Is it safe to assume you seek a diesel because you want a diesel?

 

 

DISCLAIMER I am a prejudiced V10 owner.

If you are satisfied with the 5.3 burb, a V10 will be a nice upgrade as a tow vehicle. I personally think they are more reliable than their oil burning cousins. YMMV Lifespan is debatable.

I just want you to consider all your viable options.

 

You've just described the V10 gas engine to a T.

If you're not familiar with a diesel, ESPECIALLY the 6.0 which can be very problematic for a new user, I strongly suggest you open your options to include the V10.

Stewart

 

 

Best thing to do on any 6.0 is look around the coolant cap for any residual coolant. First signs of a blown head gasket. The 7.3 is a very dependable animal but depending on what part of the country you buy one, it might need an oil pan. If you have done any searching, you'll see plenty of guys warn about the head gasket failure on 6.0's. But once you address that issue and some other small stuff they are pretty stout piece as well.

 

I too am a big V-10 fan and owner, so naturally I am biased towards this great engine.
You didn't mention the size and weight of your TT, but if the 5.3 Burb has been hauling your clan and it all around the lower 48 so far, I think you would be very pleased with the upgrade to a V-10 EX.
A properly cared for V-10 (3/5K oil changes, 30K trans flush, 50/100K plug changes and very little else) should remain super reliable and strong for 250K+ miles. And if something major should happen (there is always that chance) a complete NEW factory crate V-10 can be had for less than what some shops charge for 6.0 head gaskets jobs.
Yes, the diesels make more power/torque and have higher output potential when modded, but with great power comes great responsibility. The more you mod one, the more closely they need to monitored and cared for to ensure longevity. I bought our EX to be a tow rig and I had to weight all the options, just like you are doing now. For me, I was pretty comfortable with spinning wrenches on gas rigs, but I only had some VW diesel and large Fire Dept Detroit Diesel experience. I would have had to invest some time (which is always in short supply) in educating myself on the PSD to be comfortable for long trips. This along with the higher initial and maintenance costs factored into my decision to go with a gasser. Another major factor in my engine choice was the input from other owners here who were towing heavy with V-10s and enjoying the trip.
I no longer use our EX in a daily driver role, it now serves as our dedicated tow rig for our 11,300lb TT, which we have towed for 20K+ miles and a 9,500lb TH that we used to have that we towed for 15K+ miles. During my 60K mile (35K+ towing miles) ownership the only breakdown was a sudden death fuel pump failure. That happened in the rain at a very sandy campground in NJ, I hate sand and rain. I declined the offer of his time and tools to replace it at the campground from a total stranger and member here and had it towed back home where I fixed it more comfortably. Did I mention just how awesome this community of members here is! I still haven't met Norm, but when I eventually do the beer will be on me for his very generous offer back then.
I have made some upgrades to my EX to make it a better tow rig and "mine". Deeper gears were the single biggest improvement in towing performance hands down, its like a completely different truck! I run 4.88s with 35" tires for an effective ratio of 4.39. 4.30 was an optional ratio from the factory (over the more common standard 3.73) and has proven to be a real sweet spot (4.30-4.56) for these V-10s that tow heavy.
With our 41' 11K TT in tow we typically see 8 to 9.5 MPG while towing on our mostly highway trips at 62/68 MPH. For trips with lots of country roads and through small towns with more start/stopping the MPG drops to 7/8. It will hold OD on all but the bigger Eastern Interstate Highway grades and when it does downshift it typically will regain enough speed to upshift again if I choose. I have NEVER gone to Wide Open Throttle while towing and am totally happy with giving up a little speed on a hill climb to maintain what I feel is decent fuel economy for my combination.
I'm not trying to tell you how to spend your money, I'm just offering up some info on what is working very well for me as an option to the diesel choice. Maybe try finding a decent V-10 EX (hopefully with the 4.30 gears!) and taking it for a good test drive, I think you will find it to be significantly more truck than the 5.3 Burb. I came to the Ex out of a 5.7 Chevy K1500 pickup and the EX blows it away on all counts.

 

 

Here is my side by side comparison. My burb (k2500), has the 454 and is my plow rig. They both are gassers. They both will tow the crap out of anything I've hooked up to. They get about the same mpg's. The major difference is the room and the comfort. The Ex is so much better for traveling in. The burb is easier to turn around with, dragging trailer it will make turns the ex won't by itself. Now obviously the Ex is lifted, but still in stock form it won't turn as tightly as the burb.
The diesels have their advantages, but they also come with more unique challenges, and depending on where you are at, diesel fuel is not as easy to find. Just my opinion.
The Ex has 160K, the burb is at 275K on their clocks.
Of the 25 vehicles I've owned in my 40 years the Ex is hands down, my favorite.

 

I can see that as the case for the 4wd versions, but the 2wd Excursion actually has a tighter turning radius than the 2wd Burb. We had a 2wd Burb prior to the 2wd Excursion...

 

 

Yes, it is all the same for suspensions regardless of engine. If you are still in Texas, you are welcome to come and drive mine, although it is far from stock nowadays.

 

 

Stock tire size or stock rim size?

What axle code? I think you meant spring code? Most here go with V codes up front at 5200 lbs or the X codes at 6000 lbs. On the rear, it is either B or F codes (common F250 springs), but some have gone to the stiffer C codes off an F350.

Lots of Excursions for sale in Texas. Lots.

If you are going to be in Texas for a bit, and you find one, I would be happy to help you get it set up right before you head west. Lots of campgrounds around here (Bastrop, TX) to park the RV. I also have the Ford computer to look at all the systems to ensure they're operating right. I can sync chipped keys to the PATS system, reprogram for tire sizes and other stuff.