I have a bumper pull two horse trailer that weight 3500 pounds empty. I figure with two horses and my stuff it will weigh about 6500 pounds. I am looking in to getting a truck but my husband wants and Excursion. Can anyone tell me if there would be a big difference between and F-250 and the Excursion when it comes to towing my trailer? Up to this point I have been borrowing my Father-In-Law's Dodge 2500 or a friend's F-150. I always use a weight distribution hitch when I tow. I like the way the Dodge feels but I don't think the F-150 is enough truck. I just want to know what the safest situation will be.
I can't see where there'd be much difference between the two as far as that tow is concerned.
My 24' enclosed race car hauler also weighs in at about 3500 empty, and about 7500 loaded. I love the way my excursion tows it.
The Excursion will be a bit heavier than the pick-up, but will get better fuel mileage in all situations (primarilly due to different gearing).
I enjoy an honest 19.5mpg on the highway not towing, 16mpg overall city/highway
and it usually hovers around 14-14.2 towing my car hauler (huge wind drag).
__________________ TurboDave, EWCS(SW)USN Ret H&N Turbo 6 Racing
Seviervile TN A MAN AND HIS TRUCK, IT'S A BEATUFUL THING 01 Excursion LTD (EBM3) 7.3L, PSD, Turbo, 4X2, TTS Race Magnum (original owner) 86 GN (original owner) 87 GN (second owner) 08 Honda Accord EX-L
Where do you live? In CA the truck will be liscensed commercial, the X not. Some other states require lisc, by weight, and or commercial too.
In either case, don't ever "bumper pull" that trailer. You need a good weight distributing hitch with sway control. If you carry horses, I'd suck it up and get a Hensley "Arrow" hitch. Yeah, its expensive, but so are your horses & its no fun towing a trailer thats trying to shove your car / truck all over the road.
The truck will be more versatile if you don't put a cap on it, but the X might get just a tad bit better economy, especially if its 2wd.
Now, are you looking used / new, gas / diesel?
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Feb 03 6.0 Silver F-250 SD SC XLT long box, 6-spd 3.73ls, Fx4, Stock, Spray-in liner, Contico box.HARPOONED.
I live in Missouri. I am in the used market looking at a diesel version of either the F 250 or the Excursion. I already have a weight distribution hitch that I use whenever I pull the trailer. I am not sure of the brand though.
The Excursion has rear AC, and that's important if you also haul dogs or extra people in the heat. But, you can get a longer wheel base in the 250. You got to decide what works best for you. Both will do a fine job pulling that weight.
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I am in the used market looking at a diesel version of either the F 250 or the Excursion.
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I'll assume 2004 or earlier models.
The Excursion and the F-250 CrewCab pickup, with the same basic options of engine, tranny, and trim level, will still be very different vehicles.
True, the Excursion is based on the F-250, but even the "Plain Jane" model of the Excursion will be a lot more luxurious than the pickup. The pickup in its nicest trim level is still basically a truck. The Excursion is more a luxury station wagon.
One big difference is the AC. The CrewCab pickup doesn't have quite enough AC. The Excursion has front and rear AC, so it will do a good job of keeping you cool on longer trips.
The Excursion will be quite a bit heavier than the pickup, and has 400 pounds more GVWR to make up for part of that difference. But neither the pickup nor the Excursion can hook up to just any trailer without being concerned with overloading.
The wet and loaded CrewCab diesel automatic 4x4 pickup will probably weigh over 8,000 pounds before you hook up the trailer. That leaves only 800 pounds for max hitch weight without busting the pickup's 8,800 pounds GVWR.
The wet and loaded Excursion will weigh around 8,500 pounds, which leaves only 700 pounds before you bump into the 9,200 pounds GVWR.
So with either one, the hitch weight of your wet and loaded trailer will probably bust the GVWR of the tow vehicle.
The reason to buy the pickup is because you have another option - F-350 SRW. It has 1,100 pounds more GVWR than the F-250. So instead of only 800 pounds available payload for hitch weight, you'll have 1,900 pounds. Now that's more like it. No problem with overloading with even a much heavier bumper-pull trailer than yours.
But then you wouldn't have the luxury of the Excursion. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]
If it were my decision, I'd probably go for a 7.3L Excursion, then beef up the rear suspension with heavier springs and RideRite air bags. (I love the rear AC in my "luxury" minivan. But it won't tow much of a trailer.) [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
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My Sierra Blanca is a '99.5 PSD CrewCab hot-rod Towing Machine! BTS tranny; TurboRamAir intake and 4" stainless turbo-back exhaust; DP-Tuner tunes flashed into an Edge Evolution tuner; ISSPRO EV gauges and TTM; AIC; SP-Diesel exhaust brake and torque converter controller. I special-ordered it new and plan to drive it until it quits.
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... I'd probably go for a 7.3L Excursion...
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i guess i'll never understand why people who have never owned a 6.0 (not sure if you ever have or not, Smokey') will recommend against it. you'll get a much higher performing engine backed by a tranny that beats the dog-snot out of the 4r100.
"6.0 has a bad rep and 7.3 has a stellar rep." k, so? by the miles that i have on my early build '03 6.0, my '99.5 7.3 had left me stranded 3 times. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img] according to the reps, that's not possible.
rant over.
to the OP: don't be skeered of what you hear on this board. take the info for what it's worth and thoroughly research any vehicle you are looking at before you buy. i see the pros and cons to the X vs truck like Smokey pointed out. i guess you'll truly have to weigh max load vs comfort/luxo and seating.
good luck. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]
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Travis
'03 F350 Dually, 6.0, Supercab, longbed, 4.10 LS, sport pkg, extremely RED, STRAIGHT PIPED, SCT Xcalibrator, full guages
- Job1 programming, Harpooned, Skweeker Mod, Zoodad Mod
- Did that thing that you're not supposed to talk about
'79 Bronco, 468cid Ford 460 marine motor, C6/NP205
Previous -'99 F250, Rg Cab XLT, 7.3/6spd, 3.73
Project truck
- '96 Cummins, 215hp/5spd, Diprocol guages, Plate & AFC full fwd, hi-capacity external lubrication system
To add: 2 1/2T axles, 46" goodyears, etc.
I have a bumper pull two horse trailer that weight 3500 pounds empty. I figure with two horses and my stuff it will weigh about 6500 pounds. I am looking in to getting a truck but my husband wants and Excursion. Can anyone tell me if there would be a big difference between and F-250 and the Excursion when it comes to towing my trailer? Up to this point I have been borrowing my Father-In-Law's Dodge 2500 or a friend's F-150. I always use a weight distribution hitch when I tow. I like the way the Dodge feels but I don't think the F-150 is enough truck. I just want to know what the safest situation will be.
Thanks!
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Either one, the Excursion or F250 will handle a 6,500lb trailer with ease. You mentioned safest. Both are safe with that load. You have a Weight Distribution Hitch, so you are ahead of the game.
You & your husband need to decide what features are most important & make a decision based on both of your needs & wants.
Why does your husband want the Excursion?
The F250 has an edge on the Excursion in the handling, towing department, it's lighter & has better Leaf Spring Setup. The solution, simple, install the same leaf springs from an F250 on the Excursion. There are many posts on this subject here, & the Spring swap, literally makes the Excursion a pleasure to tow with. If you have used a 1/2 ton already, then either will be a huge improvement.
I recommend researching a Hensley Arrow hitch. It is nothing like any other hitch. Regardless if you buy one, or are happy with yours, knowledge is power. The Hensley is a Mechanical towing system which, "I believe, Literally Saves Lives". That is no Hype. So, do yourself a favor and check it out sometime.
If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask. Many on here are very experienced with these vehicles & towing with them. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
__________________ My Photos----- BTS BUBBA "Life Member"
2002 7.3L Excursion 4x4, FTVB, MBRP 4" SS Exhaust, Rancho 9000X shocks, "V" code Front Springs & "B" Code Rear Springs, Ride Rite AirBags, Rear Hellwig Swaybar, Cut Front BumpStops, DieselSite Ext Trans Filter Kit - Coolant Filter Kit & 203 stat, "Scotpart" mod, "Hutched & Pooned", "LandYot" Radius Rods US Gear Overdrive 75mph @ 1750rpm's
2001 7.3L F350 CC LB 4x4 5" Exhaust, pillar guages, BTS Trans, US Gear Underdrive, DP 6 pos chip, V10 Trans Cooler, DieselSite - Coolant Filter Kit, Evans Coolant, 203 stat, DI reg Fuel Return, GT38R BB Turbo, AFE 2 Intake, Banks Intercooler, Air Rite Bags,
2000 Excursion Limited V10 4x4 7" Lift
I think the better question is what will suite your needs more. Do you haul many people/kids with you that you need the seating capacity of an Excursion? I would lean more towards a crew cab 250 just for the fact of what you can haul in the bed. What happens when you need to throw those extra bails of hay in the back? Not a big deal in a pickup, bit of a mess in an Excursion. PU isn't as fancy, but then again, I never went for fancy. Get the 6 speed and you'll never have to worry about a transmission.
JJ, I only disagree with the 6 speed & no worries. Clutches wear out & are work in stop and go traffic.
As a business owner, I have dealt with employees burning out clutches, like eating candy. (And this may not apply to this thread, but with the chance, this valuable experience does help someone else, I'm sharing it. Not everyone is a Gearhead & has the ability to operate a stick or even wants too. In that case, Brian's Truck Shop is a very reliable alternative to a 6 speed, possibly even more reliable. My wife tows our stuff around, she does a nice job & she does know how to drive a stick. But she likes not having to worry about shifting & worrying about always being in the right gear with a load.
I don't mind a stick, until stuck in stop & go traffic. It can be a workout. Years ago, the options were, drive a stick or break down. Now, that's not the case.
Excursions are only available in Auto & there are many more truck's built with Auto's than 6 speeds in F250's. So the used market is easier for those shopping for Auto's.
BTW, Great slogan in your Sig!
God Bless America & our Soldiers!
__________________ My Photos----- BTS BUBBA "Life Member"
2002 7.3L Excursion 4x4, FTVB, MBRP 4" SS Exhaust, Rancho 9000X shocks, "V" code Front Springs & "B" Code Rear Springs, Ride Rite AirBags, Rear Hellwig Swaybar, Cut Front BumpStops, DieselSite Ext Trans Filter Kit - Coolant Filter Kit & 203 stat, "Scotpart" mod, "Hutched & Pooned", "LandYot" Radius Rods US Gear Overdrive 75mph @ 1750rpm's
2001 7.3L F350 CC LB 4x4 5" Exhaust, pillar guages, BTS Trans, US Gear Underdrive, DP 6 pos chip, V10 Trans Cooler, DieselSite - Coolant Filter Kit, Evans Coolant, 203 stat, DI reg Fuel Return, GT38R BB Turbo, AFE 2 Intake, Banks Intercooler, Air Rite Bags,
2000 Excursion Limited V10 4x4 7" Lift
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JJ, I only disagree with the 6 speed & no worries. Clutches wear out & are work in stop and go traffic.
As a business owner, I have dealt with employees burning out clutches, like eating candy. (And this may not apply to this thread, but with the chance, this valuable experience does help someone else, I'm sharing it. Not everyone is a Gearhead & has the ability to operate a stick or even wants too. In that case, Brian's Truck Shop is a very reliable alternative to a 6 speed, possibly even more reliable. My wife tows our stuff around, she does a nice job & she does know how to drive a stick. But she likes not having to worry about shifting & worrying about always being in the right gear with a load.
I don't mind a stick, until stuck in stop & go traffic. It can be a workout. Years ago, the options were, drive a stick or break down. Now, that's not the case.
Excursions are only available in Auto & there are many more truck's built with Auto's than 6 speeds in F250's. So the used market is easier for those shopping for Auto's.
BTW, Great slogan in your Sig!
God Bless America & our Soldiers!
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Well said. And yes it is a good slogan. Freedom is not free, and some of us have assumed that it is for too long.
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Andy
Early 99 5-98, F350 extended cab, DRW LB 245,000 miles and counting, Hood insulation delete (Soaked with fuel), Hutch mod, Harpoon mod. Otherwise, pure stock (for now)
You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.
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JJ, I only disagree with the 6 speed & no worries. Clutches wear out & are work in stop and go traffic.
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In all reality, the majority of the consumer market would probably side with you as the market leans towards auto's. If your competant with driving a stick, a clutch every 100k is cheaper then a BTS or comparable tranny but is definately less convienant. It depends on your preference.
My wifes Excursion handles much better than the F250 and turns much sharper. The three dogs like the Excursion but the atv won't fit in it, one drawback to the rear heated and air conditioned Excursion.
My wife gets mad at me but in the Winter I like to use the X on the ice fishing trips and then to double as a work vehicle. With the rear heat the ice fishing equipment is warm when it leaves the rig to go into the fish house and the air compressor fires over first pull when it's time to work. This Spring used the X on three tear offs and towed the 4,500lb dump trailer with it.
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99(4/99)F350 PSD 4X4 crew cab long bed dually lariat isspro triple pod air bags with compressor
99(6/99)F250 PSD 4X4 X-cab short bed xlt 5in str8 piped air bags autometer ultra light triple pod junk yard pcm running 22 psi 250k miles bought 8/15/01 w/40k miles first diesel
00(12/99)Excursion PSD 4X4 limited
65 Mustang 289 V8 4brl 69 GTO 400 4spd 99 Neon R/T
04 and 09 PJ 15k dump trailer 04 H&H 9K tilt bed 98 Haulmark 7x14 enclosed
I tow a 27ft travel trailer that weighs about the same as your horse trailer when loaded. I have a 2wd ex that weighs in at 7300 with full fuel tank. I use a wd hitch with no added springs or air bags on the ex. I don"t even have a sway bar on the hitch. I tow at 65-70 and get an average of 10 mpg. The whole rig is very stable and is not affected by truck wind draft like you might think. I am very happy with the performance of this setup. I do think that part of the reason I have this kind of result with towing is that the ex outweighs the trailer by almost 1000 lbs and I have load range e tires on the ex and they have fairly stiff sidewalls. I think people overlook the importance of the proper tires on tow vehicles.
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