Picking a Tow Vehicle for Large Family
We are looking at taking our four children on the road for a 6-12 month trip while we road school/travel nurse. We also have a dog, plus all our gear, so your typical 3/4 ton pickup just doesn't fit o...
Forum Discussion
ok, so you got my curiosity up, since in the 2002 time period typically the Ford F250 sold more units than GM and Dodge combined in that class.
You state:
"Basically, take the worst design of pickup spec and make it worse again."
......so I went and looked up and old review of the truck be NADA online, and found this quote:
"The F-250 feels smaller than it is, almost like a big luxury car. Steering is precise. Handling by big truck standards is crisp. Body roll is noticeably limited in the corners. And the ride quality is reasonably good, thanks to a compliant suspension. The chassis is quite rigid, which allows Ford engineers to tune the suspension for more car-like ride and handling.
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes, which are standard, provide excellent driver feedback. Braking performance is impressive with smooth, undramatic stops."
Hmmm. Sounds like a pretty good basis for a tow vehicle to me.
EDIT: from another test from back when the EX was new:
"It is supremely stable; it feels safe and secure on the open highway. Whether you have a lot of cargo to carry, a bunch of people to transport, a big trailer to pull or all of the above, the Excursion is ready for whatever you throw its way."
"Cruising along in a 2002 Ford Excursion gives you a secure feeling. It's smooth and quiet. "
"The Excursion is rock solid at 97 mph where a governor keeps you from going any faster."
"At high speeds, the Excursion is stable. Strong crosswinds and an 18-wheeler going in the opposite direction had little effect. "
Above quotes from this test:
http://www.autoblog.com/buy/2002-Ford-Excursion/expert-review/
You state:
"Basically, take the worst design of pickup spec and make it worse again."
......so I went and looked up and old review of the truck be NADA online, and found this quote:
"The F-250 feels smaller than it is, almost like a big luxury car. Steering is precise. Handling by big truck standards is crisp. Body roll is noticeably limited in the corners. And the ride quality is reasonably good, thanks to a compliant suspension. The chassis is quite rigid, which allows Ford engineers to tune the suspension for more car-like ride and handling.
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes, which are standard, provide excellent driver feedback. Braking performance is impressive with smooth, undramatic stops."
Hmmm. Sounds like a pretty good basis for a tow vehicle to me.
EDIT: from another test from back when the EX was new:
"It is supremely stable; it feels safe and secure on the open highway. Whether you have a lot of cargo to carry, a bunch of people to transport, a big trailer to pull or all of the above, the Excursion is ready for whatever you throw its way."
"Cruising along in a 2002 Ford Excursion gives you a secure feeling. It's smooth and quiet. "
"The Excursion is rock solid at 97 mph where a governor keeps you from going any faster."
"At high speeds, the Excursion is stable. Strong crosswinds and an 18-wheeler going in the opposite direction had little effect. "
Above quotes from this test:
http://www.autoblog.com/buy/2002-Ford-Excursion/expert-review/
