This summer I'm heading out of state with the family for vacation. I will be towing my 27ft trailer. My excursion is a 2004 EB 4X4 PSD. What do you guys recommend as far as sway bars and optional equipment to make the journey safe and fun. Also do I use the Tow/Haul mode the whole time driving or just sometimes?

where can I purchase these parts for my Ex?
Thanks,
Ruben G

 

The family, in another car . . . .

. . .

. . .

headed in the other direction.

 

If You have the trailer/tow package you need not to worry about sway bars, And I personally would use the tow/haul works great, also If you can try and talk your dealer service guy or the diesel mechanic out of an extra intercooler charge hose, these are known to come off... I had one and I wasnt even pulling a trailer but loaded with family and gear......

 

I think he means the swaybars that go between the trailer and the truck.....get a good brake controller too.

 

Well I'm going with a brakesmart controller http://www.brakesmart.net/controller.htm as soon as they start other than that a prodogy is a good controller http://www.tekonsha.com/prodig.html , as for sway control go with the reese dual cam http://www.reeseprod.com/... I hope that steers you in the right direction

 

I just got back from the Black Hills, SD to Minneapolis towing my 35 foot travel trailer with my 2004 Ltd PS. Had 30 MPH sustained, 45 MPH gusting crosswinds for 2 days out and 2 days back. I'm using a prodigy controller (Great unit) and a Rease hitch with the cam sway control. On the way out I was running 50 PSI in the tires and a "reasonable" amount of lift on the hitch. I was barely able to keep it on the road. I slowed down to 50 MPH to keep control of the rig. On the way back I inflated the tires to 80 PSI (the max) and lifted the hitch as much as humanly possible. Better ride but still pretty hairy. The trailer was firmly attached to the Ex. However the stock Ex suspension seemed to sloppy. I didn't notice any sway with the trailer, just the whole rig jumping around. I'm thinking that a firmer suspension (ie: air shocks or something similiar) might help.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you need more info.

PS. I averaged 9 MPG pulling 10,000 pounds and a fully loaded Ex in Tow/Haul mode. I was impressed with the performance. I was still gaining speed pulling the trailer up the steepest grades at Mt Rushmore.

 

helwig in the rear--will help alleviate some fear!!

 

IMO, 35' long trailer is too long for the Ex's short wheel base. Tail wagging the dog... If you want to keep this set-up, I would suggust getting a Hensley Arrow hitch. Cost is pretty steep, but from what I understand it works great.

 

I pull a 35' travel trailer with(10k lb) my 03 PSD 2wd with air bags and dual cam sway control and have no wag or bounce. Brake controler is a must as well .

 

like he said sway bar plus rear ride-rite airbags and bilstiens all the way around will make it a lot different

 

Thank you all,


I'll get on it, purchasing these parts.

thanks,

Ruben G

 

I guess I have a lot of experience towing with both Suburbans and our Excursion. Far and away, the Excursion is best from a powerplant and drive-train standpoint. Unfortunately, the X has issues when it comes to suspension--in the rear especially.

We have towed our 32' trailer (9200 lb) through some very adverse wind conditions. We have been trailering with this rig since 2001. It is quite controllable. To get to this point, however, I have added the following to the "X" and travel trailer (in order of importance):

1) LANDYOT's radius rods. Stops axle wrap on 4x4. Works great even when not towing to improve directional stability on the highway.
2) Hellwig anti-sway bar. Our '03 had nothing for anti-sway.
3) Hensley Arrow on TT. We already had this when we towed with a Suburban, so the "X" is not the only tow vehicle that needs help. For a 27' TT, you probably would be OK with a dual-cam setup (much less expensive). I would not recommend a conventional WD hitch with friction anti-sway only. I had this on 'burb before buing Hensley.
4) Ride-rite air bags on rear suspension. This helps the ride and keeps the truck level. A side benefit is a better ride all the time due to increased suspension travel without hitting bump stops.

Big investment--yes. Worth it to me--yes. Do you have time to do all of this? Probably not, so think priorities.

 

Oops. Forgot to answer your question about tow/haul mode. Definitely use it 100% of time towing. Helps with deceleration when driving in hills, especially. No penalties. Great tranny.

 

Forest,


How do you like the Hensley Arrow Hitch? I am looking at getting one for my 33' TT and the only downside I have seen so far is the price! What are the pros and cons, if any, from your perspective? I tow with a 2004 Limited 4x4 PSD. Bone Stock. I am new to TT towing and have been on a few trips. The last trip I was so ticked off and white nuckled that I was about to sell my three week old trailer just because of my ride home. This was of course when towing with 35-40 MPH sustained winds and having empty semis passing me at over 80 MPH. Not a fun experience. Hence I am looking at the Hensley as an alternative. Anyone else that has experience with the Hensley Hitch I would appreciate your input.

 

Forest- Do you have the Gen-I radius rods? LandYot's application chart sez that airbags will not fit with the Gen-II rr's... I just installed Gen-II's on my 05' 4X4 so i'm wondering. I onlt tow a lightweight aluminum boat and lightweight aluminum plane at the moment, and am EXTREMELY pleased, but someday it may be time for airbags etc. if I "go big"

BB846B- *LandYot's radius rods* Or airbags. Or BOTH if you really are working it...I put the RR's on and oh what a difference in handling, at all times...

_____________________
Quietman

www.roenation.com

2005 EXCURSION Eddie Bauer 4X4 PSD

4" FabTech lift/level, Bilstein mono-gas shocks, Rancho Steering Stabilizer
Silverstars, BFG 295/75/16 AT KO's on Factory Mags
LANDYOT Generation II Radius Rods, Ford factory hood insulator