Thanks & Intro
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New User
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: New Mexico
Thanks & Intro
I have been reading this forum for the past 3 months when I decided to get an Excursion.
First and foremost thank you to those who spend their time to share their expertise, experience, and wisdom on here.
Last year we (Me and SWMBO) bought a Travel Trailer. We towed with an Expedition and for the most part it did very well. However once we get above 7000ft it really starts to work hard.
Long story short, we just picked up a 2003 Excursion EB. Captain chairs rather than the bench.
Few issues to work on before it meets my standards.
Need to get running boards so the kids can get in and out safely.
Need to get tires as the "wild country" brand makes a horrible droning noise.
Need to put on towing mirrors.
Researching if the leveling kit is necessary or a problem when I tow.
So with that I want to say thank you once more for the information helping me make the decision. The Expedition now has a big brother in the driveway.
First and foremost thank you to those who spend their time to share their expertise, experience, and wisdom on here.
Last year we (Me and SWMBO) bought a Travel Trailer. We towed with an Expedition and for the most part it did very well. However once we get above 7000ft it really starts to work hard.
Long story short, we just picked up a 2003 Excursion EB. Captain chairs rather than the bench.
Few issues to work on before it meets my standards.
Need to get running boards so the kids can get in and out safely.
Need to get tires as the "wild country" brand makes a horrible droning noise.
Need to put on towing mirrors.
Researching if the leveling kit is necessary or a problem when I tow.
So with that I want to say thank you once more for the information helping me make the decision. The Expedition now has a big brother in the driveway.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
Congrats on purchasing the best, most sought after, most capable SUV on teh planet. Welcome! 4x4 or 2wd? Diesel or gas, you've GOT to give us more info!
From the photo it looks like a 4wd.. Again, welcome and congrats...now let the mods begin!!
From the photo it looks like a 4wd.. Again, welcome and congrats...now let the mods begin!!
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,051
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
To echo what the Snowman said, a lot depends on the size trailer, but if the Expy did OK........
Many of us that tow (heavy) have upgraded the springs to stop the wandering and improve the loaded ride, that is a personal choice based on your particular situation and needs. I would strongly recommend a rear sway bar if your rig didn't come with one. A Hellwig costs about two hundred and is easy to install and makes a huge improvement both solo and loaded with the TT. Also make sure the new tires are E load rated.
Welcome to the forums!
Many of us that tow (heavy) have upgraded the springs to stop the wandering and improve the loaded ride, that is a personal choice based on your particular situation and needs. I would strongly recommend a rear sway bar if your rig didn't come with one. A Hellwig costs about two hundred and is easy to install and makes a huge improvement both solo and loaded with the TT. Also make sure the new tires are E load rated.
Welcome to the forums!
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New User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5
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From: New Mexico
Thank you for the welcome one and all.
The EX is a 4x4 v10. It is a daily driver and I only have a short drive to drop off the kids at school and then head to the office so I would have beaten down a diesel.
I'm towing a Forest River 233S with a WD and friction anti-sway.
Shamrock Travel Trailer by Forest River
I have high confidence in the EX for towing the TT as what (Snowseeker & WE3ZS) pointed out the Expy does handle it. My concern for the level kit is that once the trailer is on the nose will be about 3 to 4 degrees up given that the EX rear leafs are not as stout as a F250. I will get it on the hitch and do a run very shortly as I have to pick up the trailer from the dealer. They just installed the heated tanks.
Will definitely get good E rated tires and hopefully very soon. The road drone/whine of these "wild country" tires are crap.
The EX is a 4x4 v10. It is a daily driver and I only have a short drive to drop off the kids at school and then head to the office so I would have beaten down a diesel.
I'm towing a Forest River 233S with a WD and friction anti-sway.
Shamrock Travel Trailer by Forest River
I have high confidence in the EX for towing the TT as what (Snowseeker & WE3ZS) pointed out the Expy does handle it. My concern for the level kit is that once the trailer is on the nose will be about 3 to 4 degrees up given that the EX rear leafs are not as stout as a F250. I will get it on the hitch and do a run very shortly as I have to pick up the trailer from the dealer. They just installed the heated tanks.
Will definitely get good E rated tires and hopefully very soon. The road drone/whine of these "wild country" tires are crap.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,484
Likes: 42
From: Stevens Point, WI
With the WD and friction hitch I am near positive you will be just fine the way you are. Only way to really know how it will go is hook it up and pull it down the highway a ways. I think the most you would need is the sway bar and possibly new shocks if your are originals yet and the tires of coarse. 
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,885
Likes: 26
From: Chino, California
You should have no problems with the stock springs for that trailer. Mine is 26 ft., 6020 lbs. dry. 7000 or so fully loaded. The only mod I did for towing was the rear sway bar. Even without it the Ex handled ok. I could feel the trailer being sucked in to the other lane when a semi passed me. I don't feel it much anymore when I added the rear sway bar. Get a good WD hitch, E rated tires pumped up to about 75 psi, a good brake controller like a Prodigy P2 or P3 and you should be good.
Better would be tow mirrors and 4.30 gears over 3.73. May want to invest in a Scangauge2 to monitor the trans temp.
Welcome to FTE.
Better would be tow mirrors and 4.30 gears over 3.73. May want to invest in a Scangauge2 to monitor the trans temp.
Welcome to FTE.
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From: New Mexico
Thanks jh818. I do have a Prodigy brake controller. Eventually I will be getting a Scanguage. Putting the priority on good tires first as I believe you have to have a good foundation to start with. Looking like it is going to be about $200 each so that may limit other purchases at the same time.
Tow mirrors are on the list as are many other items.
Would Hellwig really make a difference? What do they do to reduce sway and where do they attach?
Tow mirrors are on the list as are many other items.
Would Hellwig really make a difference? What do they do to reduce sway and where do they attach?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,885
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From: Chino, California
The Hellwig rear sway bar attaches to the rear axle near the shock mounts. The other ends attach to end links that are attached to the frame. It reduces body roll of the vehicle on turns.
Not be be confused with sway control on the hitch to prevent the fish tail sway of a trailer. They are completely different things.
Attached are some pictures of the Hellwig. Hope this helps.
Not be be confused with sway control on the hitch to prevent the fish tail sway of a trailer. They are completely different things.
Attached are some pictures of the Hellwig. Hope this helps.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,051
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
They are fairly cheap and easy to install. The bar connects one frame rail to the other via the rear axle. As the body (and frame) tries to roll to one side during a cornering event the bar transfers the pushing down energy on the outside frame rail into pulling down energy on the inside frame rail causing the roll to be somewhat cancelled out. Less body roll equals better and more predictable and controlable handling.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
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From: Georgia
Your '03 may have a factory sway bar under it. If not, the Hellwig is a huge improvement. IF you are not towing, it stops the nose from dipping and rear rising during a panic stop. Really keeps the rear wheels under the truck in a panic stop in a curve too! If you are running factory sized tires, take a look at Firestone Transforce AT's. You can get them around here for around $600 out the door. I've had fantastic results with the 3 sets I've had on mine.
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New User
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From: New Mexico
JH818 thanks for the pictures. Appreciate the extra effort to educate me.
golfmedik, how is the road noise on the Transforce? I am assuming they should handle the towing job pretty easily.
golfmedik, how is the road noise on the Transforce? I am assuming they should handle the towing job pretty easily.
