Towing with an Excursion 6.0

[HaulinBass02]

Tell me what your experiences are? I ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THE 6.0 diesel, so PLEASE do not proceed to tell me NOT to buy it. We have had it checked out, it's been meticulously maintained and been "bulletproofed" as a preventative measure rather than because it was needed.
I am interested in how WELL it tows, the transmission, general experiences with the Excursion in general.
I have been doing some research and believe that a spring swap MIGHT be in order as the factory springs are soft. Anything else to be concerned about before we take off on our first trip with the new tow rig?

[Redwoodcamper]

Just keep an eye on your gauges, keep clean oil and coolant in it. I'm the world's biggest 6.0 hater having spend hundreds of hrs under their hoods, but it sounds like you know what your getting into. Fairly reliable transmission. Keep up the maintenance and it should treat you well. They make power alot higher up in the Rpms range than many other diesels. Don't be afraid to let the Rpms climb.

[dodge_guy]

jesseannie wrote:
I thought that using air bags AND a weight distribution hitch was not advisable?
Good luck on your new rig I am envious.
Jesseannie

Nothing wrong with it. You just don't want to use them to help the WD hitch level out. I use them and they work perfect.

[jesseannie]

I thought that using air bags AND a weight distribution hitch was not advisable?
Good luck on your new rig I am envious.
Jesseannie

[Ivylog]

As long as it's a 05-07 and the difference in a F250 and F350 rear spring is an extra single spring on top of the multi leaf spring. This extra spring only hits it's stops when you put a heavy load on the back so it does not affect the ride as a daily driver.
Before buying add THIS to your must watch... http://powerstrokehelp.com/

[2003silverado]

One thing to keep in mind regarding airbags vs heavier springs...if you will be using this as a daily driver or a vacation vehicle without the camper at times, the airbags give you the option of a softer ride when not towing and less sag when towing. A heavier spring pack will be bumpier all the time.

[dodge_guy]

All sounds good. On the Springs, if you go with 250/350 springs airbags should not be necessary.

[HaulinBass02]

The ball joints are new, it also has a new trackbar in front with new bushings, new adjustable shocks. Given the tire size, I'm THINKING it has a spring swap in front at the least. Not quite sure about the rear yet, once I get it I will dig further into it. It does have a factory sway bar on the rear, so I will probably upgrade it to a larger one and replace the bushings. It drives solid so that is a plus.
I've been planning on a Reese Dual cam upgrade anyway with my current rig, I know that will help as well.
Is the airbag setup a necessity or do you feel if I had the f-250 or modified f-350 springs on it that they would suffice? Our TT hasn't been weighed but comes in somewhere near 8k but a larger TT is probably in the future too....

[dodge_guy]

They tow well, but do need a bit of help in the suspension dept. if it doesn't have a rear sway bar, that will be the first thing. Then a set of airbags. My X is still running the stock springs. I'm
towing a 35ft, 9200lb loaded TT with mine. Just got back from a 2 week 4K mile trip and it was a very relaxing drive. I'm running a Reese Dual Cam WD hitch which makes the drive pleasant.

Have the front suspension gone through, check the ball joints, front hub/bearings, front axle U-joints. Make sure the steering gear box has no play. Once you get the suspension in order it will tow perfect.