The kids are big enough now that my extended cab is getting cramped. I love my SD but need more room. It's a 4x4 shortbed with a campershell so I'm limited on the size of stuff I can haul. For big stuff I hook up the trailer. I definately want a PS, particularly the 00-02 models. Anything else I should consider before making a decision?

 

If you already have a campershell then go for the X. I have both and the comfort level for the rear passengers is much better in the X. You might want to upgrade the springs for heavy pulling, but you will love a psd X!!

 

Personally, I have never been without a truck, so I may be a little biased. I wish I could talk my wife into an excursion for her, but I have to have a truck to haul all of the not so clean stuff around. I had (and loved) an extended cab SD and reluctantly went to a crew cab just to get rid of the door rattle. Turned out to be a much better move than I ever thought it would be. The crew cab has so much more room and is so much more convienent. I haul around some big (250 pound) guys in the back seats and they have plenty of room.

 

We have both 2000 F250 PSD and a 2000 eXcursion PSD. My husband likes the X better for family and trips.. He drives the truck, I drive the X I think the X handles better and has less noise for sure! I have a son and daughter so I like being able to put one in the way back and the other in the back set. They have their own music, space and we pack everything in the cargo area so if we need something it's a reach away!

JMO

Beth

 

I forgot to say it's a f250 crew cab
BB

 

I drive my F350 crew cab when working or pulling the 5th wheel and my wife drives the X as the grocery getter. After we had the twins, even the superduty crew cab wasn't big enough 'cause our 4 year old is still in his booster seat (3 car seats in the back was way too cramped). We got the X 3 months ago and haven't regretted it one bit, there's more than enough room for us, the 3 kids (in car seats), our Great Pyrenees dog and any groceries etc. we may have.

 

Also, as Beth said, the ride of the X is much smoother and quieter in comparison than the F350. I'm ok with my truck handling like a truck, but my wife is much happier driving the X.

 

You've got some great advice so far...I'll chime in as an Excursion owner (although I've got a 4.30 V10 so don't hold that against me! LOL)

What I LOVE about the Ex is that we tow a large travel trailer which goes 35' hitch to bumper and weighs 9000#'s. I've ONLY got two young daughters (8 and 10) BUT having that third row seat is HUGE in reducing cockpit chatter!

We travel LONG days (12-14 hours) towing to our vacations. So we spend LOTS of 'together' time inside the Ex. When I was shopping for my TV...I looked at CC pickemups...BUT knowing how my daughters 'love' each other...I thought better of it. Plus as Beth said...the Ex allows you to keep GEAR in REACH and not having to stop. We towed 7000 miles in 2006 and 5000 miles in 2007 and have 5000+ planned in 2008...so togetherness is something we do!

Also the Ex with it's 44 gallon fuel tank...well...it goes a long way...but can sting on fill ups when you run it low no matter WHAT fuel you put in!

BUT...as someone that tows a long and heavy travel trailer...the Ex does NOT start off as a 'stable' tow platform. TWO small mods totalling $500 is all that is needed. That 'soft' ride spoken of above works AGAINST you if you WANT to tow heavy. My tongue weight goes 1100-1200#'s.

Speaking of tongue weight...one thing you should know...if you tow a toy hauler...those are notorious for HEAVY tongues...the rear receiver on an Ex is an integral part of the 'blocker-beam'...that means it keeps small rice burners from slipping underneath...THUS aftermarket receiver makers do NOT make any replacement hitches due to not wanting to get into that 'liability' issue...so not sure if that would enter into your decision...but many have 'looked' and NONE exist...well I lied...there is one mfg in CA but HE has to install it!!! I believe it is Eckart or something like that.

But all in all...with a family...road trips...tow vehicle...the Ex CAN'T be beat! (IMO)

Good luck,
joe.

 

I went from an extended cab to a crew cab. And I can tell you that the difference in space is unbelieveable. I'm a tall guy, 6'3, and I hated when someone would sit behind me in the extended cab that I would have to move my seat up and I would be eating the steering wheel and dash. But now I don't have to worry about that. I guess as far as truck vs. Ex goes, since you have the trailer I guess it doesn't really matter which way you go as far as hauling goes. Good luck with your decision. I'm sure you'll be happy with either one.

 

ferret2,

First I need to mention that I have never even sat in an Excursion. Though I do like what I've seen of them from looking from the out side in.

If it's 2 kids you have then I see no reason why a Crew Cab would not service you well. Lots of room in the back for 2 passengers with plenty of room to spare for storage on the floor, under the seat and between the passengers.
If it's 3 kids,,, I'd still say you're plenty good to go but you would be limited to under the seat storage in the rear and minimal floor storage. You would have limited storage in the front in either situation with some room on the floor on the transmission hump for bagged items (like a duffel bag) that can drape over it. I have found that I can store a medium sized duffel bag on the floor in front of the passenger seat with out really getting the way of the passengers comfort.

Now the important note:
Lets say you are on the road with the family and you have the Truck loaded up with all the 'need to reach' items in the cab (front and back) and all the 'when we get there' items in the box. This were you get to take advantage of the standard Ford Super Duty owner 'walk around the Truck'. Pull into the rest area off the highway, slowly pull into the parking spot making sure you leave enough room between your Truck and the commoners vehicles so you can step out of your Truck and get a good look at your toy as you get the stuff you need from the box of the Truck.

A good quality canopy is a smart travel option for long trips also. I have a color matched Leer 100XL and it comes in handy often for me to keep things from the weather (not to mention I think it looks pretty nice on the Truck). I also use my Truck often to haul structural waist to the dump and have never once had to take the canopy off. You can get some pretty large loads packed into it if you take the time to stack the material at least a bit carefully.

Anywho, Good luck with your search. I'm very sure you're gonna be happy with which ever Truck you end up getting. Be sure to post some photos. I think most of the folks here rather enjoy seeing photos of most any Super Duty.<O</O


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