Towing question from a new Excursion owner
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 177
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From: Ohio
Towing question from a new Excursion owner
Hey guys. I bought a 2001 Ford Excursion last fall to tow my camper. I'd like to get a couple years out of it then buy a new Superduty Crew Cab. Anyway, its 4wd, V10, 3.73 in great shape with 80,000 miles. The camper is 32' and around 7400lbs. I've towed a couple short trips and it does a great job. I was wondering if I should turn off the OD? It doesn't mention this in the owners manual. I was always told to not tow in overdrive with my GM trucks. Here's some pics. Since then I swapped the mirrors for the extendable trailer mirrors, replaced upper and lower ball joints, and installed all new Rancho shocks. It sucks on gas but I love this truck already. I wish they still made them.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 89
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From: Orange County, N.Y.
I tow my 35' Jayco, 8500lbs, with my 2004 Ex 6.8 gasser, it has 3.73 gears. I keep the o/d off if on a trip with uneven terrain. I went upstate to the Adirondaks with o/d off and got 8mpg. On the return trip, downhill, I left o/d on and got 8.6mpg's. Some people have different opinions. But I figure I do not want the tranny to keep on shifting while it looks for the right gear. I have heard about tuners that you can program for more power for towing, but have not researched them enough to give advice.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 882
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From: Ohio
I don't use a hard and fast black and white rule for this. I base my decision on what the truck is doing. If it's motoring along just fine and not popping in and out of OD a bunch I just leave it be. If it's hunting a lot I'll turn it off.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,246
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From: Houston, Texas
Welcome to Ford where we regularly tow in OD...
That's the golden rule when it comes to towing with a V10 and any Superduty or Excursion: If it's hunting for gears, lock out overdrive.
That's the golden rule when it comes to towing with a V10 and any Superduty or Excursion: If it's hunting for gears, lock out overdrive.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2009
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Totally agreed. That has ALWAYS been my mentality, regardless of make or model, and towing or not.. If it's hunting, I downshift/turn off OD.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
Like Tor and Bad stated, if the trans hunts, lock it out. If it's smooth, leave it in.
Stewart
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,634
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From: Lost in Pa.
I'll jump on the band wagon here, if it hunts lock OD out.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,009
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From: Colorado
Agreed, if its hunting, turn it off. you also may want to consider a programmer such as 5 star tuning for you gasser with a set of tow tunes. a lot of mods can be made to how and when the trans shifts under various loads and situations.... a Transgo TuggerHD or the standard Transgo kit is also a great idea if you are towing and want to get the most life out of your tranny.... do the Transgo before you do a programmer if you get both.. the tuning will be a bit different with the Transgo installed
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 462
Likes: 5
From: Kansas City, Mo
Two things, suggest you get some kind of a tranny temp gauge and suggest you lower your ball mount. TT looks to be a tad high in your pic. Welcome to the forum. This advise is worth what you paid for it. Good luck, John 
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Stuart, FL
How much is that? :-)
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 177
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From: Ohio
I agree on the ball mount. I took that picture just to get a quick photo. Waiting for the snow to melt and I'll do some more tweaking with my hitch. Also agree on the temp gauge, thanks.
