Why did you buy an Excursion?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,263
Likes: 149
From: In the field...
We have dogs.
We have four dogs.
We have four medium sized active dogs, that are high energy bird dogs.
I could go on, we have been transporting our dogs (2-4 dogs) over the last 17 years in an SUV of some variety.
Here comes the "why excursion?"
While towing our TrailManor to a camp site this spring for a long weekend camp with two of our dogs in anticipation of meeting my two grown children our Honda Pilot decided that the tow package was not enough and needed additional time to cool down the transmission.
I knew that I was "at or over the margins" in towing capacity with the Pilot whenever towing. I weighed the rig on the way out and on the way back on various trips and realized I was pushing the envelope.
I knew I was close but it really ticked me off that the transmission cooler light came on while I was backing in to the camp site.
Realizing that the Honda Pilot had well over 170,000 miles and had been pushed to it's limit on many occasions I needed another option.
My DW refused to allow me to buy only a pick up, we had to have an SUV because our four precious dogs must be in the same climate controlled compartment with me (not an option for my grandfather and his dogs).
I looked at the Expedition and I could not rationalize the expense of a third seat (never used) and limited four wheel drive options/capabilities. My day job works best with a pick up so we started looking at Excursions (as a second vehicle) because there was not a "NEW" option (GM Burb/Tahoe not happening and every other SUV was either similar in size to the Pilot or not significantly roomier to justify the expense).
I thought the Expedition was not viable even with additional cargo space, more towing capacity but woefully inefficient and a newer Expedition would be a depreciation hog.
Going with diesel was influenced by friends that had the 7.3 and the wish to be able to "pull the moon".
4WD was a requirement because the birds we chase are not always on paved roadways.
So, I have purchased a vehicle that will not further depreciate (drastically), will tow most anything, has plenty of room for dogs and gear, is efficient for it's girth and should last as long as I am willing to keep it.
We have four dogs.
We have four medium sized active dogs, that are high energy bird dogs.
I could go on, we have been transporting our dogs (2-4 dogs) over the last 17 years in an SUV of some variety.
Here comes the "why excursion?"
While towing our TrailManor to a camp site this spring for a long weekend camp with two of our dogs in anticipation of meeting my two grown children our Honda Pilot decided that the tow package was not enough and needed additional time to cool down the transmission.
I knew that I was "at or over the margins" in towing capacity with the Pilot whenever towing. I weighed the rig on the way out and on the way back on various trips and realized I was pushing the envelope.
I knew I was close but it really ticked me off that the transmission cooler light came on while I was backing in to the camp site.
Realizing that the Honda Pilot had well over 170,000 miles and had been pushed to it's limit on many occasions I needed another option.
My DW refused to allow me to buy only a pick up, we had to have an SUV because our four precious dogs must be in the same climate controlled compartment with me (not an option for my grandfather and his dogs).
I looked at the Expedition and I could not rationalize the expense of a third seat (never used) and limited four wheel drive options/capabilities. My day job works best with a pick up so we started looking at Excursions (as a second vehicle) because there was not a "NEW" option (GM Burb/Tahoe not happening and every other SUV was either similar in size to the Pilot or not significantly roomier to justify the expense).
I thought the Expedition was not viable even with additional cargo space, more towing capacity but woefully inefficient and a newer Expedition would be a depreciation hog.
Going with diesel was influenced by friends that had the 7.3 and the wish to be able to "pull the moon".
4WD was a requirement because the birds we chase are not always on paved roadways.
So, I have purchased a vehicle that will not further depreciate (drastically), will tow most anything, has plenty of room for dogs and gear, is efficient for it's girth and should last as long as I am willing to keep it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,822
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
I was towing our TT (about 9500lbs) with my 98 Expedition, which I loved. It did the job admirably, but with just about 200,000 rounds, it was getting tired. During a winter trip to Fairbanks to visit my Uncle my rental was an Excursion! Well, it didn't take long to fall in love! Needless to say, the search was on! Took about two months to find the right one (even though I don't like the color) but Have never regretted it! Just rolled her over 203,000 today!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 777
Likes: 2
We have dogs.
We have four dogs.
We have four medium sized active dogs, that are high energy bird dogs.
I could go on, we have been transporting our dogs (2-4 dogs) over the last 17 years in an SUV of some variety.
Here comes the "why excursion?"
While towing our TrailManor to a camp site this spring for a long weekend camp with two of our dogs in anticipation of meeting my two grown children our Honda Pilot decided that the tow package was not enough and needed additional time to cool down the transmission.
I knew that I was "at or over the margins" in towing capacity with the Pilot whenever towing. I weighed the rig on the way out and on the way back on various trips and realized I was pushing the envelope.
I knew I was close but it really ticked me off that the transmission cooler light came on while I was backing in to the camp site.
Realizing that the Honda Pilot had well over 170,000 miles and had been pushed to it's limit on many occasions I needed another option.
My DW refused to allow me to buy only a pick up, we had to have an SUV because our four precious dogs must be in the same climate controlled compartment with me (not an option for my grandfather and his dogs).
I looked at the Expedition and I could not rationalize the expense of a third seat (never used) and limited four wheel drive options/capabilities. My day job works best with a pick up so we started looking at Excursions (as a second vehicle) because there was not a "NEW" option (GM Burb/Tahoe not happening and every other SUV was either similar in size to the Pilot or not significantly roomier to justify the expense).
I thought the Expedition was not viable even with additional cargo space, more towing capacity but woefully inefficient and a newer Expedition would be a depreciation hog.
Going with diesel was influenced by friends that had the 7.3 and the wish to be able to "pull the moon".
4WD was a requirement because the birds we chase are not always on paved roadways.
So, I have purchased a vehicle that will not further depreciate (drastically), will tow most anything, has plenty of room for dogs and gear, is efficient for it's girth and should last as long as I am willing to keep it.
We have four dogs.
We have four medium sized active dogs, that are high energy bird dogs.
I could go on, we have been transporting our dogs (2-4 dogs) over the last 17 years in an SUV of some variety.
Here comes the "why excursion?"
While towing our TrailManor to a camp site this spring for a long weekend camp with two of our dogs in anticipation of meeting my two grown children our Honda Pilot decided that the tow package was not enough and needed additional time to cool down the transmission.
I knew that I was "at or over the margins" in towing capacity with the Pilot whenever towing. I weighed the rig on the way out and on the way back on various trips and realized I was pushing the envelope.
I knew I was close but it really ticked me off that the transmission cooler light came on while I was backing in to the camp site.
Realizing that the Honda Pilot had well over 170,000 miles and had been pushed to it's limit on many occasions I needed another option.
My DW refused to allow me to buy only a pick up, we had to have an SUV because our four precious dogs must be in the same climate controlled compartment with me (not an option for my grandfather and his dogs).
I looked at the Expedition and I could not rationalize the expense of a third seat (never used) and limited four wheel drive options/capabilities. My day job works best with a pick up so we started looking at Excursions (as a second vehicle) because there was not a "NEW" option (GM Burb/Tahoe not happening and every other SUV was either similar in size to the Pilot or not significantly roomier to justify the expense).
I thought the Expedition was not viable even with additional cargo space, more towing capacity but woefully inefficient and a newer Expedition would be a depreciation hog.
Going with diesel was influenced by friends that had the 7.3 and the wish to be able to "pull the moon".
4WD was a requirement because the birds we chase are not always on paved roadways.
So, I have purchased a vehicle that will not further depreciate (drastically), will tow most anything, has plenty of room for dogs and gear, is efficient for it's girth and should last as long as I am willing to keep it.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Im a drag racer and in the middle of my current build i thought to myself im gonna break alot of stuff at the track
I spotted a v8 ex on craigslist for $2000 and that caught me eye but it was beat up pretty good so I started looking in to different excursions test drove a bad one,got out bid on craigslist a few times then checked some local dealerships till I found my v10 ex i almost drove from bucks pa to ohio to pick one up but wasnt sure if I could trust an online ad
I does get old when people ask me why did you buy a big truck
I spotted a v8 ex on craigslist for $2000 and that caught me eye but it was beat up pretty good so I started looking in to different excursions test drove a bad one,got out bid on craigslist a few times then checked some local dealerships till I found my v10 ex i almost drove from bucks pa to ohio to pick one up but wasnt sure if I could trust an online ad
I does get old when people ask me why did you buy a big truck
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Totally understand, I get asked at least once a day.... Then I tell my wife to zip it 
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
i had to take our new outside sales guy to the airport on friday. he gets in turns around and says "why do you need a truck like this?!"
my response? "because i WANTED it!
he just said "oh" and that ended that conversation lol
"it is better to have and not need, then to need and not have"
my response? "because i WANTED it!
he just said "oh" and that ended that conversation lol
"it is better to have and not need, then to need and not have"
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,246
Likes: 761
From: Houston, Texas
Amen, amen, and amen!
That's why 4wd on any truck or SUV is important. There were too many times I needed it on the 7.3 and didn't have it. As a result, Chevy and Dodge folks graciously came over and offered to help with their truck and cameras....
That's why 4wd on any truck or SUV is important. There were too many times I needed it on the 7.3 and didn't have it. As a result, Chevy and Dodge folks graciously came over and offered to help with their truck and cameras....
New User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Newer Lurker here. I have 4 kids, and a wife. I have a 05 F250 6.0L PSD with the EGR delete and ARP studs. My Wife has 03 Expedition, both are 4x4.
We bought the Expedition new, my wife wanted an Explorer, I wanted an Excursion. We had a 93 Bronco and 2nd kid on the way, so compromised on the new 03 Expedition in 03. Bought it on A-Plan. I had a 00 F150 SuperCab that I loved. My brother needed a cosigner on the 05 F250 CC 4x4 6.0, so I did. He was murdered in 05 and I decided to keep the F250. I kept the 00 F150 SC 4x4 til 06 and sold it.
We have 5 ATVs and a 24 enclosed trailer and sometimes take everything camping. We also hit Carova NC at least twice a year and the only way there is on the beach. The Expedition was feeling too small, but is a great tote the kids to practice, go to work, and shopping SUV. I had always wanted an Excursion, so I started looking.
Like many the first couple were terribly beat on for the money. I expanded my search distance and found a decent one with decent price. I found 00 Limited V-10 that was about 80 or so miles away for $5900. We went there to look at it. It was not perfect, but it would work. The interior was good except for the front 2 leather bucket seats. Carpet nicer than my 05 F250 or our 03 Expedition. Was smooth running, only drivers door power lock worked, and rode decent. I offered and bought it for $5200. Its black, a few scratches in clear coat but not too bad for 13 years old.
So far F350 front springs and 3 inches in rear, trans & transfer case flushed, new Moog right front hub assembly and Warn premium hubs with 34 in Nittos on Black proComp powdercoated steel wheels.
Can say I like it a lot, but wish the steering was a good as my 05 F250 CC!
We bought the Expedition new, my wife wanted an Explorer, I wanted an Excursion. We had a 93 Bronco and 2nd kid on the way, so compromised on the new 03 Expedition in 03. Bought it on A-Plan. I had a 00 F150 SuperCab that I loved. My brother needed a cosigner on the 05 F250 CC 4x4 6.0, so I did. He was murdered in 05 and I decided to keep the F250. I kept the 00 F150 SC 4x4 til 06 and sold it.
We have 5 ATVs and a 24 enclosed trailer and sometimes take everything camping. We also hit Carova NC at least twice a year and the only way there is on the beach. The Expedition was feeling too small, but is a great tote the kids to practice, go to work, and shopping SUV. I had always wanted an Excursion, so I started looking.
Like many the first couple were terribly beat on for the money. I expanded my search distance and found a decent one with decent price. I found 00 Limited V-10 that was about 80 or so miles away for $5900. We went there to look at it. It was not perfect, but it would work. The interior was good except for the front 2 leather bucket seats. Carpet nicer than my 05 F250 or our 03 Expedition. Was smooth running, only drivers door power lock worked, and rode decent. I offered and bought it for $5200. Its black, a few scratches in clear coat but not too bad for 13 years old.
So far F350 front springs and 3 inches in rear, trans & transfer case flushed, new Moog right front hub assembly and Warn premium hubs with 34 in Nittos on Black proComp powdercoated steel wheels.
Can say I like it a lot, but wish the steering was a good as my 05 F250 CC!
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Newer Lurker here. I have 4 kids, and a wife. I have a 05 F250 6.0L PSD with the EGR delete and ARP studs. My Wife has 03 Expedition, both are 4x4.
We bought the Expedition new, my wife wanted an Explorer, I wanted an Excursion. We had a 93 Bronco and 2nd kid on the way, so compromised on the new 03 Expedition in 03. Bought it on A-Plan. I had a 00 F150 SuperCab that I loved. My brother needed a cosigner on the 05 F250 CC 4x4 6.0, so I did. He was murdered in 05 and I decided to keep the F250. I kept the 00 F150 SC 4x4 til 06 and sold it.
We have 5 ATVs and a 24 enclosed trailer and sometimes take everything camping. We also hit Carova NC at least twice a year and the only way there is on the beach. The Expedition was feeling too small, but is a great tote the kids to practice, go to work, and shopping SUV. I had always wanted an Excursion, so I started looking.
Like many the first couple were terribly beat on for the money. I expanded my search distance and found a decent one with decent price. I found 00 Limited V-10 that was about 80 or so miles away for $5900. We went there to look at it. It was not perfect, but it would work. The interior was good except for the front 2 leather bucket seats. Carpet nicer than my 05 F250 or our 03 Expedition. Was smooth running, only drivers door power lock worked, and rode decent. I offered and bought it for $5200. Its black, a few scratches in clear coat but not too bad for 13 years old.
So far F350 front springs and 3 inches in rear, trans & transfer case flushed, new Moog right front hub assembly and Warn premium hubs with 34 in Nittos on Black proComp powdercoated steel wheels.
Can say I like it a lot, but wish the steering was a good as my 05 F250 CC!
We bought the Expedition new, my wife wanted an Explorer, I wanted an Excursion. We had a 93 Bronco and 2nd kid on the way, so compromised on the new 03 Expedition in 03. Bought it on A-Plan. I had a 00 F150 SuperCab that I loved. My brother needed a cosigner on the 05 F250 CC 4x4 6.0, so I did. He was murdered in 05 and I decided to keep the F250. I kept the 00 F150 SC 4x4 til 06 and sold it.
We have 5 ATVs and a 24 enclosed trailer and sometimes take everything camping. We also hit Carova NC at least twice a year and the only way there is on the beach. The Expedition was feeling too small, but is a great tote the kids to practice, go to work, and shopping SUV. I had always wanted an Excursion, so I started looking.
Like many the first couple were terribly beat on for the money. I expanded my search distance and found a decent one with decent price. I found 00 Limited V-10 that was about 80 or so miles away for $5900. We went there to look at it. It was not perfect, but it would work. The interior was good except for the front 2 leather bucket seats. Carpet nicer than my 05 F250 or our 03 Expedition. Was smooth running, only drivers door power lock worked, and rode decent. I offered and bought it for $5200. Its black, a few scratches in clear coat but not too bad for 13 years old.
So far F350 front springs and 3 inches in rear, trans & transfer case flushed, new Moog right front hub assembly and Warn premium hubs with 34 in Nittos on Black proComp powdercoated steel wheels.
Can say I like it a lot, but wish the steering was a good as my 05 F250 CC!
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 0
From: Shelbyville, Indiana
Newer Lurker here. I have 4 kids, and a wife. I have a 05 F250 6.0L PSD with the EGR delete and ARP studs. My Wife has 03 Expedition, both are 4x4.
We bought the Expedition new, my wife wanted an Explorer, I wanted an Excursion. We had a 93 Bronco and 2nd kid on the way, so compromised on the new 03 Expedition in 03. Bought it on A-Plan. I had a 00 F150 SuperCab that I loved. My brother needed a cosigner on the 05 F250 CC 4x4 6.0, so I did. He was murdered in 05 and I decided to keep the F250. I kept the 00 F150 SC 4x4 til 06 and sold it.
We have 5 ATVs and a 24 enclosed trailer and sometimes take everything camping. We also hit Carova NC at least twice a year and the only way there is on the beach. The Expedition was feeling too small, but is a great tote the kids to practice, go to work, and shopping SUV. I had always wanted an Excursion, so I started looking.
Like many the first couple were terribly beat on for the money. I expanded my search distance and found a decent one with decent price. I found 00 Limited V-10 that was about 80 or so miles away for $5900. We went there to look at it. It was not perfect, but it would work. The interior was good except for the front 2 leather bucket seats. Carpet nicer than my 05 F250 or our 03 Expedition. Was smooth running, only drivers door power lock worked, and rode decent. I offered and bought it for $5200. Its black, a few scratches in clear coat but not too bad for 13 years old.
So far F350 front springs and 3 inches in rear, trans & transfer case flushed, new Moog right front hub assembly and Warn premium hubs with 34 in Nittos on Black proComp powdercoated steel wheels.
Can say I like it a lot, but wish the steering was a good as my 05 F250 CC!
We bought the Expedition new, my wife wanted an Explorer, I wanted an Excursion. We had a 93 Bronco and 2nd kid on the way, so compromised on the new 03 Expedition in 03. Bought it on A-Plan. I had a 00 F150 SuperCab that I loved. My brother needed a cosigner on the 05 F250 CC 4x4 6.0, so I did. He was murdered in 05 and I decided to keep the F250. I kept the 00 F150 SC 4x4 til 06 and sold it.
We have 5 ATVs and a 24 enclosed trailer and sometimes take everything camping. We also hit Carova NC at least twice a year and the only way there is on the beach. The Expedition was feeling too small, but is a great tote the kids to practice, go to work, and shopping SUV. I had always wanted an Excursion, so I started looking.
Like many the first couple were terribly beat on for the money. I expanded my search distance and found a decent one with decent price. I found 00 Limited V-10 that was about 80 or so miles away for $5900. We went there to look at it. It was not perfect, but it would work. The interior was good except for the front 2 leather bucket seats. Carpet nicer than my 05 F250 or our 03 Expedition. Was smooth running, only drivers door power lock worked, and rode decent. I offered and bought it for $5200. Its black, a few scratches in clear coat but not too bad for 13 years old.
So far F350 front springs and 3 inches in rear, trans & transfer case flushed, new Moog right front hub assembly and Warn premium hubs with 34 in Nittos on Black proComp powdercoated steel wheels.
Can say I like it a lot, but wish the steering was a good as my 05 F250 CC!
New User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Thanks for the replies. I plan on trying to tighten the steering. I replaced all the door lock actuators about 2 months ago. Not too bad to do and added some better speakers to the front door locations. Going to upgrade the head unit soon.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 0
From: Shelbyville, Indiana
Keep those stock speakers...I've read more than once that the head unit is the weak point. A better head unit and the speakers sound good.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
It was bigger inside than my old Expedition, it could tow way more with no excuses, and it is a heck of a lot safer to tow with.
It does everything I wanted a tow vehicle to do and more. I never wanted a pickup, as I prefer to tow a utility trailer to carry anything heavy, dirty, or cumbersome. Having Ford E350 passenger vans to tow with through the 80's and 90's kind of spoiled me for interior room.
Downside is the Expedition had air suspension. Now THAT I miss. Had a better ride than even the Lincoln town cars I drove previous.
If I ever lose this truck, I will be sorely saddened. Not only is it getting hard to find a good Excursion anymore, but the new pickups are far too expensive for me to ever be able to buy another. I've got to get another 15 years out of this old girl.
It does everything I wanted a tow vehicle to do and more. I never wanted a pickup, as I prefer to tow a utility trailer to carry anything heavy, dirty, or cumbersome. Having Ford E350 passenger vans to tow with through the 80's and 90's kind of spoiled me for interior room.
Downside is the Expedition had air suspension. Now THAT I miss. Had a better ride than even the Lincoln town cars I drove previous.
If I ever lose this truck, I will be sorely saddened. Not only is it getting hard to find a good Excursion anymore, but the new pickups are far too expensive for me to ever be able to buy another. I've got to get another 15 years out of this old girl.