new tow Vehicle ???
09-06-2006, 01:02 PM
#1
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jul 2004
Location: NJ
Posts: 24,652
Received 297 Likes
on
94 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
new tow Vehicle ???
Looking at a 2002 Ford Excursion Turbo Diesel. Does anyone have one for towing? I see they can tow up to 11K and the diesel should give plenty of tq to get through the mountains.
They seem to be fairly priced and should last longer than the Ford Body
thanks
They seem to be fairly priced and should last longer than the Ford Body
thanks
09-06-2006, 02:03 PM
#2
Team Owner
I have an 04 tows nice after Bilsteins and Hellwig sway bars, Still nothing like a dooley but more room. If it has the 6.0 you may want to skip it. Forgot what year they went from 7.3 to the 6.0. Get 04 and up or earlier 7.3 liter.
From what I see 02 is 7.3 which should be good.
http://forums.thedieselstop.com/ubbt...t=0&Board=UBB9
From what I see 02 is 7.3 which should be good.
http://forums.thedieselstop.com/ubbt...t=0&Board=UBB9
09-06-2006, 02:05 PM
#3
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jul 2004
Location: NJ
Posts: 24,652
Received 297 Likes
on
94 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
Originally Posted by John Shiels
I have an 04 tows nice after Bilsteins and Hellwig sway bars, Still nothing like a dooley but more room. If it has the 6.0 you may want to skip it. Forgot what year they went from 7.3 to the 6.0. Get 04 and up or earlier 7.3 liter.
From what I see 02 is 7.3 which should be good.
http://forums.thedieselstop.com/ubbt...t=0&Board=UBB9
From what I see 02 is 7.3 which should be good.
http://forums.thedieselstop.com/ubbt...t=0&Board=UBB9
thanks - the 7.3L looks like a monster.
09-06-2006, 02:46 PM
#5
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jul 2004
Location: NJ
Posts: 24,652
Received 297 Likes
on
94 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
Originally Posted by freefall
John - what kind of mileage do you see around town?
gas mileage Luckily during the week I only drive 7 miles so not affected by gas mileage. I would like to know though....
09-06-2006, 03:06 PM
#7
I have an '02 Excursion diesel , overall a very good tow vehicle with tons of storage room. I have 98K on mine, probably 50k of that towing, with very few issues. I would recommend one to anybody, unless you need a pickup bed for a gooseneck/5th wheel.
As John mentioned, invest in a fresh set of good shocks (bilsteins are only $65 or so each) and the Hellwig rear sway bar (around $150 from summit) These really make the truck more stable and responsive. I would add airbags also if tongue weight is extreme - Ford made the rear suspension way too soft on these.
Towing open trailers, no problems, even with the stock tune. An enclosed will probably make you wish for a tuner or chip to boost power. Additional power is easy (if not exactly cheap) to make.
I have gotten 11-13mpg in town (rush hour stop and go) and 13-15 towing. 17 is the best I've seen unloaded on highway trips. Adding the power boosters (tuner, exhaust etc) really does not help or hurt mileage much, but sure makes it nicer to drive. The mileage was identical to my 5.9 Durango I traded in!
PM me if you need any more info.
As John mentioned, invest in a fresh set of good shocks (bilsteins are only $65 or so each) and the Hellwig rear sway bar (around $150 from summit) These really make the truck more stable and responsive. I would add airbags also if tongue weight is extreme - Ford made the rear suspension way too soft on these.
Towing open trailers, no problems, even with the stock tune. An enclosed will probably make you wish for a tuner or chip to boost power. Additional power is easy (if not exactly cheap) to make.
I have gotten 11-13mpg in town (rush hour stop and go) and 13-15 towing. 17 is the best I've seen unloaded on highway trips. Adding the power boosters (tuner, exhaust etc) really does not help or hurt mileage much, but sure makes it nicer to drive. The mileage was identical to my 5.9 Durango I traded in!
PM me if you need any more info.
09-06-2006, 06:26 PM
#8
Team Owner
15 around town and idling before we get in it to heat and cool, 14-15 towing and my trailer is open but heavy plus all the crap. Computer said up to 23 cruising at 55 and it has been close when checked with a pencil. I was gettiing 27.8 on my Dodge at 50 MPH with crap in the back creating drag for 30 miles. 7.3 is a solid motor. early 6.0 had problems. 04 has had few check engine lights but it keep going no problem. They do have some room sad they are no longer made it will have to last a while. Hope GM makes a diesel vehicle soon.
09-07-2006, 01:13 AM
#9
Race Director
Member Since: Oct 2000
Location: Deal's Gap 2004 NCM Motorsports track supporter
Posts: 13,915
Received 1,103 Likes
on
717 Posts
2006 GMC extended w/5.3l: 18+ mph interstate, 8 to 9 towing 7200 lbs with a square front, 8 1/2 X 24 enclosed trailer. I have the 3:23 rear. I love the truck. Plenty of power in the hills of Tennessee if I want to buy the gas!!