Greetings

[scotth92]

As a new Ex and Travel Trailer owner, X_Hemi_Guy suggested I mosey over this way. Not sure how active I may be - probably depends on how "active" the new-to-us 2002 Excursion PSD chooses to be..

I do have one question: Does any one have a recommendation to a site for "Diesel for Dummies"? I've picked up on the basics at this point:

1) Plug in when temps approach zero
2) Ensure the vehicle warms to normal operating temps each start up
3) Quarterly Oil & Filter changes regardless of mileage (we won't exceed 8k/year - maybe less - but a 1/3 of that will be towing a 6500 pound travel trailer)
4) Follow the rest of the manufacturers recommended maintenance guidelines

Outside of that, we are complete novices, so any points in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Scott, Holly, and 2 young girls (4&1)
2002 Ford Excursion Limited PSD 4x4
2009 North Trail 31QBS
Prodigy Brake Controller & Equalizer Hitch
Denver Metro Area

[X_Hemi_Guy]

Scott,

Glad you joined over here...there is a great group of folks willing to help in any way!

We were just at Dakota Ridge RV park in Golden last week on our way home from Utah and Arizona...We visited Casa Bonita when we were in your town!!!

Welcome to the Ex family!

Joe.

[dsquared]

Scott:

Welcome to the best Ford Trucks site!!!

Diesel for Dummies is pretty well covered in the 1999-2003 7.3 Diesel forum .

I check in there a lot, but I feel I should warn you:

They make monsters in that forum.

Also, some really handy, useful advice to keep your truck running at it's peak!!

Welcome again!!

[scotth92]

D2 - thanks for the forum recommendation. I'll have to poke around a bit over there as I get up to speed.

Joe - you have now done 2 things in Denver I haven't!
What did you think of Dakota Ridge RV? I believe the owner also owns one of the best RV campgrounds in Estes Park. Elk Meadows Lodge and RV Resort
The Dakota Ridge site is intriguing to me because it's 15 minutes from the house. Sometimes you get the itch to "get away" but work won't let you get out early on a Friday, so that short drive is appealing.

[X_Hemi_Guy]

We've stayed at Dakota Ridge twice now in the last 2 years...it is an incredible RV park. We are by far in the low cost district when we pull in...many coaches in the $200K +++ visit that park!

The kids love the pool...it is heated and the game room keeps them busy.

Our travels there this time was very relaxing. The grounds are spotless as are the showers and laundry area...

It is not a 'campground' in my opinion...there are activities for the kids to do...but I'll call it more like a resort...a relaxing place to get away.

A buddy of mine from here stayed at Elk Meadows...and yes they are connected...he loved Elk Meadows!

When we pass thru Denver...we will ALWAYS stay at Dakota Ridge.

And how could you not have been to Casa Bonita yet!!! LOL...we went there to celebrate my youngests 9th birthday...I'll call it a Mexican Chuckie Cheese...the cliff divers are amazing to watch...food is 'okay' nothing to write home about...but the experience is priceless...kids will talk about it for their lifetime!

The third thing I've done in Denver that I sure hope you haven't....is I've spent 3+ months at St. Anthony's Central in the trauma center following a bad motorcycle wreck...what an incredible medical facility...I've flown in the Orange and Yellow chopper over the skies of Denver!...in the WRONG seat!

So my advice is skip my item #3 but definitely take in items #1 and 2!

joe.

[dsquared]

Scott:

Here is a GREAT site for maintenance / mod tips for our PSD:

Powerstroke Help Network

It's a good place to start and learn. I did!

[scotth92]

Joe - good to know. Thank you for the details. And I will take your advice and skip out on #3...