Getting a new camper. a Jayco 32 BHDS and I want to use my Excursion to tow it. Our old camper was a bit bigger band heavier and I always towed it with my truck (see sig) The truck pulls it great with the 6 sp. and about 1500# lighter. What do I need to do to safely tow the new trailer with the Excursion? Basically stock with edge evo and 6637. I think the new trailer weighs around 9000# and I have a weight distributing hitch but no sway control.

Thanks

 

Just checked the camper weighs around 7800# empty tongue weight dry hitch weight 1055#. Much lighter than our other camper, mostly worried about the auto tranny and maybe some sway issues.

The f-250 6 sp. pulls like hell and the brakes even seem better. Only thing I have to compare them with is my work trailer which is about 4500#. Truck pulls and stops much better.

What's a good set up to shoot for on a budget?

Thanks

 

Pulling with the Ex should be as good as the F250. You may have a different gearset in the Ex. The Auto tranny works great and I pull a 10,000# travel trailer with it. Auto's generally have a higher torque output rating than manual.

Definitely need sway control with the WD hitch. Lots of info on the site about that.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ing-hitch.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...pro-pride.html

 

Your springs are quite a bit softer than the truck springs. Alot of guys will run the F250 springs (V/B codes) for a firmer and more stable ride. Some will recommend the Hellwig rear sway bar and or airbags. I run airbags and tow a 31 foot Flagstaff. I love how the rear feels with the bags.

I think at the very least, start off with new springs and a nice set of Billsteins and rear sway bar.

 

Thanks. The Excursion has 3.73 gearing and I do have the Rancho 9000xls I put in a few months ago..

I think you are right on the sway control last time I towed our other camper It blew a tire and I didn't realize it right away. I thought it was windy haha, it wasn't fun with that thing moving around back there.

I'll see if I can find some stiffer springs, I would love the airbags but moneys tight (of course) right now.

 

Well I haven't got my truck back together yet (injector cups) so I guess I'm taking the Excursion to trade in the camper. Taking my old one to Myrtle beach (4 1/2 hour drive) and picking up the new on on Wednesday.

I'll just take it easy till I get my shocks and anti sway control. Wish me luck!!

 

I tow a Jayco JayFlight 31BHDS and have done so since 2007.

I have towed this TT all over (and i do mean ALL OVER) this country with my Ex.

When I first got this TT I didn't like the way it towed especially when semi trucks were passing...but at the time I only had a rear Hellwig sway bar. I did have a Reese Dual Cam hitch too...

The problem with the Ex is the rear springs are much softer than your F250 and they contribute to a lot of "issues" that we face.

The best advice costs more than just a couple of hundred.

1) RAS or V/B code springs
2) Good shocks (Bilsteins or Rancho 9000XLs)...I was confused where you said you put new shocks on a few months ago but you will take it easy until you get your shocks?
3) Reese Dual Cam or Equal-I-zer hitch...a friction sway bar is USELESS on a trailer this size...
4) Rear sway bar (Hellwig or OEM)

I think you will find the Ex is a great TV...but it takes a little work to uncover that greatness since Ford did it a big disservice with the choice of rear springs they put in!

Another easy thing to "tune" is to do not use too much air pressure in your tires...I've read too many accounts on here of people that really pump up their tires and then experience some sort of handling issue...not everyone...but the more I read the more I have correlated high PSI to handling issues with the Ex...oh and make sure there are E-rated tires on your Ex.

You may also find that the steering box may need a little "snug" and also make sure the ball joints are good...but I'm sure you know that the ball joints are a weak link on these SD chassis'...

The Ex has been an incredible TV and has carried my family thru 35 states and counting including the Rockies twice and we'll be heading back there again this July...she can be that good if you just augment her slightly. I've got roughly $650 in mods on my Ex ($250 RAS, $200 Hellwig, $250 shocks)...I'm ignoring my hitch right now since that was my choice...

Hope this helps...we've really enjoyed our Ex as a TV since it is a great family vehicle to travel in while towing thru this beautiful country...this summer we've got a 4500 to 5000 mile 3 week towing trip planned...yeah she's that good! :-)

Good luck,
Joe.

 

X yeah I meant to say springs haha. Thanks for the advice, gives me a goo path without too much trial and error!!

 

I did not see any mention of a brake controller. If you don't have one you will need one, if you already have one, sorry to beat a dead horse

 

X_Hemi_Guy, with your RAS on the rear did you do anything to the front springs?

 

Nope...I have not done anything up front...

When I put the RAS on in an unloaded state I found that my rear actually lifted by about 1.25 to 1.5"...so it does have a slight rake when unloaded but not severe by any means...however when I drop my 1100#'s + of tongue weight on the rear it has a great stance...my rear end will drop by about 2.5" when hitched and WD bars cranked up...which makes for a great towing experience and stability.

Joe.

 

Yeah I got a brake controller. I actually drove the camper maybe 20 mile from grandpas back to my house with the EX. it towed great, I went on the interstate for 10 miles and a few semis passed without much sway, I feel much better now. I now I still have a little work to do to make this the best possible tow vehicle it can be, but At least i'm confident on tomorrows trip. Thanks all.

 

HMMM....
X_Hemi_Guy, now you got me rethinking things again....

 

Don't rethink it...I have been extremely happy with the addition of the RAS...the Ex tows and handles incredible for me...sorry to cause you to have second guesses...not my intention...I think the RAS is a great addition to the Ex rear suspension...

Joe.

 

just trying to figure out the best/most cost effective way to go. I was sold on doing the v/b spring swap, but now thinking of going the way you did.