Gabagoul
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• Philadelphia, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 6/1/2008 |
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• 7 posts |
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 Posted:8/26/2008 07:07 |
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Hey Guys,
I was hoping to get a little insight and suggestions from you who have towing experience with the Excursion. I offered to a tow a buddies K5 Blazer from D.C. this weekend (will post pictures) and I've heard of some horror stories. I have plenty of experience towing with 7.3 and 6.0 F350 CC Duallies but not the Ex. The trip I've planned takes me mostly on single/double lane highways at about 45-55mph. My Ex is completely stock i.e. no sway bars on the rear, shocks or anything else. Any suggestions, warnings and/or insights would be appreciated.
Thanks |
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monsta
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• The Big Island, HI, USA |
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• Registered on 1/5/2002 |
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• 1,056 posts |
• 2
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Posted:8/27/2008 16:25 |
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You plan on using a weight distributing hitch? Or does the trailer have a pintle hitch?
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jrbauerjr
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• San Ramon, CA, USA |
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• Registered on 8/29/2008 |
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• 1 post |
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Posted:8/29/2008 18:57 |
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Funny you should ask, I just got done hauling a 20 foot enclosed trailer with about 5000 lbs total weight from SF Bay to LA to New Orleans to Daytona Beach up to Philly and back down the reverse route. Totally stock 2000 7.3 Expedition with 115K miles on it.
According to my Excel spreadsheet we covered 8585 miles, burned 760 gallons of diesel at a cost of $3450 and averaged 11.3 MPG on this 6 week trip. The trailer was off the vehicle for only about 200 miles and I kept the speed between 60 and 70 the entire trip and got 80MPG coasting down Grapevine Hill.
I don't think you will need to do anything other then hook up the trailer, move the truck around till you've got the tounge weight to 10 percent of the total load and haul it of.....
Jim Bauer |
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Gabagoul
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• Philadelphia, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 6/1/2008 |
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• 7 posts |
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Posted:9/20/2008 07:31 |
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Thanks guys for your reply. We're going to try again to bring it up this Sunday 9-21-08. Jim that is really good MPG's. Monsta I don't have a WD or pintle hitch on this setup. Do you think I need one? I do use a WD hitch for the shops toy hauler about 14k lbs loaded, but I didn't think I'd need one for this run. I'll be leaving about 5am to get this done so I can hang out with my family so I'll check back more often. Thanks for your help guys. I will post pics  as soon as I get back. |
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LANDYOT
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• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
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• Newport News, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 1,110 posts |
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Posted:9/20/2008 09:19 |
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The only time I DON'T use a W-D hitch when pulling my 18' flatbed car trailer is when it's empty. The springs on the X are on the soft side, so a W-D hitch makes a world of difference. |
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Gabagoul
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• Philadelphia, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 6/1/2008 |
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• 7 posts |
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 Posted:9/21/2008 13:32 |
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Well guys I got back a hour ago, and everything went well. I do understand what everyone is talking about with the springs being SOFT, I'll have to address that before my wife starts riding horses again. Some pics are posted  so have a gander. Thanks for all your suggestions and insight. Love this site  |
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LANDYOT
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• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
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• Newport News, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 1,110 posts |
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Posted:9/21/2008 17:42 |
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A U-Haul trailer? Well, with one of those, you couldn't have used a W-D hitch if you wanted to. I bet that surge brake was pulling at you on most good size bumps. |
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Gabagoul
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• Philadelphia, PA, USA |
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• Registered on 6/1/2008 |
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• 7 posts |
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Posted:9/21/2008 18:55 |
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Well it was the darndest thing. My buddy made all the arrangments and like you I was beside myself when he told me. Trailer tugged abit going over the bumps but this run had to be done today or else the K5 was getting donated so I/we had to "adapt and overcome." Still can't believe the trailer took it. You should have seen peoples faces  |
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