Advice on Towing and Setup
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,064
Likes: 1,574
From: Media PA
With a trailer like that, I wouldn't use anything less than a Hensley or Pro-Pride for a hitch. A trailer that size can decide to put you upside down in a ditch under the wrong conditions, you want as much control as possible.
One of our regulars has one and I'm sure Tom will be along to comment since he tows long and heavy regularly.
One of our regulars has one and I'm sure Tom will be along to comment since he tows long and heavy regularly.
Thanks Eric.
I totally agree, that is a huge trailer, not only super heavy (expect very high tongue weight on a toyhauler) but TH trailers are also taller than TTs most times and that means they catch more push from crosswinds.
The Hensley Arrow and Pro Prides are the absolute top of the line hitch systems on the market, and are priced accordingly. I found a great deal on my used Hensley on Craigslist, so there are deals out there for a patient shopper. Don't skimp on your hitch with that giant TH and your short wheelbase EX.
What does the sticker say on your EX's hitch? You'll have to come up with a plan to address how you are going to deal with the tongue weight that is several hundred pounds over your hitch rating. Something that you really need to think about.
Did you replace your trans cooler along with the new trans? It should always be replaced after a trans failure and the 7.3 had a small cooler from the factory, the 6.0 cooler is a nice upgrade for the earlier diesel trucks.
The Jasper trans should do just fine with proper use and care.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 85
From: Kent Station, WA
I think you need to think about your receiver hitch rating. At 9000 lbs dry your tongue weight would be about 1350 lbs and and 1950 loaded. (Figure 15% of trailer weight=tongue weight)
That's more than the capacity of the hitch. I think you can upgrade the bolts that hold the hitch to the frame but I think you may still end up short.
That's more than the capacity of the hitch. I think you can upgrade the bolts that hold the hitch to the frame but I think you may still end up short.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-hardware.html
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,064
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From: Media PA
Do they make one with that rating for an Excursion? The EX and SD rear frames are different and the hitches are not interchangeable.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,678
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From: Central Tx.
[QUOTE=Bently_Coop;15743346]OP has a Diesel Excursion. Gears do not work the same as they do not rev as high as the Modular motors. 4.10 to a 4.30 is usually max recommendation on a diesel.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-hardware.html[/QUOTE
THANKS for catching that..
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-hardware.html[/QUOTE
THANKS for catching that..
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 320
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by WE3ZS
Do they make one with that rating for an Excursion? The EX and SD rear frames are different and the hitches are not interchangeable.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the advice.. still have to get the air bags in and order the trans cooler. I have a Pro Pride hitch on the way (which hurt) .... The receiver is being replaced.. though it had to be special made... I will probably change to 4:10 gears later after I see how the current gears run. ..
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,064
Likes: 1,574
From: Media PA
Please keep us updated with your progress and towing impressions. It sounds like you are moving along in the right direction. 
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FTE Remembers
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
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From: Northern California
You didn't mention what torque converter you went with but regardless I would put a gauge on the trans when you put your new cooler in.
My experience with fords trans gauge is that it pretty much sits in the middle of the range or is pegged at max, research synthetic trans fluid and decide if that makes sense for your use.
My experience with fords trans gauge is that it pretty much sits in the middle of the range or is pegged at max, research synthetic trans fluid and decide if that makes sense for your use.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 751
Likes: 11
From: May Township, MN
Like others have mentioned,
Gauges for tranny temp, exhaust temp, and turbo boost
Air bags in the back plus built in air compressor as an option
Upgraded leaf springs
Better hitch
High quality WDH
08+ tow mirrors
Good tunes should help with the power rather than regearing. Make sure you tow on a good tow tune.
I've towed heavy in the 00 Excursion several times but never in the mountains always on fairly level ground.
Gauges for tranny temp, exhaust temp, and turbo boost
Air bags in the back plus built in air compressor as an option
Upgraded leaf springs
Better hitch
High quality WDH
08+ tow mirrors
Good tunes should help with the power rather than regearing. Make sure you tow on a good tow tune.
I've towed heavy in the 00 Excursion several times but never in the mountains always on fairly level ground.
Joe28443
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 4
From: Hampstead NC
Not to mention the Propride you just hit will add another 150+ lbs to your tounge, I have one
New User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Texas
You didn't mention what torque converter you went with but regardless I would put a gauge on the trans when you put your new cooler in.
My experience with fords trans gauge is that it pretty much sits in the middle of the range or is pegged at max, research synthetic trans fluid and decide if that makes sense for your use.
My experience with fords trans gauge is that it pretty much sits in the middle of the range or is pegged at max, research synthetic trans fluid and decide if that makes sense for your use.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
...up to 13000 loaded.
Nick used to tow his 35' Weekend Warrior and it was too much for the Ex. His family finally upgraded to a dually F450 King Ranch to pull the trailer.
Stewart
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa, OK
I've been away from the forum for quite a few months. I still have my Ex, but traded my big travel trailer off in February for a diesel pusher motorhome. The Ex is now more of a hangar queen except when we need to tow a car on our aluminum tandem axle trailer.
My daughter lives in Phoenix area and we made several trips to Phoenix from Oklahoma with the 11,000 lb trailer in tow. Our 6.0L (ARP head studs, Banks Exhaust, EGR delete) did fairly well in the mountains except for occasionally blowing off the CAC (Charge Air Cooler) hose. I always felt like one of the strongest suits of our 6.0L compared to 7.3L was the Torqshift tranny--it never gave any trouble and certainly helped on the long hairy downhill runs from Payson to Tempe.
You will need a better receiver hitch for that load. The stock receiver will 'egg out' the hitch pin holes. Can't be avoided. Don't waste time on bigger bolts into the truck frame--that still only raises the hitch rating from 1000 lb to 1200 lb.
You may not want to hear this. From my perspective, the 11,000 lb weight limit is probably just about all I would ever recommend towing behind an Ex. The wheelbase is a bit short for a 35' trailer, especially when you consider axle wrap and other issues.
My daughter lives in Phoenix area and we made several trips to Phoenix from Oklahoma with the 11,000 lb trailer in tow. Our 6.0L (ARP head studs, Banks Exhaust, EGR delete) did fairly well in the mountains except for occasionally blowing off the CAC (Charge Air Cooler) hose. I always felt like one of the strongest suits of our 6.0L compared to 7.3L was the Torqshift tranny--it never gave any trouble and certainly helped on the long hairy downhill runs from Payson to Tempe.
You will need a better receiver hitch for that load. The stock receiver will 'egg out' the hitch pin holes. Can't be avoided. Don't waste time on bigger bolts into the truck frame--that still only raises the hitch rating from 1000 lb to 1200 lb.
You may not want to hear this. From my perspective, the 11,000 lb weight limit is probably just about all I would ever recommend towing behind an Ex. The wheelbase is a bit short for a 35' trailer, especially when you consider axle wrap and other issues.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
But if you're already using a J-bend type pin like this:
....and don't want to switch, then add a clamp like this:
...to the bar just before the bend and it will help keep the bar from ovaling out the hole where the bend would normally ride.
Stewart