Originally I had planned on getting a F150 or F250 Crew cab, selling my car. I have four kids and we like to camp and plan on upgrading to a Travel trailer soon. The more I thought about it, the more I disliked the idea of traveling far with 6 of us crammed in a Crew cab for a week or two...

So, after doing much research I had put off my search for a truck and planned on saving up money and waiting till spring. Then I saw this Ex for sale. I had looked into them in the past and considered them too big for me. However, I really like the idea of not worrying about towing a 23' TT with this beast . The expeditions seem to tow just fine, but I like a little overkill. And, the major win is the ability for all 6 of us to travel COMFORTABLY on long trips.

So, in a nutshell, this is going to be a dedicated tow vehicle for camping, hauling firewood, etc.. and I'm keeping my car for the short commute to work.

I plan on replacing all the tie rods, there was a good amount of floating in the steering when I test drove it. It has a small issue with the AC and heat blowing out the defrost only in the front. I've already done the research in that (THANK YOU Excursion Forum!) And the lock mechanism doesn't work, so they're only manual for now (again, thank you for all the information on this forum!). I think thats it, other than the rockers are a bit rusted, I may have those fixed in the next year or so. The frame has some nasty surface rust (thanks Ohio winters...) so I may have it blasted and re-coated. One thing at a time. This being a Tow Vehicle, I can take my time with any mods or fixes.

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! My Dad was the one who told me about this place, which has turned out to offer a plethora of info.

 

For the float in the steering/handling first check the tires, make sure that the are LT load range E (due to your towing plans) and have proper inflation, unloaded 50 to 60 front and 65-ish rear have worked well for many members. I have always ran load range E tires (in various sizes and max pressures) and run them at max sidewall pressures without issues, some folks have reported that their EX can get a little skatey with those pressures unloaded.

 

Forgive my ignorance, but what mods are done? I don't know everything to look for

 

I'm on mobile so it's hard to tell for sure but looks like a small lift on it. Could just be the lack of running boards and comparing to the height of mine with higher miles on the springs.

 

Welcome! I too am an Ex Noob. Enjoy the ride.

 

It will play with that 23 footer.

 

What do you mean "Play"? (I'm not a towing newbie, I've towed a small pop up with a minivan, but I guess I'm not that familiar? With the minivan its basically hitch and go, I know/realize there's more to it when you exceed 5000 lbs and need a WDH.)

 

Welcome, good looking Ex. Lets see more pics!

 

I'll have some up by the weekend hopefully!

 

Play as in: it Won't break a sweat pulling it.

 

Ah! Thanks!

 

Finally got it home tonight. A few more pics as promised:

 

She looks great Russ, welcome! Never knew that many tires fit out back.

 

I like the extra tow hook on the front

Are the front seats both original? One has a net, the other a pocket.

Go to 1A Auto and get some new headlights. Then some 2008 tow mirrors, then........

 

Welcome.

As mentioned a 2002-2004 or 05+ headlight upgrade should be in your future. Amazing the difference they will have at night.