Towing big stuff

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Mar 24, 2014 | 03:31 PM

JaySVX

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,955

Likes: 6

From: Eastern PA

Towing big stuff

I haven't even finished repairing my 6.0's engine and I'm already planning my next big job: Backhoe on a 9 ton tri-axel trailer with a pindle hitch.

Now I've gone over 12k class 4 hitch by a bit, but htis is a lot heavier than I've attempted. My biggest concern is tongue weight's effect on the back of hte excursion. That's a lot more weight pushing down than it was designed for.

I'm sure others have tried this but anyone have experience on this?

Mar 25, 2014 | 06:34 PM

Kdr358

Postmaster

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 2,693

Likes: 3

From: West of Chicago

Im sure you can do it but, those factory springs will show their weakness. With the factory hitch I personally wouldn't tow it. If someone stops you you are way over the ratings of the vehicle. Whats the weight? Its also alot on the brakes.

Mar 25, 2014 | 07:52 PM

sammie0126

Postmaster

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 2,737

Likes: 23

From: Westfield, Indiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaySVX

Towed about 20k (estimated) this past weekend, just across the complex (big complex though) 5 miles of road inside it and I only covered about a mile in distance, I can tell you I would never tow that kind of weight out on the street. Not with my current setup anyway.

Ex moved it without too much complaining but I would not call her "happy about it". Even turns down the complex roads I could feel the movement in the rear. 4 pallets of cinder block on a 16ft metal sided trailer. Didn't weigh it so guessing on the weight.

Mar 26, 2014 | 05:52 PM

Toreador_Diesel

FTE Leadership Emeritus

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 12,246

Likes: 761

From: Houston, Texas

All Excursions 2002 and newer have a Class V hitch rated for 12,500 pounds.

Happy towing

Mar 26, 2014 | 08:07 PM

Krazee Matt

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 3,595

Likes: 17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toreador_Diesel

All Excursions 2002 and newer have a Class V hitch rated for 12,500 pounds.

Happy towing

Yet another thing I missed by ONE YEAR. Ugh.

Mar 26, 2014 | 08:42 PM

Archion

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 3,829

Likes: 104

From: Martinsburg, WV

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krazee Matt

Yet another thing I missed by ONE YEAR. Ugh.

Just up the bolt size, that's the only difference mechanically. door sticker is another thing...

Mar 27, 2014 | 10:45 AM

xbox73

Mountain Pass

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 234

Likes: 0

From: SoCal

You could always add some Firestone Ride-Rite airbags to assist the rear springs relatively easily & inexpensively.

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Mar 27, 2014 | 04:14 PM

wrxin

Elder User

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 658

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From: Parker, CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaySVX

I haven't even finished repairing my 6.0's engine

Not to hijack but what happened to your diesel?

I'd never attempt anything that heavy with a V10 and its transmission.

In regards to the diesel Excursion, its an interesting question, how much weight can it really handle? I think the correct but hard to figure out answer is what is technically different between a 2003-2005 6.0 diesel Excursion and the same year F250 and F350. I'm pretty sure the drive train is identical. We all know Ex springs can be upgraded. I don't know if the frame is the same. If the frame is the same, you'd think you could easily modify an Ex to "be" an F250 or F350 with just suspension upgrades.