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Old 03-24-2008, 08:33 PM   #1
Alisons Alley
 
1976 31' Excella 500
Pleasantville , New York
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Question Excella 500 Newcomer-seeking hitch ADVICE!

Hello to Airstreamers of America! Another HappyWanderer here in Pleasantville New York--but more likely found in New Hanpshire--the LIVE FREE OR DIE state! Now, this site seems like a wealth of information, please advise!
I just got a 31 foot 1976 Excella 500. We have a new Ford F150 with 5.4L and tow package with 3.73 limited slip with 7200 lb payload capacity--IS THIS GOING TO WORK?? --better question,HOW CAN I MAKE THIS WORK?. the trailer is listed at 5600 lbs.
Anyone got any advice for a newbie? Thank you!!
Alison
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Old 03-24-2008, 08:37 PM   #2
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Old 03-24-2008, 09:08 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alisonsalley
Hello to Airstreamers of America! Another HappyWanderer here in Pleasantville New York--but more likely found in New Hanpshire--the LIVE FREE OR DIE state! Now, this site seems like a wealth of information, please advise!
I just got a 31 foot 1976 Excella 500. We have a new Ford F150 with 5.4L and tow package with 3.73 limited slip with 7200 lb payload capacity--IS THIS GOING TO WORK?? --better question,HOW CAN I MAKE THIS WORK?. the trailer is listed at 5600 lbs.
Anyone got any advice for a newbie? Thank you!!
Alison
Two things you can do.

1. Get a good load equalizing hitch, with a "sway" control. that has a brain, like a Reese dual cam.

2. Put a good transmission oil cooler on the truck. However, do not place it forward of the radiator, as that heat goes into the radiator.

The idea is to cool the transmission oil, "AND" keep as much heat out of the radiator that you can.

Mounting the oil cooler below the bumper and at an angle, works great, and the heat goes underneath the engine.

Andy
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Old 03-25-2008, 04:47 AM   #4
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1984 31' Excella
Broken Arrow , Oklahoma
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Transmisson Cooler

I built one out of a 11''X10" Aluminum stacked plate cooler (oil), boxed it in to protect it from gravel etc, mounted underneath and it has its own fan. I turn it on when I tow and off at each stop.
No problems so far.
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Old 03-25-2008, 07:47 AM   #5
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1975 31' Excella 500
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I have a '75 Excella and I use an F-250 to tow. I've taken it from Idaho to Mexico and had no trouble climbing any hills. I do recommend an anti-sway bar and load levellers - then you won't even know it's back there... Your F-150 may be a bit lightweight so take it easy on the transmission and don't lug it down. Happy 'Streaming!
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Old 03-25-2008, 08:53 AM   #6
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You might even find a used Reese sway bar type setup on EBAY. It will make a big difference. The trailer may already have parts for it on the tongue.
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