Converting to an Excursion?
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Converting to an Excursion?
Currently hauling a TT 23 foot hybrid 4000 lbs dry and 5500 loaded with a V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I don't tow very far expect one trip a year to the UP from Chicago and less than 3000 miles a year. Was going to get a newer Expedition but neighbor has a 2000 V10 Excursion 3.73 4x4 limited, 130,000 miles, in great shaped that he would sell to me for $3000. He's the original owner, just retired and used it for his daily driver to work about 10 miles away and only towed a 16 foot aluminum boat with it. Wife wants a bigger trailer and were looking for 30ft or less bunk house in the empty weight of 5000-6000 lbs, I'm not worried about the millage but is their anything else I should be concerned about? If I'm not towing at max do I need to do any upgrades from stock with my under 6000lb trailer?
Last edited by Marsviper40; Jul 24, 2021 at 01:02 PM.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2017
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From: TN
If it's not your daily also, I'd grab a newer V10 Excursion with the PI heads and deeper plug hole thread count. I started towing our 31ft ultra-light bunkhouse 2810BH TT at about 6.5k loaded with a 2004 Grand Cherokee with the 4.7l V8, night and day difference with the Excursion.
People used to say, you're towing that with this? LOL. It was fine on the flats but the shorter wheel base really made it sketchy even with decent anti-sway.
I'm looking at a TT that's double that weight now and I blame Tom @WE3ZS and would have no fear with the v10 especially if I regear deeper, but my Cummins swap is in progress at the moment (which was part of my plan originally), despite the v10 still running perfectly and strong.
Doubt you'll find the Expedition to be better with the shorter wheel base and lower GVWR. That 2000 Expedition will likely also have the 4 thread plug holes. So if you buy it, make sure you read up about the proper torque ratings for the plugs, etc.
Finally towing at max isn't just a problem, it's dangerous, and the max tow rating is only one part of the equation. I'd be concerned about tongue weight and other issues also. Buy the Expedition to tow the boat, and an Excursion for the camper?
People used to say, you're towing that with this? LOL. It was fine on the flats but the shorter wheel base really made it sketchy even with decent anti-sway.
I'm looking at a TT that's double that weight now and I blame Tom @WE3ZS and would have no fear with the v10 especially if I regear deeper, but my Cummins swap is in progress at the moment (which was part of my plan originally), despite the v10 still running perfectly and strong.
Doubt you'll find the Expedition to be better with the shorter wheel base and lower GVWR. That 2000 Expedition will likely also have the 4 thread plug holes. So if you buy it, make sure you read up about the proper torque ratings for the plugs, etc.
Finally towing at max isn't just a problem, it's dangerous, and the max tow rating is only one part of the equation. I'd be concerned about tongue weight and other issues also. Buy the Expedition to tow the boat, and an Excursion for the camper?
MUST GO FASTER!!!!
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From: Arizona
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From: Media PA
I think a 6.8 with 3.73s should be good to go with a 6,000/6,500 in bone stock configuration, it won't be a tow monster by any measure but it will get you to your destinations with a minimum of drama. I started out with 3.73s and stock tires towing a 9,000 lb TH, it was a little doggy but always got us there and back, with plenty of downshifting. Some 5Star tunes will make the transmission perform much better when towing. And of course, maybe in time and after the next TT upgrade to a heavier unit some deeper gears will make it an ever better tow rig.
The early motors with the spark plug thread issues can be made more reliable with fresh plugs and a little bit more torque to keep them firmly seated, I wouldn't let that issue scare me off a good deal on a solid EX.
Good luck! Keep us informed and be sure to show off some pictures of the new wagon!
The early motors with the spark plug thread issues can be made more reliable with fresh plugs and a little bit more torque to keep them firmly seated, I wouldn't let that issue scare me off a good deal on a solid EX.
Good luck! Keep us informed and be sure to show off some pictures of the new wagon!
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Tony1790
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
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Jul 15, 2008 06:57 AM
