Question for Excursion / PSD owners…
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New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Monterey, CA
Question for Excursion / PSD owners…
I have a 05 PSD Excursion and am towing a Nash 32D Travel Trailer with a “wet” weight around 9,000 lbs. I am using the Equalizer hitch and sway control bars and Prodigy brake controller.
I am experiencing still some minor movement and am thinking of installing some airbags to my Excursion. Does anyone have any success stories out there or any products out there that they like?
I have been looking at “Ride-Rite” and “Firestone” brand airbags.
Finally I have been trying to figure out this aftermarket “chip” thing. Do they really do all they claim or is it snake oil? I figure I have all the power I need; I would like to boast mileage a little.
I have my second “long” trip planned over Easter and want to have the modifications done by then, because I want to take my first 2,000+ miler by July and I want that to be a breeze.
Thanks for the help
I am experiencing still some minor movement and am thinking of installing some airbags to my Excursion. Does anyone have any success stories out there or any products out there that they like?
I have been looking at “Ride-Rite” and “Firestone” brand airbags.
Finally I have been trying to figure out this aftermarket “chip” thing. Do they really do all they claim or is it snake oil? I figure I have all the power I need; I would like to boast mileage a little.
I have my second “long” trip planned over Easter and want to have the modifications done by then, because I want to take my first 2,000+ miler by July and I want that to be a breeze.
Thanks for the help
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20
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From: Monterey, CA
Originally Posted by RubenG
Does the rear end of your excursion sag when you have the trailer hooked up?
Also do you have any passengers while towing?
Also do you have any passengers while towing?
Yes, I have passengers in the Excursion while I tow, my wife and two daughters (2 and 4 years old)
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20
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From: Monterey, CA
Originally Posted by jroehl
You say you have a little movement while towing. One question: how fast are you trying to tow?
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 851
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From: N. Georgia
You will always have push and suck when a tractor-trailer passes you. With practice you will learn to adjust for it (yes it is very scary in tight places). The next time you buy tires look into some with stiffer sidewalls and maybe a higher load rating. It will make the ride harsher on a daily basis with no load but it should make towing sway less.
I don't have air bags but I think they will only adjust the ride (up and down height and smooth out the bouncing) and not help sway. But this is just my .02
Joe
I don't have air bags but I think they will only adjust the ride (up and down height and smooth out the bouncing) and not help sway. But this is just my .02
Joe
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,473
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From: Lafayette, IN
Originally Posted by GreenSalsa
Generally at higher speeds, movement occurs at / around 40 mph. I never tow higher than 60-65. The movement I am trying to describe is when trucks pass me, the trailer shifts from right to left and then back again. All of the shifting stays within my lane BUT I have been in areas of the highway with the concrete barriers on the sides of the lanes and I don't want to be "touching" those. I understand that there WILL be some shifting as vehicles of that mass pass me...all I want to do is take all the steps I can to MINIMIZE what I can.
Jason
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Southern California
GreenSalsa, thanks for joining us in the Towing forum and welcome to FTE! 
It's not mandatory, but I am asking the new folks whom I greet to voluntarily append their profile information to include their "Location." A lot of times this helps others to help you by knowing a little about your topography and weather. You don't need to give enough detail for the Homeland Security black helicopters or the IRS to find you. Just your state will do. Thanks!
About the sway you are experiencing... I don't think airbags will help that. 2-3 inches squat in the rear end is well within normal. I would first try different settings on the equalizer bars before I bought any new equipment. Use the links of chain as the calibration for your adjustments. I would first try putting more weight on the front axle using the equalizer bars.
It's not mandatory, but I am asking the new folks whom I greet to voluntarily append their profile information to include their "Location." A lot of times this helps others to help you by knowing a little about your topography and weather. You don't need to give enough detail for the Homeland Security black helicopters or the IRS to find you. Just your state will do. Thanks!
About the sway you are experiencing... I don't think airbags will help that. 2-3 inches squat in the rear end is well within normal. I would first try different settings on the equalizer bars before I bought any new equipment. Use the links of chain as the calibration for your adjustments. I would first try putting more weight on the front axle using the equalizer bars.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 439
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From: North Of Pittsburgh
Air bags have worked great on all the trucks I have them on. We have them on both F-650 and my F-350 All are self leveling. I have never had a problem. I have the firestone ride rite on my F-350. This kit will also fit your Ex. Hope this helps
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 2
From: Monroe Michigan
I tow a 11,000lbs toy box, and use the AIR-LIFTS air bags, wouldn't tow with out them. Once you get your rig all loaded, just fill the air bags to get the ride height and so your head lights don't point to the sky. You should also buy your self some gauges ( TRANS, BOOST, EGTS ) very important for PSD. Your trans temp can climb pretty fast, along with egt. Once you get your gauges, you will know if you need a 2nd transmission cooler, most guy do. If you need anymore ideals on how to spending your money on your PSD, I have a long wish list i can send you. L.O.L Good Luck.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 382
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From: Big Red country
As horsepuller said, you should try adjusting your bars a little stiffer. I always get my truck to within about 1 inch or less of where I started with out a load. I haven't measured it in quite a while but that sounds about right anyway. The trailer is always going to sway a little bit. As long as your tongue weight is correct, you should be ok. What you don't want is the trailer sway to start your power unit swaying. That will really throw you off as you try to correct it. Good Luck. You'll be fine.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,595
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From: Utah County, UT
I have air bags as well, will make a difference in ride height, but you will still be lighter on the front end. You need to adjust your equalizer to put more force on the front axle. I chip will make huge improvement over stock, check out the PSD forums for more on that side, probably wont do anything for your MPGs. As maevans stated, you get into the power side of things and you'll want gauges. Can tell you right now, you'll want another tranny cooler as well.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20
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From: Monterey, CA
Thanks for the input guys...I am making a couple of small adjustments to my hitch and sway control system and increasing the tire pressure to 80 PSI in the rear...I have a camping trip this Easter and will make the final call before I make the "big trip" (1,000+ miles) in July.
Thanks again
GreenSalsa
BTW, someone asked for my location--Ft Bragg, NC
Thanks again
GreenSalsa
BTW, someone asked for my location--Ft Bragg, NC