Excella 500 Newcomer-seeking hitch ADVICE!

[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

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

I'm afaraid that your TV may be marginal, at best. Try it out, see what you think.

Brian

[Inland RV Center, In]

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

[Beginner]

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.
Beginner

[Alan Baade]

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!

[ALANSD]

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.