I recently purchased a 2002 Excursion 2WD with the 6.8. I have a 26' travel trailer @ approx. 5200 lbs loaded weight. I was driving a new asphalt patch of highway in a light rain and the Ex started fishtailing at times in a crosswind.I have been researching forums and found this to be a typical problem.I have used two other vehicles to tow the same rig using the same brake controller and anti-sway hitch and trailer loaded the same way and never encountered this before. One was a 1999 F150 2WD and the other was a 2001 GMC 2500 pickup (not the HD).I am wondering if anyone here has any advice on mods to fix the problem.I am leaning toward installing F250 rear springs and Gas Magnum Monroe shocks. I have also read much about using the Hellwig 7643 sway bar kit and heavier shocks.A WD hitch is out of play as I can't really afford it right now plus it shouldn't be required if my suspension is up to the task.Any help is useful. Thanks.

So you can afford to put in new springs and shocks or a Helwig sway bar but can't afford a proper WD hitch? If you feel you need heavier springs and new shocks, then your suspension, as you say, isn't up to the task. There is no substitution for a proper hitch, and they aren't that expensive.

you should be spending your money on a good WDH, not springs and shocks.a 4pt Equal-i-zer WDH can be purchased for $432 with free shipping from RVW.

I agree with the other two, check your WD set up. I am towing a 36' TT Over 9000#. I am using a Blue OX swaypro.

I have never needed a WD hitch for this trailer before. I am curious why I would need one now other than the Ex has soft spring rates. I can get the parts through a local contact but he doesn't handle towing systems.I can look into a WD setup as well but the local guys were asking 650-800 bucks. The suspension mods would be around 300.

It looks like what I called sway control hitch is actually a weight distributing hitch. It came with the camper. I think it is a Robin.I thought the weight distribution went under the vehicle to take some of the load off of the bumper?

2WD Excursion fishtails | Good Sam Community

hawkeye-08
Explorer III
Jun 14, 2016
Glad it worked out, enjoy some camping now.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Jun 14, 2016
Good to hear! After i found out you had the wrong tires, I know of figured that would be the cure! Glad to know its towing as it should!

Have fun!
Misterk3
Explorer
Jun 14, 2016
Update! I finally took the improved rig out for a good long tow. 178 miles into the middle of nowhere Iowa. I put on new tires Load range E adjusted to 65 rear and 60 front, adjusted the roadmaster set up which had not been adjusted by the original installer, reset the WD hitch using a YouTube video from Curt and installed a new sway control friction brake. She is very solid now and predictable when crosswinds pick up. I had no problem in 30 mph gusts and it never even twitched when we hit the interstate and got passed by semis.

The better rated tires even improved the regular ride and handling immensely.

Thanks again for all your help. Without this solid advice I could have spent a ton of money on upgrades. As it worked out the investment was pretty minimal.
fla-gypsy
Explorer
May 10, 2016
jerem0621 wrote:
The tires are likely the problem. P rated tires on a 3/4 ton truck is asking for trouble.

Good move changing them.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

I agree, this and an improperly set up hitch are the issues. Suspension upgrades may help but only mask the actual cause.
BenK
Explorer
May 10, 2016
jerem0621 wrote:
The tires are likely the problem. P rated tires on a 3/4 ton truck is asking for trouble.

Good move changing them.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

That is actually illegal in countries who enforce their vehicle agency codes

Plus, if found out and about...they will boot or impound the vehicle till
it is fixed

If an accident (not from these under-class tires but from something
else), the authorities can and do fine/revoke licenses/jail/etc the
installing dealer. As they will check everything about the vehicles
involved

Sure wish our regulatory agencies do their job that well
jerem0621
Explorer II
May 10, 2016
The tires are likely the problem. P rated tires on a 3/4 ton truck is asking for trouble.

Good move changing them.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
Sport45
Explorer II
May 10, 2016
dodge guy wrote:
Misterk3 wrote:
Well thanks for all the great advice it has kept me digging. I found out my tires that were new before I bought the truck are only 4 ply. I already called my tire guy and I will upgrade to load range E tires. There is a set of Roadmaster assist springs on it from a previous owner. I am adding a friction control this weekend and my guy at the local rv place will weigh the tongue and trailer plus double check the wd setup. I am confident this will help.

So your saying someone put "P" tires on your X?!!!! As in P265/75/16!

It happens more often than you'd like to think.

And yet we get frustrated when legitimate tire dealers are hesitant to install anything other than what's on door sticker...
Misterk3
Explorer
May 10, 2016
That is what was on it when I bought it two months ago. It's not all lost. My tire guy is giving me credit for the take offs.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
May 09, 2016
Misterk3 wrote:
Well thanks for all the great advice it has kept me digging. I found out my tires that were new before I bought the truck are only 4 ply. I already called my tire guy and I will upgrade to load range E tires. There is a set of Roadmaster assist springs on it from a previous owner. I am adding a friction control this weekend and my guy at the local rv place will weigh the tongue and trailer plus double check the wd setup. I am confident this will help.

So your saying someone put "P" tires on your X?!!!! As in P265/75/16!
TUCQUALA
Explorer
May 09, 2016
If you want to check or adjust the Roadmasters (before they send the discs), a quarter is aboot right for the max setting and a dime is good for the lowest setting. Need to do the adj with the wheel or wheels off the ground.

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