How's the frame? Is frame reinforcement really a concern with the Excursion?

I'm never going to tow more than my 10k tandem axle car hauler... But it'd be nice to know the truck can take 16k.

 

I never experienced anything that could be related to frame flex. I don't recommend going that heavy because I was significantly over the capacity of the hitch.

 

IIRC, the above weights would require a USDOT certification.


Thanks for posting that, Tom.

 

Good to know. Never touching the rear part of the frame.

Front part is getting replaced for the 2005+ SuperDuty Axles/Suspension. And I might beef up the hitch receiver.

 

My tips to you would be the following:

1) new springs and shocks. ATS X/Modded C and rancho or bilsteins.
2) 4:10 gears
3) upgrade the brakes
4) a great trailer brake controller(don't get a cheap one!)
5)Spend the $ on a hitch setup! You will not be sorry.
6)Make sure your hitch is in great shape. Go with a Ford replacement if yours is rusted.
7)air bags or RAS on the back end
8)market replacement value on the TT
9) Factory or Hellwig rear sway bar.
10) adjust or replace steering gear box.

I am not an expert, but I did spin 180 last year with our first trailer and the ex. I tooth picked the trailer and still have the EX and a new trailer! I went through the EX and it is just about sorted the way I want it!

 

Oh it certainly would have! Between the tongue weight and what was in the back there was more than 2,000 lbs of additional weight on the rear axle. The axle, tires, and wheels are rated for 7,100 lbs, but the springs are not. I supplemented them with an Air Lift air spring setup. For that photo they were pumped up to 90 PSI which was nearly the max. Rear tires were also at 80 PSI.

 

What springs are you running? (Not counting the Air Lift setup.)
How much tongue weight were you running?
What kinda receiver are you running?

 

Dude that is hardcore. Really appreciate the tips. What had you done to the ex at the time of the wreck? We're you ok? Sorry about the hijack

 

Don't have the Ex anymore but...

Factory G-code rears and X-code fronts.

Way too much! Wasn't able to get it weighed until I was about 180 miles into the trip. Empty weight is 3,800 on the rear with a full tank, and I probably had about 600 lbs of stuff in the back of the X. Which means it had over 2,000 lbs on the tongue.

The factory one. Which is why I DON'T recommend doing that. I wouldn't do it again for fear of ripping the hitch off the truck.

It handled well though, all things considered. The year before it pulled 15,000 lbs across the country with only about 1,450 lbs on the tongue, and handling wasn't nearly as good. With a beefier hitch rated for the weight I would make that tow again.

 

I had not done anything to the EX! I was in denial that my suspension was worn out! I had replaced the steering components and that was it.

I am going to add a few things to the list in my other post, after reading it again I forgot a rear sway bar and make sure the steering gear box is adjusted to take the slop out or replace it with a remaned one.

Yep the only thing that got hurt was my pride and wallet!

 

That's good very lucky it sounds like. I'm in the process of modding mine now to tow a tt safely. Definitely does not feel safe with one currently.

 

Restlesswildman

My tips to you would be the following:

1) new springs and shocks. ATS X/Modded C and rancho or bilsteins.
Truck is lifted. going to change it so it doesnt rub.
2) 4:10 gears
I have 4.56 to be installed for the 37's
3) upgrade the brakes
Looking at big brake kits or 8 piston front calipers (slotted)
4) a great trailer brake controller(don't get a cheap one!)
All my trucks have prodogy p3
5)Spend the $ on a hitch setup! You will not be sorry.
Looking at Hansley Arrow weight dist and anti sway hitch
6)Make sure your hitch is in great shape. Go with a Ford replacement if yours is rusted.
Anything better built? 14k lbs maybe? can it be beefed up?
7)air bags or RAS on the back end
Getting bags. I like to ride level. any suggestions? I usually buy firestone but open to suggestions
8)market replacement value on the TT
For insurance purposes?
9) Factory or Hellwig rear sway bar.
Ordered new front and rear
10) adjust or replace steering gear box.
Looking into a redhead(?) also looking at cross over steering and hydraulic assist


Thank you all for all the information. I am generally a overly cautious driver. Been driving commercial trucks for 15 years. I am not a fan of bumper pull trailers I am just wanting to get the best set up for my family. I don't mind pushing the limit a little bit but after weighing my neighbors weekend warrior fs3200 and it being 12,221lbs empty (aluminum sided) we decided to look at 29f Pacific Coach Sand storm. weighs 7500 empty. 13K fully loaded to the max.

Thanks again for the information.

Chris

 

You're talking about a 6" to 8' lift AND pulling a 13K TH, that is going to be a very tricky combination in my opinion. Most big lifts don't have springs optimized for max weight capacities and the extra ride height is only going to be working against you in the towing stability department. I say this as a guy running 4" of lift with 35"s pulling a 41' TT that tips the scales right at 11k. I would NOT want to be any higher or have a taller tire for my current towing situation, it does very well as is but I feel that any more lift/tire would start to push it beyond comfortable.
If your planned lift uses tall blocks expect some rear axle movement, not just the expected axle wrap from the block leverage by also some side to side movement as well as rear steer from twisting, huge tongue weights will have the rear axle dancing around without a good tight spring pack. In stock trim our 9,500 TH (1450lbs TW) would push the rear axle all over the place on deceleration and in curves at speed, scary stuff! The addition of the Hellwig rear bar helped some but the swap to Super Duty pickup springs (modded X/modded B codes) brought the combination under control. Taller springs/blocks may push you right back into rear steer land, please keep this in mind when researching kits/springs/blocks.
Also bear in mind that the Hensley Arrow is limited to 1400lbs TW, which a 13K TH will most likely exceed. With 37"s and an 8" lift I also think you will be too high for the biggest HA stinger to give you enough drop for proper towing geometry. Add to this that the HA doesn't have as much fine adjustment as some other WD hitches for adjusting hitch head angle, sometimes you have to carry more weight on the rear axle due to this limitation. With that heavy of a trailer you are pushing the envelope and adding a bunch of lift/tire isn't going to make the balancing act any easier.

 

If I have to spend the money will buy a kelderman lift so it will be proper level and rating no matter the height. I am hoping that a 6 with minor trimming will work for me. Actually I'm looking at a 4" for a super duty and air bags that will give me my 6". I understand that it makes it trickier and I have more rotational mass that makes braking harder. I don't mind putting a much larger brake kit on and much better calipers.

I really do not want to spend money on new tires. Truck looks good I just hate it running and the rough ride. Worse case I spend a ton of money on the excursion and I have to buy a bigger truck once a kid or two move out. Lol


I'd prefer to have a 5th wheel but it's just not possible. I'm planning on towing right at 10-11k water and everything. I think I'm about 4k on gear.

 

Also all spring. No blocks.