turns out 400 horsepower and 480 pound feet of torque..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. In this case, the engine has 400 horsepower, which means it can do a lot of work quickly.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. In this context, the engine produces 400 horsepower, indicating its capability to perform work.
10 speed automatic transmission
"through a 10 speed automatic transmission."
A 10-speed automatic transmission is a type of gearbox that automatically changes gears for you. Having 10 speeds means it can shift more smoothly and help save fuel.
A 10-speed automatic transmission allows for smoother gear shifts and better fuel efficiency by providing more gear ratios. This helps the engine operate at optimal RPMs under various driving conditions.
tow rating
"Tow rating is up to 9,000 pounds with the right hitch on it."
Tow rating tells you how much weight a vehicle can pull safely. Here, it can pull up to 9,000 pounds if you have the right equipment.
Tow rating indicates the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. In this case, the vehicle can tow up to 9,000 pounds when equipped with the appropriate hitch.
miles per gallon
"Miles per gallon, you know, if I got to tell you, I will."
Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how far a car can go on one gallon of gas. Higher numbers mean better fuel efficiency.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of fuel efficiency, indicating how many miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. The ratings provided here reflect city and highway driving conditions.
MSRP
"The pricing on this base trim price, $80,445. Prices tested. $85,970 and clearly that is before taxes."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you should pay for a new car. It's like a starting price before any discounts or negotiations.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for a vehicle. It's often used as a starting point for negotiations at dealerships.
Chevrolet Suburban
"...ors, I'll think you know what they are. The Chevy suburban or the GMC Yukon XL, they're kind of go down the ..."
GMC Yukon XL
"The Chevy suburban or the GMC Yukon XL, they're kind of go down the same assembly line. Just a little bit different look, but $61,500 is where they start."
The GMC Yukon XL is a large SUV that provides lots of space for people and their belongings. It's great for families or anyone who needs to carry a lot of stuff.
The GMC Yukon XL is a full-size SUV that offers a larger cargo area and more passenger space compared to the standard Yukon. It's designed for families and those needing extra room.
Toyota Sequoia
"The Toyota Sequoia, not quite as big, but it depends on who you ask what is big."
The Toyota Sequoia is a big SUV that can hold a lot of passengers and gear. It's good for families and can handle rough roads too.
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV that offers a spacious interior and strong towing capabilities. It's built on a truck platform, making it suitable for both family use and off-road adventures.
Nissan Armada
"...oia starts at $62,425 and then there's the Nissan Armada. It starts at the bargain basement price of $57,5..."
The Nissan Armada is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's great for families or anyone who needs a strong vehicle for towing things like trailers.
The Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV that offers a powerful engine, spacious interior, and advanced technology features. It is designed for families and those needing a robust vehicle for towing and off-road capabilities, making it a significant player in the large SUV market.
Ford Expedition Max
"And that is my review of the brand new 2025 Expedition Max."
The Ford Expedition Max is a bigger version of the regular Expedition SUV, which means it has more room for passengers and luggage. The 2025 model has new tech and safety features.
The Ford Expedition Max is an extended version of the standard Expedition, providing more cargo space and seating capacity. The 2025 model includes advanced technology and safety features.
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