Looking to upgrade tow rig

[evilnss]

Hey there everyone,

Im looking to get rid of a few vehicles and go back to one. I currently have a 03 Cobra vert, that has been built with a 302 stroker, ported heads and so on. I also have a 02 Exploder.

Im looking to sell the mustang and trade in the explorer for an excursion.

My Main use of this is for the following.

Commuting to work, but I get HOV so I am able to keep a pretty good pace. It is about 25 mile to work each way.

On the weekends I like going to the lake and I tow my 21Ft Bayliner. which is about 80 miles, but it all up and down hills and backroads. I do this now with my v6 explorer, and it is constantly on the gas to get up hills and such. and the weight of the bayliner and trailer pushes the exploder around. Ive been using my fathers escalade to pull it around for the time being and it does the job fine.

I also DJ on the weekends so i have a 10ft. enclosed trailer with all my equipment in. with the added room of the excursion, i probably could fit what i need in that for certain gigs.

Other than those biggies, my girlfriend and I travel from VA to jersey to see her folks a few times a year, and its a good 5 hour drive (that i sleep 4.5 hours through). But with the room of the excursion, it would be plenty of comfy for long hauls.

Another thing was the excursion has plenty of room in the back so we could "camp" out in it overnight at the lake at the marina.

So this SUV would become my Daily Driver.

Bad idea to go with an excursion (its a 6.0l diesel btw). all my past vehicles have always been gas, so this would be my first diesel.

I tossed around the idea of getting an expedition, but have a shot at getting the excursion and ive always wanted one of these monsters!

John

 

[hoytvectrix]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

The 6.0L powerstroke isn't very reliable. There are many issues that plague that engine. If I was you I would try to find one with the 7.3L powerstroke. It will be a little older but a lot more powerful and reliable. BUT, I don't know if ford made an excursion with the 7.3 in it (I'm not a big fan of ford, but they are better than dodge). You might want to check that out. Overall you will like the diesel more than a gas engine because the increase in fuel economy and power.

 

[evilnss]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

The one i was looking at was a 2004, and has been in and out of the shop for warrenty work since it was purchased pretty much every month (literally)

I found this one that im now looking at.
http://www.woodyardauto.com/autopix/2010/F021202/F021202.html

anyone have any thoughts, comments, concerns? What is considered "high" mileage for a diesel?

 

[md-lucky]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

I think they would make an excellent tow rig..

But there is a lot more to diesel than just "running a different fuel." Everything is more expensive, and you should really factor that into your decision when purchasing a diesel.

The oil changes are going to be about 3-4 times as expensive. I think you can get a gas engine oil change for around $30-40, where a diesel is usually around $80-90. You also have fuel filters that you need to change more often. If you built the cobra, obviously not an issue.. But just be aware that they have more "needs."

Tires are going to hurt, too. You need to make sure you are getting a load rated tire for what you will be doing with the truck. I think I dropped about $300 per tire the last time I needed a set.

The biggest issue with the Excursions from that vintage was the automatic transmissions. If someone towed with it, at all, and didn't watch the transmission temp.. They damaged it. An auxilary cooler is a must. A trans temp gauge is a must. Probably the only "weak link" with a truck like that.


Now that I've tried to talk you out of your first diesel... Let me tell you my opinion on Diesel vehicles. I will never, unless I am FORCED to do so, own a gasoline powered vehicle in my life. I've made a dyno proven 1000+ ftlbs of torque at the rear wheels. Right now I'm commuting 86 miles each way, and I'm averaging 21.6mpg hand calculated. I have 136k miles on the truck, and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to jump in it and drive across the country tomorrow. Once you've owned a good, reliable, powerful diesel truck... You just can't go back to the gasoline crowd.

I would recommend joining a diesel forum if you are serious about the purchase. There are several out there, and just like iboats, they offer a wealth of information that is worth listening to.

 

[Sunking22]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

I agree with mdlucky, the deisel is definately the way to go for anyone who will be towing on a regular basis. Secondly don't be afriad of the mileage on that 7.3 Excursion your looking at. My everyday is 2000 F250 Superduty with the 7.3 that has 186k on it and I have every intention of getting 300k out of it. I bought it like 3 years ago and it had 129k miles. Yes the oil changes will cost a bit more cuz your putting 15 quarts of oil in as opposed to 5, but if you do your own changes its not that expensive - I use Motorcraft oil and filters and I don't spend more than $60. I run 285/75/16's , 8 ply 45k mi rated tires on my truck ever since I've owned it and they cost me about $160 a tire. I tow our 26' camper and boat hundreds of miles over the course of a year and they do fine. Anyway, in my experience I haven't found the diesel to be more needy than the gasser I used to own. You may end up paying a bit more for the things we've spoken of already but the payoff you get in towing performance, better towing gas mileage, longevity and durablilty of the vehicle far outway them....imho.

 

[Yellow Yota]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

7.3 was available in Excursions until 2002. Just like the Superduty trucks.

The 6.0 replaced it in 2003. It can be a reliable motor, but you have certain things to address to make sure of it. Especially if you intend to add more fuel.

I'm also in the market for a PSD Excursion, but am holding out for the right one. Hard to find. I currently have a '98 12 valve Dodge CTD, and love it. Just don't have enough room in it anymore. If I was a smart man, I'd pull my motor and new full billit ATS transmission and swap them into a V10 Excursion, because they can be had pretty cheap.

 

[evilnss]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

Those are some great responses!

Here are the two im looking at!

2004 Excursion -
http://shannon-auto-sales.ebizautos...cursion-eddie_bauer_edition-used-5743620.html

2002 Excursion -
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ctd/1839368343.html

The 2004 has been in and out of the shop for alot of maintence and such. and a few major repairs. BUT it looks like the owner bought an extended warrenty, and has had the dealer do all the work on it vs some joe smoe.

Here is the carfax on the 2004:
04/05/2004 NICB Vehicle manufactured
and shipped to original dealer

04/17/2004 2 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com Pre-delivery inspection completed

11/09/2004 Doug Henry Buick Pontiac GMC
Goldsboro, NC
919-736-3401
Doug Henry Goldsboro, Smithfield | New Buick, GMC, Pontiac dealership in Goldsboro, NC 27530
ww.DougHenryGoldsbo
ro.com Vehicle serviced

05/11/2005 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com State safety inspection completed

05/11/2005 North Carolina
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Pikeville, NC First owner reported
Registered as
personal vehicle

05/11/2005 168 North Carolina
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Pikeville, NC
Title #772779051339018 Odometer reading reported

06/27/2005 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
Parts ordered

08/08/2005 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com Transmission overhauled
Automatic transmission fluid flushed
Automatic transmission replaced
Transmission shift solenoids replaced
Transmission checked
Automatic transmission checked
Rear door trim panel replaced
Door lock actuator replaced
Body computer/module checked
Drivability/performance checked
Body electrical system checked

11/11/2005 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com Ignition key reprogrammed

12/12/2005 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com Rear door trim panel replaced
Body electrical system checked
Body computer/module checked

03/22/2006 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com Body computer/module checked
Body electrical system checked
A/C and heating control assembly replaced

05/10/2006 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com State safety inspection completed

06/13/2006 North Carolina
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Pikeville, NC
Title #772779051339018 Registration issued or renewed
Passed safety inspection

06/19/2006 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com Body computer/module checked
Fuses replaced
Body electrical system checked
Parts ordered

07/18/2006 North Carolina
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving right front impact
with another motor vehicle
Minor/Moderate damage reported

03/31/2007 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com Fuel level sending unit replaced
State safety inspection completed
Fuel tank level sender checked
Fuel tank replaced

06/08/2007 North Carolina
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Pikeville, NC
Title #772779051339018 Registration issued or renewed
Passed safety inspection

08/28/2007 37,910 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com Maintenance inspection completed
Parts ordered

11/17/2007 42,671 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com Tires balanced
Maintenance inspection completed

03/20/2008 50,010 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com Maintenance inspection completed

06/03/2008 52,162 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com State safety inspection completed

06/07/2008 North Carolina
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Pikeville, NC
Title #772779051339018 Registration issued or renewed
Passed safety inspection

08/14/2008 55,264 Lee Motor Co
Wilson, NC
252-291-6000
www.leemotor.com Maintenance inspection completed
Body computer/module checked
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked

10/20/2008 56,924 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com Brakes checked
Tire condition and pressure checked
Maintenance inspection completed

12/05/2008 57,966 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com Vehicle serviced

04/28/2009 64,141 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com State safety inspection completed
Maintenance inspection completed
Battery/charging system checked
Brakes checked
Tire condition and pressure checked

06/12/2009 North Carolina
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Pikeville, NC
Title #772779051339018 Registration issued or renewed
Passed safety inspection

05/25/2010 76,994 Deacon Jones Lincoln Mercury Kia
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro Lincoln, Mercury, Ford Dealership | Greenville, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Fayetteville | Deacon Jones Ford Lincoln Mercury | North Carolina
ww.deaconjonesfordl
m.com State safety inspection completed

06/28/2010 78,075 Online Listing Vehicle offered for sale

 

[75TowerOfPower]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

Something else that I didn't see is yes the oil do cost more per change but the oil change itself can be from 7000 miles to 15000 depending on use and driving style. So if you go for the middle-ish ground at 10K that's 3 normal gas changes ($20) to the one diesel change ($60). I own a 2005 Dodge 2500 Cummins and wouldn't trade it for anything really. I DD it and get 21-22 with my 60 mile highway commute. I tow my lifted Cherokee around to wheeling places. You just can't replace the pure torque these monsters make.

I wish Dodge made a large SUV like the Excursion but with a Cummins motor.

 

[kyle f]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

From a Ford guy who loves the Super Dutys... stay away from the 6.0. 7.3 all the way.

Once you go diesel, you will understand. Nothing works they way a diesel does.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

6.0 powerjoke is junk and to be avoided, good luck with your downgrade.
A V8 Exploder or Expy would serve you better, heck maybe even a F150 Screw.

 

[cwhite6]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

I own a 2005 Ford Expy with the 5.4l and full towing package. It tows everything I have thrown at it like a champ including my 28' camper. My Dad has a F250 PSD with the 6.0 in it. His non towing and towing gas mileage blow my Expy away. We might get 20-21 mpg in the Expy around town. He gets 22+. We might get 10-12 mpg pulling our camper if we are lucky. He gets better than that pulling his 40' fifth wheeler without straining the motor. He has driven that truck all up and down the northeast coast and central US pulling his camper and he has had zero problems with it. He makes sure all the maintenance is done and keeps track of it. If I did not have a company truck (Expy is my wife's), I would own a truck just like his. The dang things run forever.

 

[hoytvectrix]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

I would go with the excursion with the 7.3 powerstroke. It is a tough and proven engine, stay away from the 6.0. If you really wanted a mean SUV, check out this place, http://dieselworksllc.com/page2/page2.html . Duramax powered 3/4 ton suburbans.

 

[badbowtie]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

Not sure if you are dead set on the ford but I would take a look at the silverado you could go four door and go duramax or if you don't want diesel go with the 6.0. I have a 05 with the 6.0 it will tow anything and has towed anything I have put behind it. They tow far better than fords 5.4 I have towed the same loads with both trucks and the 6.0 by far has more power.

 

[JimKW]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

Wow Ford vs. Chevy. Just like back in the 50's and 60's. I always chose Chevy unless you go back further than the 50's. On trucks though I think it has always been a toss up.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

6.0 Gasser>6.0 Diesel

A friend of mine was just looking at 02-04 F Series pick ups with the diesel and he said the 7.3's were bringing more money than newer model year trucks with the 6.0 PSD
Being a 300k mile 7.3 man himself he got another 7.3.

I think my next truck will be an Excursion too, I'll go gas tho, I tow next to nothing and really have no use for a diesel in a light truck. I'm almost anti them but like I said I do not tow.
These new high horsepower diesel tow heavy loads better than old medium duty trucks, wild.

 

[broark01]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

I woudn't write off the 6.0 especially if the previous owner has kept up on the factory service. I have actually talked to owners of 6.0 and for the most part it is a tough engine but as with all things they can have some problems. If it has an extended warranty it should be transferable.

BTW I have the 6.4 (stock) and love it but change the oil every 5k miles and have not had a problem with it. It will spin the rear wheels from start towing an 8k lb boat and trailer but you can watch the fuel gauge drop. The only problem with the Cummins is that it comes in an expensive shipping crate called a Dodge (Fiat).

 

[Sunking22]

Re: Looking to upgrade tow rig

The only problem with the Cummins is that it comes in an expensive shipping crate called a Dodge (Fiat).

I almost just spit coke all over my keyboard - too funny!