Pleasure-Way Excel TS - towing question

[rlb8s]

We're looking at downsizing from a class C to a class B. I'm finding a few PW Excels that look like they would suit our needs. I will be towing a boat and would like to hear from those who have this or similar models on the Ford E-350 V8. How does it tow, and do you wish you would have gone w/ the V-10 or the chevy?

Some background.
I had a truck camper that I absolutely loved. My wife didn't care for it since it was no different then traveling in a truck. So we sold the TC and bought a Class C which we both really like. She especially enjoys traveling in it. But we find that the majority of time it is just me using it on fishing trips and I don't need all the space the class C offers during those trips. So we are going to go w/ a class B which will give her the comfort while traveling while still providing me w/ the space needed to camp during fishing trips. So far I like the PW Excel and the RT 210. I am not opposed to the PW Lexor or RT 190, but would prefer the largest bed possible for when we all go together. I would appreciate hearing comments about those models as well. Thank you. Richard

[rlb8s]

No issues towing w/ the Lexor. So far I really like the setup. I towed from VA to FL and back.

[NMace]

Congratulations! Happy trails.

[rlb8s]

Decision made. I traded my class C on a left over new 2013 PW Lexor today. This thing is sweet!

[rlb8s]

Thanks retraite. Excellent points. I think we are down to the PW Lexor or the RT 190 which are both on a chevy platform -largely for the towing characteristics you keyed in on.

[retraite]

One of the subtle, but big, differences of towing with a PW Excel or a PW Lexor (or any manufacturer's equivalent base units) is the wheelbase.

The key dimension, with respect to towing, is the distance from the C/L of the rear axle to the C/L of the "ball" on your receiver. When the wheelbase is shorter, all else being equal, the distance from the rear axle to the ball is greater. The greater that distance, the less tongue weight, usually, you can handle, and the "squirrelyer" (IMHO) the trailer behind you.

The difference between the Ford and The Chevrolet, IIRC, is about 15 inches. That may not seem like a lot, but IMHO it does matter.

We do usually tow (>90% of our miles), so we chose a Chevrolet based unit for the dimension discussed above, as well as some other reasons.

But, folks do tow with Fords, Chevrolets, Dodges, Sprinters, and others all the time.

Cheers.

[LadyRVer]

ernie1... you are right... I stand corrected. Senior moment. My PW was an E350, I had a 2008 Winnebago Aspect 26A which was the E450.

[rlb8s]

Islandman wrote:
We had a PW Excel TD on the Dodge chassis, a nice unit and perfect for traveling. Good gas mileage and comfortable to drive. But we found that it was a little crowded after you were in camp, especially if the weather kept you inside, so we purchased a 23 ft. Class C. We're enjoying the more space, ease of setting up the bed, larger kitchen, and especially the bathroom. Funny how an extra 3-4 ft. gives you a much better setup. You should be careful towing anything much over a couple thousand pounds as the transmission may not be ready for the load. I'd check with other users having the Ford chassis to see how they like it. PW quality is excellent and factory customer support is great!

Our current class C is 26 ft. In addition to the van style class B, we are also looking at the born free built for two. It is the same size as the PW Excel but the layout and style makes it more roomier. Not sure which we'll end up going with.

[ernie1]

My 2005 PW Excel is built on a E350 chassis not a E450. The Excels were not ever built on the E450 chassis. Anyhow my PW has a Triton V10 engine and comes with the 5 speed transmission with a tow/haul feature, has power to burn and averages 13-14mpg at freeway speeds. Translated, it is more stout than the 4 spd trans that comes with the v8 equipped Ford Excels. It is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs whereas the 4 spd is rated to tow 3,000lbs. I personally do not tow anything but appreciate the extra stoutness of this setup.

[mkguitar]

I have a 2006 PW Lexor TD ( sleeps lengthways). Bought it a few months ago after much shopping.

on 2005 Chev chassis.

it has the 6 liter w 4 spd tranny.

the drivetrain is well matched to the van- transmission braking on long descents works well to save brakes, 3rd will hold to about 55, 2nd will hold to about 45 on 6% grades.

65 MPH is the sweet spot...MPG is averaging about 16 ( 10% ethanol) 75 MPH is a little loose on the road.

towing capacity is 5000 pounds with 500 tongue weight.


More than a few Ford owners have complained about the v10 MPG....the GM was a better choice for me as I have GM's so everything under the hood and on teh chassis is familiar to me.


the PW has been a real pleasure- layout and built quality

there are a number of trade offs always with these but for our wants/needs, this is working out well.

The excel ( and 210) are widebodies- it looked to me like the extra space was dedicated more to the head than living space.
I prefer narrower for dirt roads and parking.
I assume that the Lexor using the chev van structure ( with cap) will be more rigid ( I have a neighbor with an excel and he has rust up where the fiberglass and steel join).
the TD sleeps lengthways, longer on the driver's side- I am about 6'2", she is 5'9" this works for us.
set up with 2 benchs in the back, so far we are just leaving the bed made up.

the PW I find less claustro that the RT vers or pop as it only has the 2 swivel seats up front.
we like that the galley looks through the side door...crank out the awning.
It's nice.

the genny sounds like a lawnmower...so I don;t think we'll be running much AC at bedtime.
always compromises to be considered

mike

[charles]

I've had 3 Pleasure-way Excels, two V-8's and one V-10. My current V-8 has a 3,500 Lb. towing capacity, the V-10 has a 5,000# towing capacity. We towed a 4,100# Jeep Liberty with the V-10 to and from Florida with no problems at all. The V-8 has the 4-speed transmission and the V-10 has a 5-Speed. If your boat and trailer are within the above weight categories you will be okay but keep in mind your tongue weight is part of your allowable Gross Combined Weight Rating. In conclusion, all of my Excel's were pretty much trouble free, it's a shame that Pleasure-way no longer has a wide body Class B as the extra width makes a huge difference in the interior space and comfort..

Nick

[Islandman]

We had a PW Excel TD on the Dodge chassis, a nice unit and perfect for traveling. Good gas mileage and comfortable to drive. But we found that it was a little crowded after you were in camp, especially if the weather kept you inside, so we purchased a 23 ft. Class C. We're enjoying the more space, ease of setting up the bed, larger kitchen, and especially the bathroom. Funny how an extra 3-4 ft. gives you a much better setup. You should be careful towing anything much over a couple thousand pounds as the transmission may not be ready for the load. I'd check with other users having the Ford chassis to see how they like it. PW quality is excellent and factory customer support is great!

[LadyRVer]

Had a PW Excel TS, bought used, owned for about 3 years. Excellent "B."
I suspected the former owner towed something which required a 7-way plug and a brake controller. The receiver was rated for 10,000 lb.. and according to the weight info posted inside the PW, all things being equal, could have towed
over 5,000 lbs. easily. Ford E450. It had a power sofa in the rear which could be made into a queen bed with little effort.