Excursion towing Question

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Feb 3, 2004 | 11:08 PM

snort

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Excursion towing Question

I have a 2000 7.3 excursion. I will be pulling a 7000lb trailer about 2500 miles in total.

Is this a no-no?

If it's OK, when should I turn off the overdrive?

What RPM should I consider the limit for normal operations with the overdrive off?

any info would be greatly appreciated as I am new to towing a trailer like this.

Feb 3, 2004 | 11:35 PM

Mil1ion

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Is there not a trailer towing section in you owners's manual?

The shifting is something you will have * to feel * to get the best idea of when it needs it.

Check the manual or the 7.3 engine forum for the peak torque/Hp to speed specs.

Feb 4, 2004 | 12:19 PM

snort

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Yes the manual is there. I was looking for some real world advice. THere are no power charts that I can find and since I've never had a diesel, I don't have a benchmark to measure against.

Feb 9, 2004 | 05:05 PM

tkd

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Should be ok with some common sense

7k on the back end of any truck is a heavy load. I believe the Excursion will handle it, but you will definitely want to look into brakes and probably sway bars. Bottom line is use common sense, please, since I may be on the same road as you.

Feb 9, 2004 | 05:29 PM

EPNCSU2006

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From: Concord, NC

I don't think you'll have any problem with 7k behind an excursion. They are pretty much the same as F250's.

Feb 10, 2004 | 12:00 AM

WigWag

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From: Fairbanks, AK

I have a 31 foot Travel Trailer that weighs 7000 pounds. Towed it 3700 miles to Alaska with no problems. Granted, I have a 6.0L, but I think the more important thing is having a good weight distributing hitch that is set up properly. That is, make sure the whole set up fron the front of the truck to the rear of the trailer is level. Should have no issues.

Check your truck out (fluid levels, tires, and hitch) and all the connections at every stop to make sure everything runs smooth and stays in place. When I tow, I usually hook up and tow 5-10 miles then stop and check. Then I check every stop.

Hope this helps. Happy trailering.

WigWag

Feb 14, 2004 | 08:41 AM

RBC

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I have the same rig with 210,000km and you will not have any issues with the correct hook-ups. If you can run at 1,950-2,100 rpm on OD without excessive downshifting you are in the best spot and fuel economy is great. This rig tows up to 12-14,000lbs regular. One of the trailers is a tag-along on a pintle hitch with no problems.

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Feb 17, 2004 | 07:26 PM

snort

Thread Starter

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Thanks for the Advice

I put on the severe duty air filter. Added airbags to assist the springs and have a load distributing hitch just to be cautious.

One last question for anybody--should I leave the OD off all the time with this trailer?

Thanks

Feb 18, 2004 | 01:19 AM

#10

blackhat620

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From: Arizona

Quote:

Originally posted by snort
One last question for anybody--should I leave the OD off all the time with this trailer?

IMO i would use the OD when terrain allows. I tow all over the county and use the OD anytime i can. Here is the way i was taught when to turn the OD off: When the transmission starts hunting between OD and third repeatedly, then shift out of OD. This usually happens when you are climbing a grade, etc. When the road flattens back out shift back into OD. This is the exact same thing you would do if you had a manual transmission instead of an auto. Basically you don't want the transmission to repeatedly hunt back an forth between gears as this builds heat, which can shorten the life of the transmission. Use the OD when you can for better mpg and lower engine rpm.

If you don't have one yet i would also recommend installing a transmission temperature gauge. Basically want to keep transmission temperature at or below 175F. For every 20 degree rise in trans temperature, life expectancy decreases by 50%. Above 200F and things start to get ugly pretty fast.

Hope this helps.

Feb 18, 2004 | 07:36 PM

#11

snort

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Thanks for that response--exactly the kind of iadvice I was looking for. Thank to everybody for the input.

Feb 23, 2004 | 09:42 PM

#12

bora

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My 04 excursion came with E load rated tires. On my 2500HD, I would use 55/80 psi for towing tire pressures.
What are you all using for the Excursion.
The door jamb sticker says 50/55 but I think that may be too low.

Feb 29, 2004 | 05:21 AM

#13

RBC

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Always use the air requirements stamped on the side of the tire as it will reflect the minimum - max air required.
The door sticker reflects the requirement for the standard tire that the vehicle mfg. installs. This confuses people especially if the vehicle has a tire upgrade.