Here is what I am towing. Weight with fuel and gear is upwards of 11k.

Questions for you towing experts:
1. I have very little sway when towing. Only when I do a sharp lane change. SHould I invest in an anti-sway bar?
2. If you notice, I have very little rear sag... that's because the previous owner installed an add-a-leaf in the rear. I was thinking of swapping out the add-a-leaf for air bags. Do you think it will change for the better with the air bags?
3. Do you always tow with the OVERDRIVE on or off? I was using it in the OFF position until I was up in the 50-60 mph range then I turned it one for the ectra highway gear. Thoughts on this?

Thanks again for the help.

Tony

(edit) By the way, the trailer is triple torsion axle with Kodiak hydraulic disc brakes on 2/3 axles.

 

I think you are seeing the benefits of stronger rear spring pack. The add a leaf is giving you benefits that I don't think you'll get if go with airbags.

I think you're doing it right with the tranny. Not sure I would recommend you change your methods.

That a great picture! Nice to see a big load in tow with the Excursion sitting right.

 

Sharp picture

 

I would check to see if that draw bar and hitch ball are rated for that much weight. Also, I don't think you have much tongue weight with that set up, therefor not much rear end sag. Boat trailers usually pose much more tow weight than tongue weight. Take it to the scales and let us know what it registers. My 32' travel trailer comes in at 9,500 lbs GVRW and 1,100 lbs tongue weight and I get a bit of rear end sag with my Reese weight distribution hitch.

 

1. Do you feel comfortable driving it? White knuckles?

2. Is the ride ok like it is towing and empty? If so, I'd say leave it, because it is sitting just fine.

3. I do pretty much the same thing. You didn't say what gears you have but what I do is run it up to about 3k rpms and then punch the o/d button unless I'm going up a hill or merging with Interstate traffic. Then I just leave it in 3 up to about 70 - 75 mph (3,500 - 3,600 rpm ish?)

I guess what I'm saying is, is that I shift according to load and desired speed. If it's a down hill or if I don't need as much speed, I'll shift into o/d sooner.

Also, once in o/d and you need to increase speed, don't hesitate to just stand on it and let it downshift to get your speed where you need it.

 

Didn't you get the memo. You will most certainly die if you tow that much. I mean If you need an example, I once saw this donkey cart overloaded and well it didn't turn out so pretty:



You know I'm just jive talking. That's one sweet rig.

1) If you don't have one, it certainly wouldn't hurt to put one on. But it doesn't sound like it's much of an issue for you. If you have the cash, it's a good investment.
2)Air bags offer more adjustability but your add-a-leaf is a solid performer. Again, if your current set up works, why mess with it.
3)I use the O/D on an as need basis. For lighter loads I keep it on. For heavier loads or hilly terrain I turn it off.

 

Awesome HeaVEEweight! How about some details on the awesome boat! I'm ready to step up from 23' to 29' boat now that I also have a real towing machine, Mike.

 

not to hijack but... this was my rig at the rv park at the excursion/diversion rally this year. trailer was 33 ft long and weighed in at 9500 lbs loaded. It was squating about 2 inches with the stock springs. I now know that with the 3.73 gears and the 325/50/22 tires, the v10 needs some more power. I WILL BE REGEARING SOON WITH 4.30 or 4.56 gears.

 

In the pic it looks like you have a hydraulic surge brake set up on the tounge of that trailer which means you can't use a sway controller because it will not allow the brake to activate. Avoid swerving and drive within limits of the setup, looks like it would be very expensive to replace.

 

The boat is a 2008 32' Sea Vee with twin 300 Mercury Verados.
It's an offshore fishing machine.
It's loaded with top-of-the-line electronics:
- Dual 12" Raymarine E120 (GPS/Fishfinder/4KW Radar)
- JL Audio System (2 10" subs, 6 component speakers, 2 Amps)
- Underwater lights all the way around
Tops out at 59mph (may not seem fast in a car world but it's quite fast in the boating world)

Boat as it sits costs $160k.

Some videos of the boat and crew in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNlTh1dUSpk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9YiZMl98nE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2nDs6J0B_c


Questions and comments welcomed.

 

Very Nice!....Mike.

 

I'm ready for Fishing part 2!....Mike.

 

Thats awrsome!