Excursion Towing Capacity
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Junior User
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Excursion Towing Capacity
i've got a 2003 7.3l Diesel Excursion...and want to tow a trailer that's slightly above the "published" capacity of 10,000lbs (Gas Version is 11,500???)
I'm thinking of the following upgrades:
Powerslot Rotors & Heavier Duty Break Pads
Bilstein Shocks (Although Someone suggested Rancho 9000 adjustables?)
Hllwig Antisway Bars
Banks System Exhaust Brake, with Trans Controller & Enlarge Exhaust
Banks Power Pack System
NOT SURE OF:
Timbren's vs. "Firestone" or "Air Lift" Adjustable Lift Systems
If anybody has experiance with the type of modifications I'm contemplating, has suggestions or towed "overlimit;" I'd appreciate them...Trying to keep as soft a ride as best I can...NOT looking for off road handling or to pull a tank...just to be as safe as possible
Thanks!
I'm thinking of the following upgrades:
Powerslot Rotors & Heavier Duty Break Pads
Bilstein Shocks (Although Someone suggested Rancho 9000 adjustables?)
Hllwig Antisway Bars
Banks System Exhaust Brake, with Trans Controller & Enlarge Exhaust
Banks Power Pack System
NOT SURE OF:
Timbren's vs. "Firestone" or "Air Lift" Adjustable Lift Systems
If anybody has experiance with the type of modifications I'm contemplating, has suggestions or towed "overlimit;" I'd appreciate them...Trying to keep as soft a ride as best I can...NOT looking for off road handling or to pull a tank...just to be as safe as possible
Thanks!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
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From: Mansfield, TX USA
Originally Posted by photomac
i've got a 2003 7.3l Diesel Excursion...and want to tow a trailer that's slightly above the "published" capacity of 10,000lbs (Gas Version is 11,500???)
GCWR of the diesel X is 20,000 lbs.
Max. loaded trailer weight (GCWR - GVWR) = 11,000 lbs.
You will need good shocks all around and some sort of helper springs in the back (Timbren, Firestone, etc.) to tow near the max trailer weight. The Hellwig rear bar is a good idea even if you don't tow.
I have a Banks Transcommand. I don't know if it does any good or not.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
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From: Mansfield, TX USA
Here it is, right from Ford's website:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...s_Windstar.pdf
Sorry. Looks like the link doesn't work.
GCWR for the X has always been 20,000 lbs. TT capacity for the diesel is 11,000 lbs. in 2003. In 2002, it was 10,500 for the 4x2. You must have read the 2002 brochure.
https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...s_Windstar.pdf
Sorry. Looks like the link doesn't work.
GCWR for the X has always been 20,000 lbs. TT capacity for the diesel is 11,000 lbs. in 2003. In 2002, it was 10,500 for the 4x2. You must have read the 2002 brochure.
Last edited by jschira; Feb 7, 2006 at 03:58 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,198
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From: Tulsa, OK
I tow a 9,000 lb travel trailer while carrying 7 people and their gear.
For the 6.0L, I feel there is room to grow on total towing capacity. 11,500 lb, however, would really start to push it.
For you, the number one issue may be the transmission. I don't have experience with 4 speed, but you may want to look into boosting durability and cooling before you go down this path.
After tranny, I would put priority into stability. Priority:
1) Hellwig rear sway bar.
2) LANDYOT radius rods.
3) Rancho 9000 or Bilstein shocks (my opinion).
4) Ride-rite air bags.
5) Double-check--do you have load range "E" tires? If not, you must have them, and inflate to 80 psig when towing.
Be honest. Have you weighed this trailer fully loaded? Or is this an optimistic weight based upon the unloaded trailer weight and optimistic guess of how little you will take with you?
Good luck. There is not a better SUV to tow with, once properly set up.
For the 6.0L, I feel there is room to grow on total towing capacity. 11,500 lb, however, would really start to push it.
For you, the number one issue may be the transmission. I don't have experience with 4 speed, but you may want to look into boosting durability and cooling before you go down this path.
After tranny, I would put priority into stability. Priority:
1) Hellwig rear sway bar.
2) LANDYOT radius rods.
3) Rancho 9000 or Bilstein shocks (my opinion).
4) Ride-rite air bags.
5) Double-check--do you have load range "E" tires? If not, you must have them, and inflate to 80 psig when towing.
Be honest. Have you weighed this trailer fully loaded? Or is this an optimistic weight based upon the unloaded trailer weight and optimistic guess of how little you will take with you?
Good luck. There is not a better SUV to tow with, once properly set up.
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Thanks "jschira"
You must be correct on the weight, because I did start shopping in 2002...I'll check the door tags as well...
"Forest"
I've hauled an occassional 10,000 lb-er down to Florida with it when I did some PT free lance hauling...and it handled it fine...and do have the upgraded E rated tires. Although, I loaded them to 60 #'s in the front and 66#'s in the rear. I'll take your suggestion though.
The weights are based on the brochure :
Dry Gross Weight - 7500#.
GVWR - 11,500#
Since I plan on using this as an extended stay unit in differant areas of the country...I never plan to fill the water tanks, and can empty grey and blackwater.
With the proper upgrades, I think I should be fine
YOU ARE CORRECT. It's the best SUV for towing.
You must be correct on the weight, because I did start shopping in 2002...I'll check the door tags as well...
"Forest"
I've hauled an occassional 10,000 lb-er down to Florida with it when I did some PT free lance hauling...and it handled it fine...and do have the upgraded E rated tires. Although, I loaded them to 60 #'s in the front and 66#'s in the rear. I'll take your suggestion though.
The weights are based on the brochure :
Dry Gross Weight - 7500#.
GVWR - 11,500#
Since I plan on using this as an extended stay unit in differant areas of the country...I never plan to fill the water tanks, and can empty grey and blackwater.
With the proper upgrades, I think I should be fine
YOU ARE CORRECT. It's the best SUV for towing.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa, OK
Photomac,
You are doing your homework and that is a very good start. Keep in mind that most RV's being towed are at or over GVWR. It is easy to do once you get all that space back there.
I watch mine pretty closely because the safety of my family is on my shoulders.
You may also want to visit with folks on trailerlife.com. Many folks there with towing experience and with the Excursion.
You are doing your homework and that is a very good start. Keep in mind that most RV's being towed are at or over GVWR. It is easy to do once you get all that space back there.
I watch mine pretty closely because the safety of my family is on my shoulders.
You may also want to visit with folks on trailerlife.com. Many folks there with towing experience and with the Excursion.
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Thanks Forest!
FYI...I operate on the 3 year rule normally..."if I ain't touched in 3 - it's history!"
As to trailer...I go "light!" Less junk to move around...
FYI...I operate on the 3 year rule normally..."if I ain't touched in 3 - it's history!"
As to trailer...I go "light!" Less junk to move around...
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: So. Cal.
Add to the list "a new receiver". I have heard the stock ones don't have much of a fudge factor and mine was only rated for 5k lbs dead weight / 10k lbs weight distribution (and that is on a PSD 4X4).
On the left coast Eckhart is a big custom hitch place and I had a 15k hitch installed due to my large drop hitch. Even the Reese Titan is rated at 8/14k lbs bolt on that is much better then stock.
sm
On the left coast Eckhart is a big custom hitch place and I had a 15k hitch installed due to my large drop hitch. Even the Reese Titan is rated at 8/14k lbs bolt on that is much better then stock.
sm
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,198
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From: Tulsa, OK
Originally Posted by malmz
Add to the list "a new receiver". I have heard the stock ones don't have much of a fudge factor and mine was only rated for 5k lbs dead weight / 10k lbs weight distribution (and that is on a PSD 4X4).
On the left coast Eckhart is a big custom hitch place and I had a 15k hitch installed due to my large drop hitch. Even the Reese Titan is rated at 8/14k lbs bolt on that is much better then stock.
sm
On the left coast Eckhart is a big custom hitch place and I had a 15k hitch installed due to my large drop hitch. Even the Reese Titan is rated at 8/14k lbs bolt on that is much better then stock.
sm
I did not know a receiver was available in the aftermarket for Excursion. My stock one is "wallowed" out a bit around the receiver pin. What is cost? Isn't it also serving duty to hold in fuel tank?
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 57
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From: So. Cal.
Originally Posted by Forest
Malmz,
I did not know a receiver was available in the aftermarket for Excursion. My stock one is "wallowed" out a bit around the receiver pin. What is cost? Isn't it also serving duty to hold in fuel tank?
I did not know a receiver was available in the aftermarket for Excursion. My stock one is "wallowed" out a bit around the receiver pin. What is cost? Isn't it also serving duty to hold in fuel tank?
The hitch does not hold in your gas tank at all. When they installed my hitch, they dropped it in about 5 minutes and it went into the scrap heap.
Eckhart isn't the cheapest around, but thier stuff works, and it isn't worth loosing a trailer somewhere between here and there. Mine ended up in the $800 range (if I remember correctly) but that included a 18 inch or so 10k drop hitch and 12k lb ball.
The original bill hurt, but I have absolutely no concerns about what is going on out back when I'm towing...
sm
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 57
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From: So. Cal.
I found a thread that says Putnam has a high capacity receiver for the X, but I don't see it on their website. You may try calling them. I don't know anything about them except they popped up in a Yahoo search.
http://www.putnamhitch.com/
sm
http://www.putnamhitch.com/
sm
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