I have read quite a few threads on here about things to change for towing with the Excursion (I've had mine for about 3 years and learned firsthand how bad it is in stock form a few years ago). I've added the Hellwig rear sway bar and use an Equalizer hitch with 4 way sway control, which has made a huge difference. I tow a 27' Weekend Warrior that's between 9000-9500lbs fully loaded and it still feels a bit soft sometimes so I'd like to stiffen up the rear some.
My question is one that has been discussed before, would I be better off with airbags or RAS? The reason I'm asking again is because every time I read about RAS it said it would stiffen the rear a little, but not much, and helped with the sway a bit. The problem for me is that I need/want it a good bit stiffer while towing and the sway bar seems to do its job preventing a lot of movement but the suspension is still soft so I get some "bounce" on each side when I hit bumps or anything. I appreciate any advice/ clarification that ya'll can give on this.

 

Throw bags on it, make sure you're loaded so you have enough tounge weight, and you're good to go.

 

Get the airbags!!!

I've been extremely happy with mine since I installed them in September. Like you I was towing heavy and wanted the extra support for the rear suspension. I installed the AirLift basic kit for less than $250 after rebate, and they've exceeded my expectations.

Empty I run around 20 PSI in the bags which gives me an extra 1,000 lbs of lift support in the rear, and this levels the truck without making the ride too harsh. At the moment I have 1,000 lbs of sand in the back of it, and with 50 PSI you can't tell that they're even back there unless you open the rear window.

Maximum pressure is 100 PSI, which would add 5,000 lbs of lift support to the rear suspension. There is nothing you can put on or in an Excursion without vastly exceeding the rear GAWR that would require this much pressure. These things are widely adjustable, won't compromise your empty ride, and have the capability of providing more support than you could ever possibly need.

Air Bag Suspension, Air Springs, Air Suspension Kits | Air Lift Company - Tow and Haul with Safety and Comfort

 

What they said... I wouldn't tow without airbags. Even if you were to have upgraded springs, the adjustability is nice. Sometimes you will want to adjust for different road conditions to get the best ride, a few lbs of air can make a huge difference in ride quality! That said, I would recommend an onboard compressor if you can afford it. You can always add one later. That way you can adjust on the fly for optimum ride. I have the airlift wireless system although I have not installed it yet. When you install the airbags, run the air valves to the lower holes on the license plate, easy to get to and makes a nice clean install. Don't make the mistake I did once and T the 2 lines into one fill valve. It was located at the fuel fill which kept it out of sight which sounded like a good idea. They each need their own fill if you need to level side to side but more importantly if they share the air you will get body roll as the air shifts from one bag to the other. Go for the bags!
Steve

 

x2, don't Tee the left and right together.
Allow each to work independently!

 

Air bags are a good option...but not what i would personally consider the #1 option.

I realize the OP stated he didn't want a harsher ride...I have to interject here...you are asking an SUV to act like a truck by tugging a 9000-9500# load with its associated 10-15% of tongue weight on the Ex...you need to properly equip the Ex to safely handle that load...

First option IMO would be V/B springs on the Ex for front/rear...This is the absolute overall BEST option to make the Ex as stable overall and give it the proper upgrades suspension wise to handle the trailer you are towing and react properly to the inputs on the suspension due to the tongue load.

Second would be RAS. Addiing the RAS is a better option IMO over the air bags because the RAS truly adds capacity/resistance to the springs versus the air bags that add capacity to the suspension in an independent fashion...what do I mean by that?...well the RAS is a bolt on addition that helps "resist" the leaf spring from flatteningn out under load which also aids in the leaf springs ability to resist 'wrapping' which causes rear steer...air bags really do nothing to give the rear springs added resistance against 'wrapping' but simply gives the overall rear suspension more ability to 'support' more weight...does that make sense?

The RAS and V/B springs truly give the Ex more resistance to rear steer by not allowing the leaf springs to distort in opposite directions by keeping the rear axle in tension and in position due to sufficient lateral spring force (i.e. the leaf spring). The air bags reside above the axle and not "in-line" with the leaf springs and as the rear axle is pushed out of straight alignment simply go along and get "twisted" off vertical alignment...

So...while air bags certainly will provide resistance to rear end sagging...the added benefits to the V/B code upgrade or the RAS bolt on make those options better IMO and experience towing a 9000# TT over 10's of thousands of miles all over the country in all kinds of weather and terrain!

Now...if you were going to say add air bags PLUS the radius rods...then I'd say that would be a good solution but about double the price of the RAS.

The RAS and air bags are "close" to the same price yet the RAS gives you twice the solutions over air bags (i.e. spring capacity and resistance to rear steer)...V/B codes are the golden ticket IMO to fixing the woes of the Ex suspension...

Towing heavy like I did with my Ex and many still obviously do with their Ex does require some modifications...none major...but all important to make the Ex stable and secure...upgrading the spring capacity to give it resistance to rear steerage when that heavy trailer is PUSHING on the rear of the Ex on an angle causing one side of the Ex to "steer" off due to leaf spring twisting...well...air bags will do nothing to resist that...

Good luck,
Joe.

 

You are correct Joe, the spring swap is crucial to overall handling. I have the V/modded Bs and airbags and I think it's a good combo. On my previous EX, I had airbags and stock rear spring with radius rods in the rear and Vs in the front. It was also a good ride and handled well. I think the extra leafs with the modded Bs give you some extra capacity and stability and along with air bags makes a good ride. I have never used the RAS system but I've heard good things. I believe it would bring the rear up too much with modded Bs however, good with stock Bs. If I had to do it over again, I would put X codes on the front rather than Vs as the rake is a bit too much for my taste, I like it level. I plan to put a mini spring pack and adjustable track bar in the front to level. So yeah, if you want to do it right get into the spring swap.
Steve

 

I have the ras on my excursion and really like it. I use air bags on my 1 to ford cube van, and both firestone/ air ride have both leaked on me! They do help with all the weight in the van...

 

Air Bags, you can buy the basic kit from AdvAuto and wait till the over $300 coupon hits and save 50-60 bucks. I couldn't find it on the internet anywear cheaper.

 

Thought I'd visit the old haunt again...

I did the ras on the 05 Ex I traded and really liked it in conjunction with the ProPride hitch that REALLY stopped any sway or overload on the rear end...

I did take the RAS off as they are an easy install and sold them to toreador_diesel and he can add his two cents in here...

The RAS on my new truck did not do the trick for my heavier fifth wheel that the wife HAD to have so I went with air bags....

I do 'sense' a little harsher ride unloaded with the bags even @ 5 psi, but they certainly do the trick with the 5er hooked up !

by the way, if you want a good deal on the propride, give me a shout !

 

I agree 100% on this. that is why I have the airbags that attach to the front of the leaf spring to the frame. with the bags that go from the axle to the frame, when pressurized and under load the leaf springs are somewhat along for the ride which makes the axle want to walk under the rear of the X, which as we all know is the main reason for the X to wander like it does. my air bags actually push back down on the spring. The X rear of the X will actually lift slightly under acceleration, kind of like a traction bar.