There’s something about the name Expedition that sets an expectation. It shouldn’t just be a people hauler—it should be a machine that actually earns the badge. This 2018 Ford Expedition Max Platinum, nicknamed “Maxine” by the crew at Redtail Overland, does exactly that. It’s not a mall crawler dressed up with a roof rack. It’s a full-size SUV that was purpose-built to explore.
From Family Hauler to Overland Demo Rig
The Ford Expedition has been around since 1997, stepping in after the end of the Ford Bronco and becoming Ford’s first four-door full-size SUV. By 2018, the fourth-generation Expedition had evolved into something much more refined—and much larger.
Enter the Expedition Max.
Stretching roughly a foot longer than the standard model, the Max effectively filled the void left by the Ford Excursion. More space, more capability, and more potential. That potential is exactly what the team at Redtail Overland saw when they chose this platform as the foundation for their demo vehicle.
Built in Louisville, Kentucky, and transformed in Colorado, Maxine became a rolling showcase—not just for parts, but for what a full-size overland SUV can actually be.
Built to Go Further
This isn’t a mild upgrade. Redtail went all-in, reworking the Expedition into something that can confidently leave pavement behind.
Underneath, the suspension is anything but stock. Borrowing components from the Ford F-150 Raptor, the front end features upgraded control arms paired with Fox coilovers, while the rear rides on Icon coilovers. A custom Damper Interface Device ties it all together, helping the big SUV handle rough terrain with surprising composure.
Then there are the tires—37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 mud terrains mounted on 18-inch Method wheels. Getting rubber that large under an Expedition isn’t a bolt-on affair. It required modified Raptor flares and careful integration to make everything work as a cohesive package.
Armor and recovery gear round out the build. Up front, a modified ADD Stealth Fighter bumper houses a Warn VR EVO 12-S winch with Factor55 hardware. Out back, a custom Expedition One bumper with dual swing-outs adds utility, including mounts for extra fuel. It’s the kind of setup that makes long-distance travel not just possible, but practical.
Lighting the Way
If you’ve ever been deep into the backcountry after dark, you know lighting matters. Maxine doesn’t just check that box—it obliterates it.
A Baja Designs OnX6+ 40-inch light bar dominates the front, backed up by Squadron lights and a fully integrated Switch Pros control system. There’s even pre-wiring for additional roof-mounted lighting. Flip a few switches, and this thing can turn night into day.
Comfort Without Compromise
Here’s where this build separates itself from most trail rigs: it never sacrifices comfort.
Inside, it’s still very much a Platinum-trim Expedition. That means heated, cooled, and even massaging leather seats, adaptive cruise control, and lane assist. WeatherTech mats keep things practical, but otherwise, it’s a luxury SUV through and through.
Power comes from Ford’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6, pushing around 400 horsepower through a 10-speed automatic. Combined with an electronic locking rear differential, it delivers a blend of performance and capability that feels right at home both on the highway and miles off-grid.
A Different Kind of Overland Platform
With just over 63,000 miles, Maxine has already lived a life as a demo rig, but it’s been maintained by professionals who know exactly what they built—and why. It represents more than just a collection of aftermarket parts; it’s a fully realized concept.
A full-size, three-row SUV that can carry eight people in comfort… and still tackle serious terrain.
That’s not something you see every day.
And maybe that’s the point. The Expedition name has always implied going farther. Builds like this finally make it feel literal.
Specifications
Here’s a laundry list of the stellar features and add-ons that you get when you buy this Expedition:
Mechanical:
- Electronic locking rear diff
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6 motor
- 400-hp
- 10-speed 10R80 SelectShift automatic
Suspension
- OEM Ford Raptor lower control arms (front)
- OEM Ford Raptor upper control arms (front)
- Fox coilovers (front)
- Icon Vehicle Dynamics coilovers (rear)
- Custom Damper Interface Device (DID) from Off Road Research
Exterior:
- Platinum White exterior
- Bronze 18″ Method Race Wheels (701)
- BF Goodrich 37″ Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 (Brand new set with full size spare)
- Modified Gen2 Raptor flares from Anderson Composites
- Modified ADD Stealth Fighter Raptor front bumper
- Modified Expedition One rear bumper with dual swing outs
- Mount for Rotopax fuel container
- Integrated 2″ hitch receiver
- Baja Designs OnX6+ Arc 40″ with Dual Amber/White light bar
- Baja Designs Squadrons backup lights
- Pre-wired for lightbar on roof
- Lighting controlled by SwitchPros SP-9100 8-Switch System
- Warn VR EVO12-S front winch
- Factor55 1.0 fair lead
- Factor55 FlatlinkE shackle mount
- Custom roof rack w/ FrontRunner Mounting Tracks and Redtail Overland Quick-Release Mounting Feet (Crossbars not shown in photos)
Interior
- Tan leather interior
- Massaging seats
- Weathertech floor mats and cargo mat
- Switch Pros control system
Photo Gallery
About The Author
Growing up, my father always believed that every family needed a truck—there’s just something about having a vehicle capable of hauling anything at a moment’s notice. That philosophy stuck with me, and it’s been the foundation of my lifelong passion for Ford trucks.
While I’m best known for my work with Ford Rangers, I’ve owned a wide variety of Ford trucks over the years—including F-150s, F-250s, F-350s, and even larger rigs like the Ford Excursion, Ford Expedition, and a 1982 Ford Econoline Sportsmobile camper van. I’ve used these vehicles for everything from family transportation to towing car trailers and campers, and each one has fueled my love for Ford’s versatility and durability.
I especially enjoy the styling of 1970s and 1980s Ford trucks—the bold designs, rugged presence, and classic charm are timeless. Sharing my passion for Ford trucks, vans, and SUVs with other enthusiasts online brings me a great deal of joy, and it’s why I created Blue Oval Trucks.
This website is dedicated to helping Ford truck enthusiasts explore, learn about, and celebrate these incredible vehicles. While I share my expertise and experiences here, Blue Oval Trucks is an independent enthusiast site and is not affiliated with Ford Motor Company.
