Excursion versus Pickup
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Freshman User
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Excursion versus Pickup
I would so appreciate some feedback. I purchased a horse trailer and traded in my 2003 Ford Focus for a 1999 Eddie Bauer Explorer, V.6 SOHC. Done through a dealership, who I think, should have advised me against Explorer in first place. Long story short, the Explorer is woefully inadequate to tow my horse and trailer, so after 8 weeks I am now looking to take back the Explorer and go for something more powerful.
They are bringing in a 2003 Excursion with 25K (16000 Miles) on it for me to look at. While everyone is telling me I really should consider a pickup, I really prefer having an SUV as I do a lot of city driving and just find them handier for dogs and groceries, etc.
I am hoping all you Excursion Owners can give me some feedback on the Excursion, particularly versus F150, F250, as well as whether there will be a huge difference in gas mileage between the two vehicles. I don't want to make another mistake, and since the Excursion is sooooo expensive, I want to be really sure it is the best option for all my needs. I will need it to last at least ten years.
Thanks guys, Bongogirl
They are bringing in a 2003 Excursion with 25K (16000 Miles) on it for me to look at. While everyone is telling me I really should consider a pickup, I really prefer having an SUV as I do a lot of city driving and just find them handier for dogs and groceries, etc.
I am hoping all you Excursion Owners can give me some feedback on the Excursion, particularly versus F150, F250, as well as whether there will be a huge difference in gas mileage between the two vehicles. I don't want to make another mistake, and since the Excursion is sooooo expensive, I want to be really sure it is the best option for all my needs. I will need it to last at least ten years.
Thanks guys, Bongogirl
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
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From: Mansfield, TX USA
What engine?
I would stay away from ANY used '03 6.0 PSD.
Excursions pros:
1. Loooooads of room inside;
2. smoother riding than a pickup;
3. quieter than a pickup.
Excursion cons:
1. Softer springs (for that smooth ride) compromises towing. You can fix this, but figure on new shocks, rear anti-sway bars, helper springs, anti-sway hitch;
2. Some complain that the softer springs makes the X wallow or porpoise while driving. Once again, fixable with stiffer springs/shocks;
3. Total load is only 1100-1300 lbs, so with all that room, they are easy to overload ---> back to springs/shocks.
If you want a towing machine first and foremost, get the pickup.
If you want a people hauler that can tow, the X is the hands down winner.
I use my trucks to tow, but long distances. 13-14 hours at a stretch and my trailer is not that heavy. The X is a bit of a compromise towing, but is a great traveling machine.
I would stay away from ANY used '03 6.0 PSD.
Excursions pros:
1. Loooooads of room inside;
2. smoother riding than a pickup;
3. quieter than a pickup.
Excursion cons:
1. Softer springs (for that smooth ride) compromises towing. You can fix this, but figure on new shocks, rear anti-sway bars, helper springs, anti-sway hitch;
2. Some complain that the softer springs makes the X wallow or porpoise while driving. Once again, fixable with stiffer springs/shocks;
3. Total load is only 1100-1300 lbs, so with all that room, they are easy to overload ---> back to springs/shocks.
If you want a towing machine first and foremost, get the pickup.
If you want a people hauler that can tow, the X is the hands down winner.
I use my trucks to tow, but long distances. 13-14 hours at a stretch and my trailer is not that heavy. The X is a bit of a compromise towing, but is a great traveling machine.
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Thanks so much for the reply. Your response is really helpful in helping me decide the Excursion is probably the way to go.
I am looking at the V-10. Lots of people are recommending the Diesel for gas savings and engine longevity, but the two I have leads on are V-10s. I have also heard the diesel can take a long time to warm up and is not practical as my running out to grab groceries kind of vehicle because of that. In truth, I am getting so many opionions on the diesel vs non-diesel that I just don't know what to think at this point.
Can I take the new leafs of springs I just put on the Explorer and put them on the Excursion? I am not sure yet, because the dealer has not told me what is happening money wise with regards to the Explorer, but I may be faced with removing the extra springs I put on. So if I can re-use them on the Excursion, that might be helpful. I do have weight distribution and sway bar already installed on my trailer, so no problem there.
When you say it is easy to overload, I am not sure what you mean. Does the Excursion have less ability than I am assuming - because this is the trap I got into with the Explorer. Rated for a certain amount but not really capable in the real world.
Lastly - does the pickup actually tow BETTER than the Excursion, or are they pretty equal aside from items you mentioned.
Thanks so much
I am looking at the V-10. Lots of people are recommending the Diesel for gas savings and engine longevity, but the two I have leads on are V-10s. I have also heard the diesel can take a long time to warm up and is not practical as my running out to grab groceries kind of vehicle because of that. In truth, I am getting so many opionions on the diesel vs non-diesel that I just don't know what to think at this point.
Can I take the new leafs of springs I just put on the Explorer and put them on the Excursion? I am not sure yet, because the dealer has not told me what is happening money wise with regards to the Explorer, but I may be faced with removing the extra springs I put on. So if I can re-use them on the Excursion, that might be helpful. I do have weight distribution and sway bar already installed on my trailer, so no problem there.
When you say it is easy to overload, I am not sure what you mean. Does the Excursion have less ability than I am assuming - because this is the trap I got into with the Explorer. Rated for a certain amount but not really capable in the real world.
Lastly - does the pickup actually tow BETTER than the Excursion, or are they pretty equal aside from items you mentioned.
Thanks so much
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 228
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From: Spring, TX
You didn't say how big your trailer is, but obviously, with the Excursion, you'd never be able to upgrade to a 5th wheel setup if needed.
As far as groceries, people, pets, etc., if you get a crew cab truck, you'll have plenty of space. If you need more covered space for cargo, you could get camper shell. This could then be removed if a fifth wheel was desired.
As far as groceries, people, pets, etc., if you get a crew cab truck, you'll have plenty of space. If you need more covered space for cargo, you could get camper shell. This could then be removed if a fifth wheel was desired.
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Freshman User
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Sorry, yes I should have described the trailer. It is an aluminum two horse slant bumper pull with dressing room. About 16 feet long, and 3300 lbs.
I ordered a bumper pull specifically because I thought I would be hauling with my Explorer. The trailer is brand new and made by Sooner.
With two horses and tack, my total weight will be around 5500 lbs.
I ordered a bumper pull specifically because I thought I would be hauling with my Explorer. The trailer is brand new and made by Sooner.
With two horses and tack, my total weight will be around 5500 lbs.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 228
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From: Spring, TX
Also, you say that you need the vehicle to last 10 years. I haven't read much on the lifespan of the V10's, but people say that 500,000 miles on the 7.3 diesels is very common.
Read the forum for the 6.0 diesels and you'll never consider buying one!
Read the forum for the 6.0 diesels and you'll never consider buying one!
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 574
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My comments
I have a V-10 in mine. Its relatively smooth and gets decent mileage for the size it is and what its pushing around. (15-17 highway) which is as good as our previous expedition used to get with the 4.6 V-8 in it.
Towing 5,500 pounds would be no issue at all for this vehicle.
The V-10s are very durable, and are known to be relatively trouble free. I looked at a diesel (a 7.3) and didnt like the excessive noise associated with it, although fuel economy is definitley improved over the V-10. But here Diesel is 1.49 a gallon right now, and unleaded is 1.37 so it kinda offsets a bit. Also consider where your Driving. For me, the clencher was I knew that I would be driving in alot of remote places where diesel isnt readily available. The diesel definitley has a towing advantage, but with only 5,500 pounds or so, your not Taxing the V-10 enough to really warrant it.
Ron
00 Excursion Limited V-10 4x4
Towing 5,500 pounds would be no issue at all for this vehicle.
The V-10s are very durable, and are known to be relatively trouble free. I looked at a diesel (a 7.3) and didnt like the excessive noise associated with it, although fuel economy is definitley improved over the V-10. But here Diesel is 1.49 a gallon right now, and unleaded is 1.37 so it kinda offsets a bit. Also consider where your Driving. For me, the clencher was I knew that I would be driving in alot of remote places where diesel isnt readily available. The diesel definitley has a towing advantage, but with only 5,500 pounds or so, your not Taxing the V-10 enough to really warrant it.
Ron
00 Excursion Limited V-10 4x4
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
Can I take the new leafs of springs I just put on the Explorer and put them on the Excursion? I am not sure yet, because the dealer has not told me what is happening money wise with regards to the Explorer, but I may be faced with removing the extra springs I put on. So if I can re-use them on the Excursion, that might be helpful.
When you say it is easy to overload, I am not sure what you mean. Does the Excursion have less ability than I am assuming - because this is the trap I got into with the Explorer. Rated for a certain amount but not really capable in the real world.
Don't even compare a V-6 Explorer to a V-10 X. They are entirely two different animals. I was concerned that your trailer weighed 8000-10,000 lbs.
Lastly - does the pickup actually tow BETTER than the Excursion, or are they pretty equal aside from items you mentioned.
By better, I meant sway. The pickup will be a little more stable than the X. But with a good WD hitch and anti-sway device on the X, is will be comparable to a bumper pull pickup.
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Brett Foote
Freshman User
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I pull a 36 foot travel trailer weighing roughly 8200lbs and carrying 5 people inside...I have a 2001 Limited V10 and I average close to 9mpg when pulling at highway speeds...a good hitch removes sway and it handles the crosswinds rather well...get the optional towing mirrors, they work wonders..i'm very pleased with the ride, power and stability of my x
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 197
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From: Limington, Maine
Bongogirl,
I think you will love the Excursion. I also pull a 5500 pound horse trailer (Circle J) with my 2000 Ex. It does a great job pulling the trailer and gives you lots of room for your tack and kids. I have the V10 and it has been an excellent performer. Obviously, you can not expect great mileage ( I get 12 without the trailer and 9-10 with) but you will never lack for power. My V10 has had nothing but normal maintenance in over 60k miles.
When my shocks wear out I will replace them with better shocks and the anti-sway bar, but you will not compromise the safety of your family members (the 4-legged ones) towing with the stock vehicle. I did replace my brakes at 50K with the ART brakes and it was well worth the $$.
Good luck with your decision. But I recommned you get the Excursion!
I think you will love the Excursion. I also pull a 5500 pound horse trailer (Circle J) with my 2000 Ex. It does a great job pulling the trailer and gives you lots of room for your tack and kids. I have the V10 and it has been an excellent performer. Obviously, you can not expect great mileage ( I get 12 without the trailer and 9-10 with) but you will never lack for power. My V10 has had nothing but normal maintenance in over 60k miles.
When my shocks wear out I will replace them with better shocks and the anti-sway bar, but you will not compromise the safety of your family members (the 4-legged ones) towing with the stock vehicle. I did replace my brakes at 50K with the ART brakes and it was well worth the $$.
Good luck with your decision. But I recommned you get the Excursion!
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
Likes: 4
Ok...
sounds like I'll be in the minority here, but my '03 6.0L 5 speed X has been GREAT ! Some initial growing pains with the new engine, but nothing that has broken down !!!
And if you DO read the post, you'll see that the post May '03 engines are running fine !
And I can safely say it is the BEST travelling vehicle I've EVER been in !
I have about 15K on it now and regularly get about 15 mpg around the DFW area and better on the road if I could ever drive reasonably
,
but alas, I used to work at a eng. consulting firm that designed some pf the interstates and KNOW MOST of the curvatures, etc designed in the late 60's and early 70'ss were designed for 80 mph or so...
So I set the cruise right above FAST
And with a 11K tow rating, should not give you any trouble towing what you have...
Good luck !
And cosnider that
with all the incentives,
and the lower interest rates,
and the $100,000 one time tax write off for > 6,000 lb vehicles used in business...
It may be worth thinking about a new '03 or '04 diesel !
sounds like I'll be in the minority here, but my '03 6.0L 5 speed X has been GREAT ! Some initial growing pains with the new engine, but nothing that has broken down !!!
And if you DO read the post, you'll see that the post May '03 engines are running fine !
And I can safely say it is the BEST travelling vehicle I've EVER been in !
I have about 15K on it now and regularly get about 15 mpg around the DFW area and better on the road if I could ever drive reasonably
, but alas, I used to work at a eng. consulting firm that designed some pf the interstates and KNOW MOST of the curvatures, etc designed in the late 60's and early 70'ss were designed for 80 mph or so...
So I set the cruise right above FAST
And with a 11K tow rating, should not give you any trouble towing what you have...
Good luck !
And cosnider that
with all the incentives,
and the lower interest rates,
and the $100,000 one time tax write off for > 6,000 lb vehicles used in business...
It may be worth thinking about a new '03 or '04 diesel !
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Originally posted by jschira
What engine?
I would stay away from ANY used '03 6.0 PSD.
............hum!
1. Softer springs (for that smooth ride) compromises towing. You can fix this, but figure on new shocks, rear anti-sway bars, helper springs, anti-sway hitch;
What engine?
I would stay away from ANY used '03 6.0 PSD.
............hum!
1. Softer springs (for that smooth ride) compromises towing. You can fix this, but figure on new shocks, rear anti-sway bars, helper springs, anti-sway hitch;
Talk a bit about the springs and sway-bar thing
are you suggesting all new or after-market helper stuff
I am interested in towing……………..helping
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
4x4's come from the factory with a rear sway bar. It is smaller than the aftermarket Hellwig unit and I am told (by those who have switched) not as good as Hellwig.
The factory shocks are pretty cheap. You should switch them out. You do not need to go expensive. Monroe Magnum or Monroe Reflex have gotten good reviews and are less than $50/ea. Maybe $40.
The rear springs are fairly soft for such a heavy vehicle. If you are going to be towing over 5000 lbs, you will probably get some rear end squat. You can fix this with airbags or Timbrens. I went with Timbrens. $160 and about a 15 minute install. If you are going to be pushing the 11,000 lbs max., you probably need airbags.
I good WD hitch with sway control is also highly recommended, but this is true for any trailer over 5000 lbs.
The factory shocks are pretty cheap. You should switch them out. You do not need to go expensive. Monroe Magnum or Monroe Reflex have gotten good reviews and are less than $50/ea. Maybe $40.
The rear springs are fairly soft for such a heavy vehicle. If you are going to be towing over 5000 lbs, you will probably get some rear end squat. You can fix this with airbags or Timbrens. I went with Timbrens. $160 and about a 15 minute install. If you are going to be pushing the 11,000 lbs max., you probably need airbags.
I good WD hitch with sway control is also highly recommended, but this is true for any trailer over 5000 lbs.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Originally posted by jschira
The factory shocks are pretty cheap. You should switch them out. You do not need to go expensive. Monroe Magnum or Monroe Reflex have gotten good reviews and are less than $50/ea
The rear springs are fairly soft for such a heavy vehicle. If you are going to be towing over 5000 lbs, you will probably get some rear end squat. You can fix this with airbags or Timbrens. I went with Timbrens. $160 and about a 15 minute install. If you are going to be pushing the 11,000 lbs max., you probably need airbags.
I good WD hitch with sway control is also highly recommended, but this is true for any trailer over 5000 lbs.
The factory shocks are pretty cheap. You should switch them out. You do not need to go expensive. Monroe Magnum or Monroe Reflex have gotten good reviews and are less than $50/ea
The rear springs are fairly soft for such a heavy vehicle. If you are going to be towing over 5000 lbs, you will probably get some rear end squat. You can fix this with airbags or Timbrens. I went with Timbrens. $160 and about a 15 minute install. If you are going to be pushing the 11,000 lbs max., you probably need airbags.
I good WD hitch with sway control is also highly recommended, but this is true for any trailer over 5000 lbs.
Can Timbrens work with bags, and do bags only help with load lifting?