Tail wagging the dog
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
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Yeah, the Ex's softer springs, and in some cases lack of a rear antisway bar, makes it not quite as good for towing as an F250. But, you can upgrade the Ex fairly easily to be just as good. As some people said, its nothing a good set of Rancho Shocks, Timbrens overload springs, and Hellwig antisway bar can't fix.
Even with the Ex's shortcomings, its still a much better towing machine, than its only (SUV) competition, the 3/4 ton Suburban. I'll take my Ex over a 3/4 ton 'Burb anyday.
Will
Even with the Ex's shortcomings, its still a much better towing machine, than its only (SUV) competition, the 3/4 ton Suburban. I'll take my Ex over a 3/4 ton 'Burb anyday.
Will
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: 3rd Rock
I tend do have a different view on the X’s “no” good springs issue. I did not want a rough riding vehicle when "no pulling". My X with stiff shocks and bar, Firestone bags allows me to have a stiffer set up than a 250…….for pulling. Drop the trailer let the air out of the bags and I am back to a great riding truck. My opinion better than a 250……..I have both worlds. Yes I did need to make some changes……..well worth it to have both worlds.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Mansfield, TX USA
Originally Posted by Tim Lamkin
I tend do have a different view on the X’s “no” good springs issue. I did not want a rough riding vehicle when "no pulling". My X with stiff shocks and bar, Firestone bags allows me to have a stiffer set up than a 250…….for pulling. Drop the trailer let the air out of the bags and I am back to a great riding truck. My opinion better than a 250……..I have both worlds. Yes I did need to make some changes……..well worth it to have both worlds.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: 3rd Rock
I knew that, the reason I made the statement is the X’s constant comparison to the SD250 and how it misses the overall towing enjoyment of the 250.
I only choose this thread because, IMO the X has no equal,. Suburban, or 250 of …
I only choose this thread because, IMO the X has no equal,. Suburban, or 250 of …
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
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From: Mansfield, TX USA
I agree. You can't compare the travel experience of an F250 to an X.
My X is so much smoother and quieter than my '99 SD PSD. Very much appreciated on those 13 hours days out on the road.
Might even let wifey drive.
Nah. She loves to follow slow trucks up hills.
She thinks it is rude to pull out in the fast lane when pulling a trailer. Never mind that she is going 70 mph. Better we drive 45 mph for a while than be "rude" to someone.
We make lousy time when she drives.
My X is so much smoother and quieter than my '99 SD PSD. Very much appreciated on those 13 hours days out on the road.
Might even let wifey drive.
Nah. She loves to follow slow trucks up hills.
She thinks it is rude to pull out in the fast lane when pulling a trailer. Never mind that she is going 70 mph. Better we drive 45 mph for a while than be "rude" to someone.
We make lousy time when she drives.
Last edited by jschira; May 11, 2004 at 07:18 AM.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: 3rd Rock
She probably does not like the passing on the left when you see that the guy in front of you........that has been trying to block you........and just happens to have the drives side window down................hehe……….never have done that, just heard about it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
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RIGHT !!!!
"A friend of mine knew a guy that did this once ....."
I love the left lane loonies that FINALLY get over..
i just accelerate slowly up to their window, then FLOOR it to let them get the sweet smell of power
I have almost settled on the lower Rancho 9000 settings. Even though it seems a LITLLE soft on 1, I DO like the fact that I can now bounce my tire pressure up 10 pounds and lower the shock stiffness to get a better ride AND better fuelage !
"A friend of mine knew a guy that did this once ....."
I love the left lane loonies that FINALLY get over..
i just accelerate slowly up to their window, then FLOOR it to let them get the sweet smell of power
I have almost settled on the lower Rancho 9000 settings. Even though it seems a LITLLE soft on 1, I DO like the fact that I can now bounce my tire pressure up 10 pounds and lower the shock stiffness to get a better ride AND better fuelage !
Last edited by jdadamsjr; May 11, 2004 at 08:44 AM.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
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My last 3/4 ton 'burb was a 99 4x4 with a 454, 44 gallon tank. It towed this same trailer with the same loads FAR better than my Ex does. They had a two stage leaf spring design in the back and IFS up front that gave a very nice ride when unloaded. I'd take that stock package any day over what's under my Ex. But the General isn't putting the dmax in the 'burb yet so I'm stuck with just one choice if I want a full sized suv and a diesel.
I've not owned or towed with a newer style 3/4 ton 'burb so I can't speak to their ability. I know my 01 HD2500 rode worse unloaded than either my 'burb or the Ex does, though. It sure towed well, though.
I've not owned or towed with a newer style 3/4 ton 'burb so I can't speak to their ability. I know my 01 HD2500 rode worse unloaded than either my 'burb or the Ex does, though. It sure towed well, though.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Mansfield, TX USA
Originally Posted by jeb
I've not owned or towed with a newer style 3/4 ton 'burb so I can't speak to their ability.
Tiny gas tank now too.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,904
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From: Wayland, MI
I hate to be the one to say this but something is not right with the hitch set up. I have an 02 X, I work at an RV dealership, and I usually tow a 30' toyhauler that weighs 7500# empty. When I put my Harley's in the trailer and fill it with water (80 gallons), along with the rest of the stuff for the weekend I would estimate to be towing almost 10,000 #. I can set the cruise at 70 and drive with one hand. I have the trailer set correctly to the truck and have no problems towing. In case you are wondering I get about 10 MPG loaded this way. My tires are properly inflated, and I do not have the helwig bar (yet), I do have powerslot rotors, and hawk brake pads.
Double check all of measurements, and keep in mind that your truck should drop approximately an inch or so when using any equalizer set up. If you have everything level you run the risk of taking to much weight off of the rear end, which will cause the "tail wagging the dog feeling"
Happy towing
, Toyman
Double check all of measurements, and keep in mind that your truck should drop approximately an inch or so when using any equalizer set up. If you have everything level you run the risk of taking to much weight off of the rear end, which will cause the "tail wagging the dog feeling"
Happy towing
, Toyman
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2002
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Originally Posted by Tim Lamkin
IMO stock shocks start to go away at 12/18k……….just my opinion and experience.
Get rid of them and go to “E” tires, if you do not already have them.
Get rid of them and go to “E” tires, if you do not already have them.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,904
Likes: 76
From: Wayland, MI
I would check your tongue weight, if you have a 4000# trailer you should have a tongue weight around 12-15% of that weight. If the weight is more than that it will cause the front of the tow vehicle to be to light. If it is less than that it can cause the trailer to sway badly. You may not have needed an equalizer set up in the past, but it is a much safer way to tow. Most of the hitches are designed to handle 1000# of tongue weight, if your trailer is more than that you need an equalizer hitch. Search the web for equalizer brand they have a 4 point anti sway control equalizing hitch. That is what I use when I tow. I also have a Haulmark enclosed snowmobile trailer, v nose and 22' long, it weighs 2500 empty. There is just enough tongue weight where I can feel it but it pulls it great.
Toyman
Toyman
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I know there are lot of ways to address the issue. WD hitches are certainly one of them. But the point is that I should not have to do that with a 3/4 ton truck and this trailer. My 3/4 ton GM's towed this trailer perfectly without any modifications to the suspension or additional hitch parts. I was expecting the same from a 3/4 ton ford and it did not deliver.
Again, yes, I know I could throw money at it to fix it with WD hitches, air bags, Timbrens, air shocks, bigger anti-sway bars, etc, etc. But I should not have to fix it at all for this trailer.
Again, yes, I know I could throw money at it to fix it with WD hitches, air bags, Timbrens, air shocks, bigger anti-sway bars, etc, etc. But I should not have to fix it at all for this trailer.
