V10 Excursion are they really that bad???
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 18
From: The Great White North!
Another good vote for the V-10. I do not need nor want a diesel. To much only in town and not enough highway miles to warrant one. The V-10 is WAY easier to work on, when something does go wrong, unlike the noisy other versions.
Plus mine goes thru the mud just the same, and doesn't fall apart like young nickies diesel does.http://images.ford-trucks.com/forums...ghting0074.gif
Plus mine goes thru the mud just the same, and doesn't fall apart like young nickies diesel does.http://images.ford-trucks.com/forums...ghting0074.gif
Master of Strokes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,808
Likes: 25
From: CA
Stewart,
Here's some of the mis-information being spoken out there.
From an mpg standpoint...stock to stock...the V10 is not that much worse off than a 6.OH and almost equal to that of a 6.4L...the 7.3L's with their much lower power output really shine in the mpg arena...however a V10 can usually be had for about $6000 less upfront...that buys a LOT of fuel...and oh BTW...87 octane has been runing less than diesel for some time now.
While no Ex ever got a 6.4L...the mpg myth is one that diesel folks like young nickie like to use as a reason to justify their purchase.
From a towing standpoint for what an Excursion SHOULD BE towing (and I mean towing a travel trailer on the highway with family members inside the Ex...not like Scott that hauls mostly local and solo)...i.e. up to about 10,000#'s the V10 with 4.30 gearing does an excellent job in my experiences with 9000#'s all over the country...I've been thru the Rockies twice in 4 summers of towing too...An Excursion IMO should not be hauling much more than 10,000#'s...simply because you will easily exceed the trucks GVWR with loads that heavy and any family members inside the truck just compound that...depending on how I load...I can actually be over my GVWR by 100#'s with only 9000#'s and my two girls are each under 100#'s...my numbers are all scale verified too...scales don't hurt and are cheap insurance...too bad most never hit one...
Also the receiver on the Excursions are only rated at 1250#'s in WD mode...a 10,000# trailer 'should' present minimum 1000#'s or upwards of 1500#'s for a natural sway free towing experience...BUT the Ex's receiver is the limiting factor here...so you have to limit the tongue weight thru loading to 1250#'s...go to a heavier trailer with less percentage tongue weight and you risk instability...
From an mpg standpoint...I have a hand calculated towing average 8mpgs over 22,000 miles. Many 6.0H Ex owners experience about 10-11mpgs towing. 8/11 = ~33% better mpgs...however 87 octane costs ~15% less than diesel in my neck of the woods...I know that varies greatly regionally...so the 6.OH enjoys roughly an 18% advantage in my part of the country...and for that advantage they get to risk a coked up turbo stranding their family on the side of the road
However, over towing 22,000 miles that 18% advantage really equates to a lot less than most diesel owners like young nickie people want to talk about.
So to the OP...the V10 is an excellent choice. Bion has laid out excellent rationale for you...I have owned my V10 Ex since October 2005 and she has never let me down in all the places I have asked her to haul my family during our family towing vacations...and that is all over the country...I couldn't be happier towing 9000#'s of travel trailer with my poor little 'ole V10
...when I load up my precious cargo...I trust that I will not be stranded on the side of the road...and the V10 has an incredible reliability record...that doesn't mean that she won't break down someday...all it means is that the chances of a V10 breaking down are much less than that of a 6.OH is all...just search the reliability factors of a 6.OH versus the V10 and you will find your answer on that 
...now an Ex with a 7.3L is a good choice...but the towing performance is about on par with a 4.30 geared V10...you will just enjoy much better unloaded MPG's with the 7.3L...so if that is important to you...look for a 2003 with the 7.3L but expect to pay much more than that $6K you are currently looking at and it will take a long time to make up that added purchase price...
I'd say go for the V10...that is a good price and has kept many of us more than happy for many miles on the road.
Good luck,
Joe.
Here's some of the mis-information being spoken out there.
From an mpg standpoint...stock to stock...the V10 is not that much worse off than a 6.OH and almost equal to that of a 6.4L...the 7.3L's with their much lower power output really shine in the mpg arena...however a V10 can usually be had for about $6000 less upfront...that buys a LOT of fuel...and oh BTW...87 octane has been runing less than diesel for some time now.
While no Ex ever got a 6.4L...the mpg myth is one that diesel folks like young nickie like to use as a reason to justify their purchase.
From a towing standpoint for what an Excursion SHOULD BE towing (and I mean towing a travel trailer on the highway with family members inside the Ex...not like Scott that hauls mostly local and solo)...i.e. up to about 10,000#'s the V10 with 4.30 gearing does an excellent job in my experiences with 9000#'s all over the country...I've been thru the Rockies twice in 4 summers of towing too...An Excursion IMO should not be hauling much more than 10,000#'s...simply because you will easily exceed the trucks GVWR with loads that heavy and any family members inside the truck just compound that...depending on how I load...I can actually be over my GVWR by 100#'s with only 9000#'s and my two girls are each under 100#'s...my numbers are all scale verified too...scales don't hurt and are cheap insurance...too bad most never hit one...
Also the receiver on the Excursions are only rated at 1250#'s in WD mode...a 10,000# trailer 'should' present minimum 1000#'s or upwards of 1500#'s for a natural sway free towing experience...BUT the Ex's receiver is the limiting factor here...so you have to limit the tongue weight thru loading to 1250#'s...go to a heavier trailer with less percentage tongue weight and you risk instability...
From an mpg standpoint...I have a hand calculated towing average 8mpgs over 22,000 miles. Many 6.0H Ex owners experience about 10-11mpgs towing. 8/11 = ~33% better mpgs...however 87 octane costs ~15% less than diesel in my neck of the woods...I know that varies greatly regionally...so the 6.OH enjoys roughly an 18% advantage in my part of the country...and for that advantage they get to risk a coked up turbo stranding their family on the side of the road
However, over towing 22,000 miles that 18% advantage really equates to a lot less than most diesel owners like young nickie people want to talk about.So to the OP...the V10 is an excellent choice. Bion has laid out excellent rationale for you...I have owned my V10 Ex since October 2005 and she has never let me down in all the places I have asked her to haul my family during our family towing vacations...and that is all over the country...I couldn't be happier towing 9000#'s of travel trailer with my poor little 'ole V10
...when I load up my precious cargo...I trust that I will not be stranded on the side of the road...and the V10 has an incredible reliability record...that doesn't mean that she won't break down someday...all it means is that the chances of a V10 breaking down are much less than that of a 6.OH is all...just search the reliability factors of a 6.OH versus the V10 and you will find your answer on that ...now an Ex with a 7.3L is a good choice...but the towing performance is about on par with a 4.30 geared V10...you will just enjoy much better unloaded MPG's with the 7.3L...so if that is important to you...look for a 2003 with the 7.3L but expect to pay much more than that $6K you are currently looking at and it will take a long time to make up that added purchase price...I'd say go for the V10...that is a good price and has kept many of us more than happy for many miles on the road.
Good luck,
Joe.
I like how you say should tow
Not that any one would tow 15,000 lb with an Excursion
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
There's more to towing than a motor and HP/TRQ numbers...but years of experience will eventually teach you these things...
The V10 will tow anything that SHOULD be towed behind an Excursion...plain and simple...those that 'push' the limit on interstate long haul travels...well...that's a different story...
Joe
Master of Strokes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,808
Likes: 25
From: CA
Anyone who should happen to try and tow 15,000#'s with an Excursion...I'll bet they eventually end up with a PROPER tow vehicle...let's say an F450 MINIMUM when they will DO see the light...do you happen to know anyone that might fit that description?
There's more to towing than a motor and HP/TRQ numbers...but years of experience will eventually teach you these things...
The V10 will tow anything that SHOULD be towed behind an Excursion...plain and simple...those that 'push' the limit on interstate long haul travels...well...that's a different story...
Joe
There's more to towing than a motor and HP/TRQ numbers...but years of experience will eventually teach you these things...
The V10 will tow anything that SHOULD be towed behind an Excursion...plain and simple...those that 'push' the limit on interstate long haul travels...well...that's a different story...
Joe
Jk buddy.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 2
From: Greensboro, NC
I'll chime in here... I love my V10. It's quiet, smooth and I know it wont have the significant repair potential of the 6.0. If/When the exhaust manifolds go I'll put on headers and call it a day. I tow a 30ft Sea Ray which weighs a little over 10000 pounds and it's fantastic. I get about 8.5 towing the boat and 11-12 around town and 13-14.5 on the highway. Do a search on here for diesel problems, engine repairs, the body having to be removed to fix oil leaks, turbo replacements, head gaskets and the modifications needed to get the mileage up and reliability to be better. You can also search on 6.4 problems - including engine replacements, cooling problems and crappy mileage.
Nick - I believe it was your dad's brand new F450 that had significant engine problems right?
Good luck with your decision - seems like a no brainer to me. The biggest downside is the fact the modular motors have always needed to rev up a bit to get the power whereas the diesel has a lower power peak. I've gotten used to that over the years with various 5.4's and now the 6.8.
Nick - I believe it was your dad's brand new F450 that had significant engine problems right?
Good luck with your decision - seems like a no brainer to me. The biggest downside is the fact the modular motors have always needed to rev up a bit to get the power whereas the diesel has a lower power peak. I've gotten used to that over the years with various 5.4's and now the 6.8.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
V10s are not bad. I own a mustang with a mod motor 4.6 two valve. Very very similiar to the V10. Before I went crazy with it, it had over 75k very very abused miles on it. I think the V10 is the PSD diesel arch enemy. It does thing differently. Does things better, and does things worse. It's just personally preference.
The best thing about a V10 is the price you can have them for. If the vehicle is maintained good over it's life, buying a V10 will be a great buy.
I bought my PSD for many reasons and i'll explain my side of the story. I told myself that I will never own another gas car. I've live in Europe and have been driving around with diesels are the past 3 years. I love the available torque, I love the noise, and I love the fuel mileage. I also love the modibility that you get with diesel. If I throw on performance parts like exhaust, intake, tuner, there is a good chance I could get 10-15% better fuel mileage and have 25% more horsepower/torque at the same time. I can't say you can do the same with the gas. I also bought it since generally, diesel motors don't start breaking in until 80k+ miles. Mine has 50k and since I got it for less than 1/2 it was brand new ($54k), I basically have a brand new 2002 Excursion for a steal. I am not saying the V10 won't last that long, just speaking the diesel part in generalities.
Recap: I love the noise, torque, modibility, fuel mileage that it provides.
If I was in the market for a tow rig/family hauler that had around 100k miles on it for around 10-12k, i might consider a V10. But i don't really trust ANY vehicle with other 100k used unless i Knew the previous owner(s).
The best thing about a V10 is the price you can have them for. If the vehicle is maintained good over it's life, buying a V10 will be a great buy.
I bought my PSD for many reasons and i'll explain my side of the story. I told myself that I will never own another gas car. I've live in Europe and have been driving around with diesels are the past 3 years. I love the available torque, I love the noise, and I love the fuel mileage. I also love the modibility that you get with diesel. If I throw on performance parts like exhaust, intake, tuner, there is a good chance I could get 10-15% better fuel mileage and have 25% more horsepower/torque at the same time. I can't say you can do the same with the gas. I also bought it since generally, diesel motors don't start breaking in until 80k+ miles. Mine has 50k and since I got it for less than 1/2 it was brand new ($54k), I basically have a brand new 2002 Excursion for a steal. I am not saying the V10 won't last that long, just speaking the diesel part in generalities.
Recap: I love the noise, torque, modibility, fuel mileage that it provides.
If I was in the market for a tow rig/family hauler that had around 100k miles on it for around 10-12k, i might consider a V10. But i don't really trust ANY vehicle with other 100k used unless i Knew the previous owner(s).
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
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Brett Foote
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
I completely disagree.
It's just another choice of platforms in Ford's arsenal, to meet the preferences of the customer.
The PSD and V10 are blood relatives....cousins if you will....not enemies. There are pro's and con's for each platform, but what it comes down to is personal preference.
Exactly! Not enemies, synergistic counterparts!
The enemy is anything not wearing a Blue Oval!
Stewart
It's just another choice of platforms in Ford's arsenal, to meet the preferences of the customer.
The PSD and V10 are blood relatives....cousins if you will....not enemies. There are pro's and con's for each platform, but what it comes down to is personal preference.
It does thing differently. Does things better, and does things worse. It's just personally preference.
The enemy is anything not wearing a Blue Oval!
Stewart
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
I am also in the "I love my V10" crowd. I just relocated from CA to SC, and took my V10 cross country towing my trailer, with 2 kids, my black lab, and my dad (grandpa wanted to spend some time with the kids and the wife thought it better to stay back and watch them pack the house). We had absolutely ZERO problems, and I never lacked for power. It towed the trailer like a dream. We were loaded down with 2 weeks worth of supplies, and some odds and ends also! By the way, we had a BLAST. Took the old Route 66 for most of the way. Stopped at Talledaga as well as plenty other sites that the kids would have never seen otherwise. Great memories!
So, it really depends on what you are looking for it to do, and what you want. You won't be disapointed with a V10!
So, it really depends on what you are looking for it to do, and what you want. You won't be disapointed with a V10!
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 2
I really wish I could answer your question "V-10 Excursion Are They Really That Bad??"
Even thought I own one and have never had any problems with it, mine only has 154,000 miles on it. So in another 100,000 or so thousand miles I should know by then. About all I can say is for now "so far so good".
As for the diesels I don't know as I have never owned one.
Even thought I own one and have never had any problems with it, mine only has 154,000 miles on it. So in another 100,000 or so thousand miles I should know by then. About all I can say is for now "so far so good".
As for the diesels I don't know as I have never owned one.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 0
The V-10 is a great motor but it will not achieve the same mpg's as a 6.0 Diesel. Both engines will tow very well, with a slight advantage to the Diesel. The price you stated seems like a very good price if that's what you really want! I would make sure and buy what you want! I have learned the hard way buying vehicles because they were cheaper but not ideal for my situation or desires! I used to have gasoline Suburbans and even a Mega Cab Cummins, but I finally bought the truck I should have bought from the beginning and of course it is the 6.0 Excursion I now have! I put a link to my Fuelly site and you can see my mpg's and if you do a seearch you can also see others Excursions with V-10's mpg's...........I like this site, it's nice to compare mpg's that other are getting in there Excursions!
Ford Excursion (Ford Excursion) | Fuelly
Ford Excursion (Ford Excursion) | Fuelly
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the info, sorry for the late reply.
The bad comments are about the fuel, head problems, weak bottom ends when towing and trannys failing.
I never really was too concerned about the fuel as my 05 Ex 6.0L PSD NEVER got the 21-25MPG some guys claim they get. I averaged 17-19MPG empty and pulling a trailer 12-14MPG. (28' with a Mustang) I want the diesel the most inly because in Feb I will be doing a company tour of the USA for our new LED Lightbars for the Police, Fire, EMS and Recovery Vehicles.
Im more than anything concerned about the towing as I will have a Crown Vic on an open Car Hauler. I will be in IN, IL, MO, MI, TX, TN, NC, FL, OH, not all in that order just the states I remember right now. lol. SO from that stand point I'm only concerned about one thing, solid reliability I will be possibly alone for some portions of the trip and only have one month to hit the states needed before another tradeshow here in Canada in April so I cannot afford any delays.
Im torn because the 05 was a great truck but once I swapped the motor once, grenaded the turbo once, replace 3 or 4 sets of heads, a dozen EGR Coolers, numerous Intake Tube Clamps and hoses. I know the 6.0L's weaknesses now, but don't want a repeat of learning on the V10. Its a huge business trip and we have huge hopes so nobody wants any problems or delays. The gas I think will only cost us another $100-200 in fuel per month versus the Diesel but as touched on probably far less in maintenance costs.
I just love that smell of diesel, sound of the clankty clank and that black smoke when you lay it down LOL.
The bad comments are about the fuel, head problems, weak bottom ends when towing and trannys failing.
I never really was too concerned about the fuel as my 05 Ex 6.0L PSD NEVER got the 21-25MPG some guys claim they get. I averaged 17-19MPG empty and pulling a trailer 12-14MPG. (28' with a Mustang) I want the diesel the most inly because in Feb I will be doing a company tour of the USA for our new LED Lightbars for the Police, Fire, EMS and Recovery Vehicles.
Im more than anything concerned about the towing as I will have a Crown Vic on an open Car Hauler. I will be in IN, IL, MO, MI, TX, TN, NC, FL, OH, not all in that order just the states I remember right now. lol. SO from that stand point I'm only concerned about one thing, solid reliability I will be possibly alone for some portions of the trip and only have one month to hit the states needed before another tradeshow here in Canada in April so I cannot afford any delays.
Im torn because the 05 was a great truck but once I swapped the motor once, grenaded the turbo once, replace 3 or 4 sets of heads, a dozen EGR Coolers, numerous Intake Tube Clamps and hoses. I know the 6.0L's weaknesses now, but don't want a repeat of learning on the V10. Its a huge business trip and we have huge hopes so nobody wants any problems or delays. The gas I think will only cost us another $100-200 in fuel per month versus the Diesel but as touched on probably far less in maintenance costs.
I just love that smell of diesel, sound of the clankty clank and that black smoke when you lay it down LOL.
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
i honeslty dont think you'll have any issues with a late v10..the heads and trannys were both updated in '02 or 03 if i remeber correctly.
i was right with you in wanting reliablity first, after reading up here alot before buying i decided on the v10. i started out wanting a 7.3.
but goodluck in whatever you choose and i hope it make you happy because thats what matters.
i was right with you in wanting reliablity first, after reading up here alot before buying i decided on the v10. i started out wanting a 7.3.
but goodluck in whatever you choose and i hope it make you happy because thats what matters.