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Hey guys, I’m new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself! I just spoke to Chuck and got permission to start this thread :)

I’m with American Pop, working directly with Team Detroit for the launch of the all new 2011 Ford Explorer. I just wanted to let you know that I’m here to answer any questions about the new vehicle, so ask away! Let me know if there’s anything you guys want to know about the Explorer, and I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop with the latest news and new features as they’re released :)

Also, if you haven’t checked it out yet, there are some really cool videos and photos over at the official Ford Explorer Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FordExplorer). You should check it out! While you’re at it, be sure to visit the 2011 Ford Explorer site where you can build out and price the new Explorer with all the latest features! http://www.ford.com/suvs/explorer/2011/ Which color do you want? I like Kona Blue, personally!

Thanks! Can’t wait to hear what you guys have to say :)

Hi Marielle:

And the 2011 Explorer's production started today! Now where is that 2.0L EcoBoost... I know, Ford PR reps have told me 2012 :(

Good Luck

Wayne

A white platinum would do me but I don't need to tow 5000 lbs

Hi all, I'm so excited to finally be in the forum :)

@xcel Yes, production is underway, just in time to see the new Explorer on dealer lots at the beginning of the New Year! :woot:
You have heard right, the 2.0 liter EcoBoost is in plans for MY2012. I know it seems long to wait, but it will be worth it!

Nice to meet you all, keep the questions coming! I'll be sure you keep you updated with all the newest Explorer news!

Hi MarielleLeigh! Welcome to CleanMPG. We will be happy to hear your updates as many of us are interested in the new developments from Ford.

Hey guys, I’m new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself! I just spoke to Chuck and got permission to start this thread :)

I’m with American Pop, working directly with Team Detroit for the launch of the all new 2011 Ford Explorer. I just wanted to let you know that I’m here to answer any questions about the new vehicle, so ask away! Let me know if there’s anything you guys want to know about the Explorer, and I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop with the latest news and new features as they’re released :)

Also, if you haven’t checked it out yet, there are some really cool videos and photos over at the official Ford Explorer Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FordExplorer). You should check it out! While you’re at it, be sure to visit the 2011 Ford Explorer site where you can build out and price the new Explorer with all the latest features! http://www.ford.com/suvs/explorer/2011/ Which color do you want? I like Kona Blue, personally!

Thanks! Can’t wait to hear what you guys have to say :)

Hi Marielle

I never got a response with these questions in PM (private messages) after getting your PM. The PM's may have been blocked until Chuck seen who you were. No big deal and I can post them here.

1. Does the Tow Package have a hidden hitch when not being used like some models?

2. I ordered the 2011 Explorer 9/10/10 and have not got a VIN or window sticker yet, are delay because of the EPA ratings not being out until now or is it because of so many orders? Dealer Code/Order Number F24220 / R024

3. Are there any factory holds on the FWD 0r AWD Explorer Limited V6, Platinum White, Tow Package, 301A package, Bench or Captains Chairs?

4. What brand tire and size is coming on the Limited rims?

5. Does the new V6 A/C compressor have a standard external clutch?

Can a moderator move this thread to either "Ford" or "SUV's" because it was very hard to locate in "General".

TIA

GaryG

Hi Marielle

I never got a response with these questions in PM (private messages) after getting your PM. The PM's may have been blocked until Chuck seen who you were. No big deal and I can post them here.

1. Does the Tow Package have a hidden hitch when not being used like some models?

2. I ordered the 2011 Explorer 9/10/10 and have not got a VIN or window sticker yet, are delay because of the EPA ratings not being out until now or is it because of so many orders? Dealer Code/Order Number F24220 / R024

3. Are there any factory holds on the FWD 0r AWD Explorer Limited V6, Platinum White, Tow Package, 301A package, Bench or Captains Chairs?

4. What brand tire and size is coming on the Limited rims?

5. Does the new V6 A/C compressor have a standard external clutch?

Can a moderator move this thread to either "Ford" or "SUV's" because it was very hard to locate in "General".

TIA

GaryG


Hi all! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

@GaryG Let me work on getting all those details for you!!

Hey everyone! Be sure to check out the latest video on MPG for the new Explorer! It's an EPA estimated 25 highway MPG - which is Best in Class for a V6 and 25% more fuel efficient than the current model! :)

http://www.youtube.com/user/Explorer#p/u/0/tOHqcHnDfsw

Welcome to CleanMPG!

Is this with the EcoBoost?

I see the EcoBoost doing basically what Honda's IMA does by more conventional means.

Thanks for the welcome!

@Chuck 25 MPG is with the 3.5L TiVCT V6 engine The EcoBoost is planned for 12MY action and gas mileage will be at least 30% better than the current V-6 Explorer :)

Hi Marielle:

Are you in San Diego for an 11 Explorer relaunch today?

TIA

Wayne

Wish just came true that Ford would offer another incentive for people with existing Explorers. They have targeted Explorer owners to purchase the new 2011 Explorer and now have stepped up to the plate with a $1,500 incentive. I've owned ~5 Explorers and had plan to trade my '02 EB on the 2011 I ordered. I'm not sure if I need to do a trade or just presently own one. Marielle?

"Already own a Ford Explorer? You’re in luck because FoMoCo is offering existing Explorer owners an extra incentives if they wish to purchase a 2011 model year. The incentives include $750 for a lease deal to $1,500 for a purchase agreement."
http://www.egmcartech.com/2010/12/07/already-own-a-ford-explorer-ford-will-offer-you-incentives-on-the-2011-model-year/

GaryG

That's awesome! It's like a special version of cash-for-clunkers, with the new Explorer being so much better. If anyone qualifies, you should, Gary.

That's awesome! It's like a special version of cash-for-clunkers, with the new Explorer being so much better. If anyone qualifies, you should, Gary.

Thanks Andrew, the last two FEH's I got beat me up with sticker plus $500. I fired my broker and deal on my own again. I went back to the dealer I've been with for 35 years and got X plan which is dealer invoice basically and all the Ford incentives on top of that is great.

GaryG

Hi Marielle:

Are you in San Diego for an 11 Explorer relaunch today?

TIA

Wayne

Sadly, no :( I've been stuck up in LA, but I've been keeping track of the photos that are coming in! There are some pretty awesome shots!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs801.snc4/68121_478897461600_381809751600_6096154_1806278_n.jpg

Hi Marielle

I never got a response with these questions in PM (private messages) after getting your PM. The PM's may have been blocked until Chuck seen who you were. No big deal and I can post them here.

1. Does the Tow Package have a hidden hitch when not being used like some models?

2. I ordered the 2011 Explorer 9/10/10 and have not got a VIN or window sticker yet, are delay because of the EPA ratings not being out until now or is it because of so many orders? Dealer Code/Order Number F24220 / R024

3. Are there any factory holds on the FWD 0r AWD Explorer Limited V6, Platinum White, Tow Package, 301A package, Bench or Captains Chairs?

4. What brand tire and size is coming on the Limited rims?

5. Does the new V6 A/C compressor have a standard external clutch?

Can a moderator move this thread to either "Ford" or "SUV's" because it was very hard to locate in "General".

TIA

GaryG

@GaryG I have some answers for you :) Thanks for all the great questions!

The hitch has a cover, so it is not visible when not in use. It is not a hidden hitch in the manner of retracting under the bumper.

As for the VIN sticker, retail orders are still being added to the production schedule. Once scheduled for production, a VIN will be available. EPA testing was completed earlier this week.

There are no factory holds on any of the equipment listed. The only option that is later availability is rear inflatable seat belts. ;)

Here's some more info on the tire options :)
Standard:
P245/60R18 A/S BSW
18" is Michelin.

Optional
P255/50R20 A/S BSW
20" is Hankook.

@GaryG I have some answers for you :) Thanks for all the great questions!

The hitch has a cover, so it is not visible when not in use. It is not a hidden hitch in the manner of retracting under the bumper.

As for the VIN sticker, retail orders are still being added to the production schedule. Once scheduled for production, a VIN will be available. EPA testing was completed earlier this week.

There are no factory holds on any of the equipment listed. The only option that is later availability is rear inflatable seat belts. ;)

Here's some more info on the tire options :)
Standard:
P245/60R18 A/S BSW
18" is Michelin.

Optional
P255/50R20 A/S BSW
20" is Hankook.

Thanks Marielle

The 2011 Explorer order buyers are starting to make noise about how long the wait is going to be. This information as well as some of the articles now coming out about test drive reviews is helping matters. You verified to me the hitch has a cover and the Limited tires are Hankook. Window stickers and VIN's are now being posted on the Blueoval.com site so we're now getting build dates. I think the 2011 Explorer is a big hit that's going to get bigger real fast.

GaryG

@GaryG glad I could help! Great to hear you think the Explorer is a hit, we do too :)

Also, I know a lot of you are probably wondering how the new Explorer can handle the snow with the flakes starting to fall! Check out the latest video from Team Detroit showing the new Explorer in action having some fun in the snow :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFDTYTgCz2Q

I like the movie. Should you need additional hands on reviewers the new Explorer**... I'm right here in Dearborn... :)

** Or the Ecoboost 150, or the BEV Focus, or the new focus, or anything

I like the movie. Should you need additional hands on reviewers the new Explorer**... I'm right here in Dearborn... :)

** Or the Ecoboost 150, or the BEV Focus, or the new focus, or anything

@paulbates Glad you like the video :) Thanks for the review offer, I'll be sure to keep you in mind if the opportunity comes up :D lol

@paulbates Glad you like the video :) Thanks for the review offer, I'll be sure to keep you in mind if the opportunity comes up :D lol

Better yet Marielle, I invite Wayne Gerdes (owner of Cleanmpg.com) to come down to Jupiter Florida and do a review on my new 2011 Explorer when I get it. I'm sure with the current rise in gas prices the 2011 Explorer will need a great hypermiler like Wayne to do a review in my warm climate during this cold winter to boost those EPA numbers. I'm semi retired and very flexible and Wayne and I have met up together in the past in Florida with my '05 FEH. A little help from Ford and my dealer would be nice but not required.

GaryG

Hope everyone had a great weekend :)

What are guys planning to use MyFord Touch for? Check out what happens when rock star Bret Michaels gets behind the wheel and starts testing out the new features!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umjK84xPVXY

Hi MarielleLeigh:

While I do not have a scheduled appointment with MyFord Touch, I do have one for MyLincoln Touch in a Lincoln MKZ Hybrid in about two weeks. And I cannot wait either :D

Wayne

Hi MarielleLeigh:

While I do not have a scheduled appointment with MyFord Touch, I do have one for MyLincoln Touch in a Lincoln MKZ Hybrid in about two weeks. And I cannot wait either :D

Wayne

I'm with you on that Wayne. With the length of our drive, we should both have enough time to get very familiar with it. We need to make sure they leave the MyTouch for Dummies book in the car.:Banane45:

I'm with you on that Wayne. With the length of our drive, we should both have enough time to get very familiar with it. We need to make sure they leave the MyTouch for Dummies book in the car.:Banane45:

Awesome! You guys will have to let us all know your thoughts on the new technology :) Can't wait to hear!

Hope everyone had a happy holiday and got some great gifts :)

Check out latest video showing off all the compartment space in the new Explorer! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=got2FOablVA

Happy New Year everyone!!! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wtcJxeo3EU

What's a vehicle without a Sales Brochure:
http://www.ford.com/services/cars-proxy/NGBS/Nameplate_SpecificationLiteDoc/Nameplate_SpecificationLiteDoc_8801F25B-7DC6-2F3C-F4F7-B5C2F4F7B5C2.pdf

Got my VIN and my Explorer is scheduled to be built 1/20/11. My Salesman said he had a fully loaded Limited on the lot so Rhonda and I went to see it. Up until then, Rhonda has shown very little interest in getting the 2011 Explorer. She was all over the floor model yesterday and finally got excited. My salesman said they're selling like hotcakes and there was two other families looking at it when we were there. No one else was on the lot looking.

The reason it took so long for me to get a VIN is because Ford only builds dealer stock orders until quality is certified and declared " Okay to Buy" and only then will retail orders like mine be scheduled to be built. I feel sorry for those who purchase from dealer stock built before the declared "Okay to Buy" date.

GaryG

Got my VIN and my Explorer is scheduled to be built 1/20/11. My Salesman said he had a fully loaded Limited on the lot so Rhonda and I went to see it. Up until then, Rhonda has shown very little interest in getting the 2011 Explorer. She was all over the floor model yesterday and finally got excited. My salesman said they're selling like hotcakes and there was two other families looking at it when we were there. No one else was on the lot looking.

GaryG

Great news :) Glad to hear Rhonda is on board, especially since the 2011 Explorer just won the 2011 North American Truck of the Year Award!!! Woo! :woot:
Watch Mark Field acceptance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx5mndPLDj0

Great news :) Glad to hear Rhonda is on board, especially since the 2011 Explorer just won the 2011 North American Truck of the Year Award!!! Woo! :woot:
Watch Mark Field acceptance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx5mndPLDj0

What can I say, I can pick the winners. My 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid also won that award.

Got my Window Sticker today and I hope you can open the link:
http://fordlabels.webview.biz/webviewhybrid/windowsticker.aspx?vin=1FMHK7F86BGA17457

GaryG

What can I say, I can pick the winners. My 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid also won that award.

GaryG

@GaryG You have superior car taste my friend :) Congrats on the window sticker! You'll have to let me know how you like the White Platinum up close and personal!!!

@GaryG You have superior car taste my friend :) Congrats on the window sticker! You'll have to let me know how you like the White Platinum up close and personal!!!

My salesman said that I picked the best color and light stone interior he's seen so far. It looked great on a Fusion Hybrid I almost bought but the 2011 Explorer's shape should draw out it's class more. Certainly, I post pictures of my new vehicles here but I'm afraid I might get carried away on this one. I'll have to find some classy backgounds on Jupiter Island or Palm Beach so I'm going to start looking till it gets here. Maybe the Donald will let me have a few Mara lago backgound shots. Rhonda is the Facebook person in this family and I'm sure she'll want to show it off to all our friends and relatives there.

GaryG

My salesman said that I picked the best color and light stone interior he's seen so far. It looked great on a Fusion Hybrid I almost bought but the 2011 Explorer's shape should draw out it's class more. Certainly, I post pictures of my new vehicles here but I'm afraid I might get carried away on this one. I'll have to find some classy backgounds on Jupiter Island or Palm Beach so I'm going to start looking till it gets here. Maybe the Donald will let me have a few Mara lago backgound shots. Rhonda is the Facebook person in this family and I'm sure she'll want to show it off to all our friends and relatives there.

GaryG

Can't wait to see the pics! GREAT choice on the light stone interior too!! The combo with your exterior is an awesome match!

Is Rhonda a fan of the official Explorer Facebook page? We'd love to see her pics over there too! http://www.facebook.com/FordExplorer

Happy hunting for background images :)

Can't wait to see the pics! GREAT choice on the light stone interior too!! The combo with your exterior is an awesome match!

Is Rhonda a fan of the official Explorer Facebook page? We'd love to see her pics over there too! http://www.facebook.com/FordExplorer

Happy hunting for background images :)

Rhonda set me up on Facebook just now and I posted on the Ford Explorer page. Now I can post pictures there myself and talk to the group. - Thanks

GaryG

Rhonda set me up on Facebook just now and I posted on the Ford Explorer page. Now I can post pictures there myself and talk to the group. - Thanks

GaryG

AWESOME! Glad to see you on the Facebook page :)

Any more sightings/ test drives in the 2011 Explorer? Let me know what you think :)

Got an update this morning from Cyberdman:

"In Transit - Arrived at Junction Point (Canadian National Railways ) Riverdale, IL Jan-31-2011, 21:36 CT.

ETA Feb-08-2011."

Ordered on 8/10/10

Ford began production on retail orders in early December

Received a VIN 1FMHK7F86BGA17457 Jan. 6th to begin production 1/20/11

Window sticker available 1/12/11 http://fordlabels.webview.biz/webviewhybrid/windowsticker.aspx?vin=1FMHK7F86BGA17457

Still in production 1/24/11

Today's update - ETA 2/8/11

Requested X Plan PIN or process today from Blue Oval member

As soon as I get X plan info, I will take Early Order Incentive ($500) card, 2002 EB Explorer for $1,500 Loyalty Incentive and negotiate possible trade with dealer. After all Incentives and possible trade, take new contract to Credit Union for loan approval. Then meet with my Allstate agent with a copy of my Window Sticker and contract to get 2011 Explorer insurance binder for Credit Union and dealer.

Plan Boating Vacation

Any suggestions here are welcome.

Gary

Hi Marielle:

Almost every time I go to a Midwest Automotive Media Association MAMA meet at the CATA Chicago Automobile Dealers Trade Association building, I see somebody there driving an 11 Explorer. The last three times visiting in fact. Looks great in person all the while I wait for the 2.0L EcoBoost in 2012 ;)

Ford January Sales Highlights - Sport Ute’s

In January, the all-new 2011 Explorer, the fastest-turning Ford vehicle on the showroom floor, sales totaled 7,351 up a whopping 73 percent. Retail sales were more than triple year-ago levels (up 244 percent).

Keep us up to date with the latest goings ons!

Wayne

We are all so excited at the great feedback from the 2011 Explorer! I thought you all at Clean MPG might be like to see the latest MPG video :) Check it out!


http://www.youtube.com/v/UmoKb5EEoCI&hl=en&fs=1

That's Great!

Will you be at the Chicago show this week?

@msirach Unfortunately, I'm stuck over in LA so no Chicago show for me :(

Some good news though....everyone should check out the Ford Explorer Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FordExplorer?v=app_158079477574953#!/FordExplorer?v=wall) and enter the Go Do Adventure (http://www.facebook.com/FordExplorer?v=app_158079477574953) contest!!!

http://www.facebook.com/FordExplorer?v=app_158079477574953

Hi Marielle:

You need to get to know us a little better and a great start is by looking up our drives in my wife’s 03 AWD Acura MDX. Do not worry though, Gary's lifetime mpg will be in the high 20's/low 30's with a few driving stints approaching 40 mpg if I know him.

When the 2.0L EcoBoost arrives early next year, we may even see the big 40's ticket get punched and that will be a story worth a YouTube vid :D

Mike Sirach posted the Go Do Adventure story a few days ago also.

Tell the guys at Team Detroit I said hello. I got to work with some of them at the Fusion Challenge a few years back and IIRC, they were transporting the Super Duty’s from Dearborn to Prescott, AZ for the Super Duty Press Launch in AZ last spring. Their FE was not up to snuff but they had a lot of fun.

Wayne

Hi Marielle:

You need to get to know us a little better and a great start is by looking up our drives in my wife’s 03 AWD Acura MDX. Do not worry though, Gary's lifetime mpg will be in the high 20's/low 30's with a few driving stints approaching 40 mpg if I know him.

When the 2.0L EcoBoost arrives early next year, we may even see the big 40's ticket get punched and that will be a story worth a YouTube vid :D

Mike Sirach posted the Go Do Adventure story a few days ago also.

Wayne

To funny Wayne!

Just got off the phone with my Explorer Salesman and he said my new vehicle was being unloaded from the car carrier as he spoke. He's off tomorrow but he's meeting me at 2pm ET to close the deal. With Ford's families and friends X-Plan and $3,000 in incentives, I'm getting the Explorer for about $3,000 under invoice.

Some folks at the dealership have known me for years and their asking me what I think I can get out of this Explorer. I told them she should be good for 35mpg or better (not lifetime) so your right on with your estimate with me. It will be interesting to see how this SelectShift manual automatic will allow up-shifting as I had a lot of fun in a Mazda 3 I rented that had it. Ford also stated the new Explorer has aggressive fuel-cut and I have a new SGII to confirm and test that feature out. I ordered my Explorer with the optional Heated/Cooled front seats and that should be interesting to use this summer here. From what I've heard, the cooled seats don't use the A/C compressor.

Pictures soon!

GaryG

Hi All

I've had my new 2011 Explorer for 5 days and 350 miles now and what an amazing vehicle it is. Ford really out did themselves in every aspect possible. I'm completely speechless of the quality of the fit and finish inside and out. The engine is perfectly sized for a large load and towing and the 6 speed transmission shifts so smooth you have a hard time knowing you changed gears. I tried manual shifting and it will be real hard increasing MPG over staying in automatic.

More to come including pictures.

GaryG

Hi Gary:

Upload them including the details!!! :D :D :D

Wayne

Agreed, can't wait to see it and hear more! :)

Hi Gary:

Upload them including the details!!! :D :D :D

Wayne

Just uploaded some photos in my Photo gallery Rhonda took today.

First tank with everybody test driving and systems programming IPhones and cell phones and just seeing how much power the 3.5L V6 has came in with 382.9 miles with 18.48 gallons which equals 20.719mpg for the very first tank in 90% city driving.

Fuel-cut is very aggressive above 25mph and I can feel the change in the PCM when Fuel-Cut has ended because the glide is much better in "D".

For those who don't understand Fuel-Cut, the transmission gearing holds the idle while the the fuel flow stops. This means you have a sort of engine braking when you let off the gas pedal.

The journey begins!

Wow! That's great for a first tank! This thing will likely come out better than my old Odyssey. It should, though, with 17/25 epa vs 16/23.

Hi All

I've had my new 2011 Explorer for 5 days and 350 miles now and what an amazing vehicle it is. Ford really out did themselves in every aspect possible. I'm completely speechless of the quality of the fit and finish inside and out. The engine is perfectly sized for a large load and towing and the 6 speed transmission shifts so smooth you have a hard time knowing you changed gears. I tried manual shifting and it will be real hard increasing MPG over staying in automatic.

More to come including pictures.

GaryG

@GaryG Awesome :) Glad to hear about your first experiences with your new ride! I saw your posted pics on Facebook! Your Explorer is easy on the eyes for sure! Keep us updated as you break it in even more!!

Beautiful truck Gary, congrats! Now it's time to start kicking the EPA's tail with it! :P

Link to GaryG's photo gallery. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/showgallery.php/ppuser/36/cat/500)

Link to GaryG's photo gallery. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/showgallery.php/ppuser/36/cat/500)

@PaleMelanesian Thanks for posting the link :)

And thanks @GaryG for sharing! Those are some great interior AND exterior photos! I love the shot with the Explorer next to the cannons and giant anchor at Jupiter Lighthouse Park! Nice touch Gary!

would these belts work in the front - also now that the Explorer is on a car chassis it gets finally gets TRUCK of the year ?

would these belts work in the front - also now that the Explorer is on a car chassis it gets finally gets TRUCK of the year ?

The inflatable seat belt will be only available for the rear-seats. However, the Explorer has six standard airbags — dual-stage front, Safety Canopy® System with side curtain airbags and rollover sensor and front-seat side airbags and a bunch of other awesome safety features, so your front passengers will be well protected :)

would these belts work in the front - also now that the Explorer is on a car chassis it gets finally gets TRUCK of the year ?

I couldn't wait another 3 months for the rear belt bags to be available and the new Explorer already has great safety systems. Those belt bags are more for kids and the elderly than anything else.

As for the "Truck Of The Year" it truly is in my opinion and I agree with the Judges. I'm totally amazed at how fast the warm-up time is and how fast I'm able to go into fuel-cut just a few blocks from my house after a cold start in the morning. Yesterday, took the tire pressure up to Max sidewall of 51psi and those Hankook tires and new suspension still rides as smooth as any vehicle I've driven.

Sold the old '02 FSP today so it got me $5,500 in cash and I got an additional $1,500 in a Loyalty rebate for it off my new Explorer. The wait now begins for the Electric Focus to replace my '05 FEH.

GaryG

The wait now begins for the Electric Focus to replace my '05 FEH.

GaryG

A man after my own heart! :D:thumbs_up:

I couldn't wait another 3 months for the rear belt bags to be available and the new Explorer already has great safety systems. Those belt bags are more for kids and the elderly than anything else.

As for the "Truck Of The Year" it truly is in my opinion and I agree with the Judges. I'm totally amazed at how fast the warm-up time is and how fast I'm able to go into fuel-cut just a few blocks from my house after a cold start in the morning. Yesterday, took the tire pressure up to Max sidewall of 51psi and those Hankook tires and new suspension still rides as smooth as any vehicle I've driven.

Sold the old '02 FSP today so it got me $5,500 in cash and I got an additional $1,500 in a Loyalty rebate for it off my new Explorer. The wait now begins for the Electric Focus to replace my '05 FEH.

GaryG

@GaryG Thanks for sharing all your first-hand experiences with your 2011 Explorer! I'm loving all the feedback!

Thought I'd share a new video with everyone! Does everyone know what iTunes Tagging is? Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJCB4-mFrRg

@GaryG Thanks for sharing all your first-hand experiences with your 2011 Explorer! I'm loving all the feedback!

Thought I'd share a new video with everyone! Does everyone know what iTunes Tagging is? Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJCB4-mFrRg

Hi Marielle

My (my wife's) 2011 Explorer was just added to the Mileage Log and I think I'm the first owner to exceed the combination (City/Highway) of the EPA rating of 21mpg with the first two tanks of gas. Here is the link to my Explorer Mileage Log: http://www.cleanmpg.com/index.php?page=garage&displayunits=MPG%28US%29&viewcar=3644

I should have over 1,000 miles (required before towing) on the Explorer by this weekend so I need to plan a fishing/diving trip to the Florida Keys and see how it tows my Boston Whaler. My boat and my large family is the real reason I needed the new Explorer and what a ride it is!

GaryG

Hi Marielle

My (my wife's) 2011 Explorer was just added to the Mileage Log and I think I'm the first owner to exceed the combination (City/Highway) of the EPA rating of 21mpg with the first two tanks of gas. Here is the link to my Explorer Mileage Log: http://www.cleanmpg.com/index.php?page=garage&displayunits=MPG%28US%29&viewcar=3644

I should have over 1,000 miles (required before towing) on the Explorer by this weekend so I need to plan a fishing/diving trip to the Florida Keys and see how it tows my Boston Whaler. My boat and my large family is the real reason I needed the new Explorer and what a ride it is!

GaryG

Thanks for the link! That's awesome, I'll definitely keep an eye on the mileage log! As for your trip to the Keys, I'm beyond jealous Gary! What kind of fish you plan on catching down there? I'm only accustomed to the occasional Striper and Blue Fish in Cape Cod. You'll have to let me know how the ride with the tow is!

Thanks for the link! That's awesome, I'll definitely keep an eye on the mileage log! As for your trip to the Keys, I'm beyond jealous Gary! What kind of fish you plan on catching down there? I'm only accustomed to the occasional Striper and Blue Fish in Cape Cod. You'll have to let me know how the ride with the tow is!

Most of the fish off our Jupiter coast is found down in the Keys also but there is much more fish in the Keys. There are many types of great eating snapper and grouper but I like to troll off shore for dolphin (mahi mahi), king fish and having fun with catch and release sailfish. It all depends on if the seas are calm, fishing reports, time of the year and the weather of what we decide to do. Lobster season closes on April 1 every year so I'm still good if I make it before then.

I've been going to the Keys for 42 years and now that I have a new Honda four-stroke outboard for my boat and a new Explorer, I'm ready for a lot more trips there with my kids and grand kids. We rent vacation houses on the water which are available year round just about anywhere along the 100 miles of the Keys. No vacation is the same down there because every Key offers something different including Key West and Key Largo and every place in between.

It's very nice here where I live also and we find time on the weekends for the beach and boating but the reefs in the Keys are some of the best in the World. I'm so glad the BP oil spill did not ruin the reefs or coastline down in the Keys so we can continue going down there.

GaryG

@GaryG Sounds like you've got it all figured out! Definitely making me consider a vacation to the Keys :) I'm sure your Explorer is the perfect addition to your trips! You'll have to keep me updated with your all adventures!

I'm loading up the new Explorer for a trip to Orlando this morning and should get an idea of what kind of highway mileage it will get. On the open highway I expect to get 30 - 35mpg at between 60 - 65mph.

The OEM Economy gauge has been very close to the gallons pumped but my SGII is 2 1/2 MPG high. I'm under 1/2 tank starting out and Rhonda has averaged 21.4mpg so far on this tank. I'll post my results when I get back Sunday.

GaryG

Hi Gary:

Sounds great and I look forward to your results! You have calibrated your ScanGauge, right?

And would you take some cool pics of your rig for us along the Atlantic or GOM please ;)

Wayne

Hi Gary:

Sounds great and I look forward to your results! You have calibrated your ScanGauge, right?

And would you take some cool pics of your rig for us along the Atlantic or GOM please ;)

Wayne

Loading down the Explorer took more of a toll on MPG than just me and Rhonda cruising down I-95. No high speed P&G was used because the pulse with 5 people, a large cooler packed with drinks and ice and all the other things was too much weight getting back to a glide speed. Cruise control was not an option because DWL had to be used.

It was clear that city driving was reduced also and around Disney World with stoplights every two blocks, I was fighting an uphill battle. I swear the County timed those stoplights so you had the chance to see all the stores and restaurants and be at a speed to pull into them all the way through town.

The A/C has never been shut-off since delivery so the lifetime MPG in the Mileage Log here remains with 100% A/C. I found the peak highway MPG this trip with a loaded down load was ~28mpg and the worst city driving for me was ~18.5mpg in Orlando.

Wayne, I've learned a lot about how not to adjust the SGII for correct MPG and the Off-Set is one of them on the FEH. It might be okay for a slight adjustment but when your dealing with plus 7% or higher to reduce the reading, a reset of the tank MPG will be far off during the beginning of the tank. This is what happen during the 2007 MPG Challenge with Debbie and I in her '05 FEH.

Once I know how off the OEM economy gauge is compared to the correct gallons pumped, I can adjust the SGII accordingly and compare it throughout the OEM gauge readings. In my Fords, zero miles to empty is the key and finding the average MPG and draining the tank past zero MTE will determine exactly within a few ounces of how many gallons there is left in the tank.

It might be the best way to adjust the SGII to the correct gallons pumped throughout the tank is engine size.

GaryG