Initial Towing Setup Information
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Initial Towing Setup Information
A while back I posted a question about how to setup an Excursion for towing for the first time. Thanks to those who helped. Here are the details. These instructions are for a 2000 Excursion.
Difficulity rating (1-10):
1
Parts Required:
1 pigtail connector to the wiring harness
1 trailer brake controller
Tools:
Wire stripper
Standard screwdriver or quarter/dime/nickel
Electrical tape
1) Purchase a good trailer brake controller.
2) Purchase the 'pigtail' that connects to the wiring harness. DO NOT call a FORD dealership. They will not know what you are talking about and will tell you that the Excursion does not need one. (It does)I am amazed at how clueless the dealerships are when it comes to these big rigs. I got mine from TOWPRO in Duluth, GA. They know their stuff.
3) Find a suitable place to locate the trailer brake unit. I mounted mine near/under the little hook for a trash bag.
4) Remove the cover under the steering wheel. It is held in place by some 'duz' type screws that come loose nicely with a quarter as a tool.
5) Connect the wires from the brake assist unit to the pigtail. Be sure to match the colors according to the unit's instructions.
6) Run the wires out of sight
7) Connect the pigtail into wiring harness location under the dash.
8) Mount the brake assist unit.
9) Replace the panel.
10) Load up and go for it!
My first towing experience with the excursion was great. I was pulling a twin axle trailer with a 2800lb race car. Had two sets of tires on the trailer rack and one set inside the car, along with tools etc. Inside the we had two adults and two kids in car seats. Air compressor, chairs, tarps, spare parts, more tools, luggage, a porta-crib, etc. The third seat was out but still had room to spare. I could have fit another set of tires if I wanted to.
We towed from Atlanta, GA to Danville, VA without any problems at all. Barley knew the rig was back there. I was towing the same setup with an explorer and am happy that I upgraded to the big X. I also noticed that the suspension came into its own. Without a load the big rig often feels harsh but under load the rid was more like a nice sedan than truck. We averaged about 11-mpg for the trip.
I wish you all the best.
Difficulity rating (1-10):
1
Parts Required:
1 pigtail connector to the wiring harness
1 trailer brake controller
Tools:
Wire stripper
Standard screwdriver or quarter/dime/nickel
Electrical tape
1) Purchase a good trailer brake controller.
2) Purchase the 'pigtail' that connects to the wiring harness. DO NOT call a FORD dealership. They will not know what you are talking about and will tell you that the Excursion does not need one. (It does)I am amazed at how clueless the dealerships are when it comes to these big rigs. I got mine from TOWPRO in Duluth, GA. They know their stuff.
3) Find a suitable place to locate the trailer brake unit. I mounted mine near/under the little hook for a trash bag.
4) Remove the cover under the steering wheel. It is held in place by some 'duz' type screws that come loose nicely with a quarter as a tool.
5) Connect the wires from the brake assist unit to the pigtail. Be sure to match the colors according to the unit's instructions.
6) Run the wires out of sight
7) Connect the pigtail into wiring harness location under the dash.
8) Mount the brake assist unit.
9) Replace the panel.
10) Load up and go for it!
My first towing experience with the excursion was great. I was pulling a twin axle trailer with a 2800lb race car. Had two sets of tires on the trailer rack and one set inside the car, along with tools etc. Inside the we had two adults and two kids in car seats. Air compressor, chairs, tarps, spare parts, more tools, luggage, a porta-crib, etc. The third seat was out but still had room to spare. I could have fit another set of tires if I wanted to.
We towed from Atlanta, GA to Danville, VA without any problems at all. Barley knew the rig was back there. I was towing the same setup with an explorer and am happy that I upgraded to the big X. I also noticed that the suspension came into its own. Without a load the big rig often feels harsh but under load the rid was more like a nice sedan than truck. We averaged about 11-mpg for the trip.
I wish you all the best.
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2001ford
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Mar 10, 2001 08:48 AM
