I could use some outside input. Family of 8 (range of kid ages and sizes) which spends most of the summer camping (trailer is 26 ft KZ bunkhouse- 6k fully loaded on trips). We currently have a 2011 E350 XLT (standard not extended) van with 66k miles, which after experiencing three other prior towing rigs, I love the E350 XLT stiff back end. However power is a slight issue over passes, etc. I have a buddy who is considering selling his 2002 7.3L Limited with 177k with the only mod being it is chipped. Towing safety is a primary concern for us.

I am curious to know if anyone has ever had experience towing with an 2011ish E350 5.4L vs the 2000-3 7.3L and their experiences/ good and bad. We are towing about 6k (plus our person payload in the tow rig) currently, which puts us right at the max amount for the E350 (yes I have done the weight scales to confirm our loaded tow rig, loaded trailer, and combined weight). From what I understand the Ex might be a little soft in the back end to provide the "nice" ride but I don't know how this compares to the E350. I am aware that some changes can be made to the back end of the Ex, but would rather keep it stock, unless it really needs an upgrade. Just want to walk into this with my eye's wide open to plan for any $$ upgrades. If upgrades are needed to the back end, which ones provide the best bang for the buck?

Finally, am I going backwards? From a 2011 v8 5.4L with 66k to a 2002 7.3L with 177k? I figure $$ wise they are worth about the same. The 2011 is pretty spartan and just from looking at the 2002, it looks like it has more creature comforts even though it is almost 10 years older.

If I have a mechanic look over the 2002 what are some areas to focus on? Is a compression test helpful? From what I understand, the trans might be the most expensive thing to go next.

Appreciate your advice/input.

 

If you are going to keep the original rear springs put air bags back there to help level/lift the back end up. Also a Hellwig rear sway bar is a must. Has anything been done tot he exhaust on the 7.3?

 

Thanks, my understanding is that everything is stock (I will know for sure tomorrow when I actually see it), so no nothing was done to the exhaust. Let me know about the exhaust as that was not on my radar.

What about to the trans? Does it have a trans cooler or do I need an aftermarket?

 

Just another '02 7.3 owner sticking my nose in here, but why would something need to be done on the exhaust?

 

Trans cooler is a must. and a 4" exhaust will make a world of difference when towing over stock.

 

I can't help much because I have never towed anything with my X. I have however had lots of experience towing with 7.3 Fords. All my trucks where/are duallys, 2 7.3s and a 6.0, 2 f350s and currently f550 7.3. Oh and I forgot about my 1980 SR f350 with a Dana 70 rear end. Having said all that the 7.3 diesels where the best. They pulled anything you put behind them with no complaints. Uphill and down. The biggest load I hauled was a 14000lb boat and trailer from Montana to Lake Powell. I think I got down to 55MPH on a steep grade leaving Salt Lake. That old SRf350 was a very stable platform towing 8000lbs. I would think the X would tow 6000lbs easily just because it would out weigh the tow by a ton. The only way to really know is to hook up your rig and see how feels.

 

Is this a 2wd or 4wd Excursion? With a 6k trailer, you should have about 500-600 lbs. tongue weight on the ball mount of the Excursion. I think the most important factor is keeping the load range E tires aired up to the maximum...shocks can also be an important factor. Yes you can do some modifications to help it handle that load better but it should be fine otherwise. That being said, does your trailer have the anti-sway bar lock down setup...if not, it would help the ride in itself like the modifications would.

As far as the exhaust, I would definitely open that up for towing to keep the EGT's down. Do you need a whole new exhaust for this...no! Get an aftermarket straight through muffler design for about a Ben Franklin and be done. Has your friend towed much with the Excursion? Has he kept up with servicing the transmission regularly?

If this were up to me, I would go with the Excursion 7.3L given it will handle that load...family, trailer, and all...very well and get decent mileage to boot. But then again, I'm partial as my wife drives an Excursion 7.3L, and I love its ride over my F350 7.3L...