Those heavy tires definitely make a difference. I have stock size Duratrac RT's in SL. I got 18.4 mpg on a road trip a couple of weeks ago. I had a packed bed and a boat hooked up. I was only running 65-70 mph though.
I don't know for sure if my whines or not. I do drive through a parking garage at work though, and damn!!, the transmission is loud when shifting gears. My 2018 made the same noises though.
I think it would be swell if the standard side view mirrors were a little bigger to offer a better view while towing an RV. I personally do not want Super Duty mirrors on my half ton but a little bigger than the current standard size.
My truck and my wife's 24 Expedition both put out a ton of condensation, especially on a cold start. It is hot here and has been hot since we purchased both of them.
My F150 and my wife's 2024 Expedition both make the popping/clicking noises also. They usually occur after shutting off, after unlocking doors to grab something out, and even if one of us just walks by either vehicle while holding a key fob. I"m pretty sure it's normal stuff.