Anyone care to admit you are pulling 34' with an Expedition?

[Kistler]

I/we are a little tired of "roughing it " in 25'....think perhaps the four of us (see sig) would be happier in a longer tt.....but then again will we find that it is difficult to find campgrounds that accommodate 34' plus the tv????

There are several things about 25' that are difficult.....we have to move things....like litter box and doggy plastic container (dog is/was taught to go inside in a box w/liner) and want a dinette and a couch.

I/we cannot change tow vehicles. We must keep everything garaged here.

Any opinions? I don't want to buy a Hensley but is that the only problem?

[linc54]

Kistler,
We used to pull a 34' classic limited with a 2000 Yukon 4x4 short wheelbase 5.3L. It did a better than expected job, but it was not enough truck for the AS. Previously we had a 29' SOB, which it worked well with. We had a Hensley with the SOB, and still have it on the AS.

The difference in towing isn't that much different from a maneuverability standpoint. We also mostly use state parks, and don't have a problem finding sites.

If you want to try using the Expedition with a 34', you might consider a different brake controller (unless you are happy with the Prodigy). We had a Prodigy on the Yukon, and it never seemed to perform well - it was always either too aggressive or not aggressive enough. The brakes on the Yukon were always noticibly hot. Consider a MasterBrake or Jordan (we have a MasterBrake).

Mileage with the Yukon and AS was 8 - 11, depending on terrain and speed.

Now use a 2003 Excursion 4x4 6.0 L diesel. Excellent tow vehicle, plenty of power and tow capability. Mileage ranges from 11 - 14.

Good Luck!

[dtingler]

When we originally bought our 2003 Expedition we thought the towing package with 8900# towing capacity would tow just about anything we would ever want to tow. We had just about closed a deal on a Classic 30 when we learned that our wheel base was not long enough for that size trailer. We really like the Expedition but, the only smaller Airstream we know about that will sleep six is the 25C and there are not many of those on the used market.

We would be interested in hearing what you decide. We had expected to have a new Airstream in the family by now.

David & Erin

[ke4pk]

WE TOW A 1988 32' EXCELLA WITH A 1999 CHEVROLET Z-71 4-WD, AND THE 5.3 L ENGINE.

GROSS WT. AT THE CAT SCALES IS ALMOST 13,000 #,AND WE GET 11/12 MPG DRIVING 65/70 MPH AND SEEMS TO HAVE PLENTY OF POWER. THE CAT SCALES SHOWED A WEIGHT DIFFERENTIAL ON MY TOW VEHICLE AXLES OF ONLY 40 #....LOVE IT! WE TOW WITH EMPTY HOLDING TANKS AND 1/4 FULL FRESH WATER.

WE HAVE BEEN UP AND DOWN THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY, TO OKLAHOMA AND TO D.C. THREE TIMES, NOT TO MENTION ALL OVER THE SOUTHEAST, USUALLY TO BILOXI, MS., AN 800 MILE ROUND TRIP, ONCE A MONTH AND MULTIPLES OF TRIPS TO ST. AUGUSTINE, FL. AND ONE TO KEY WEST.

SEE PHOTOS

[85MH325]

Originally posted by Kistler
I/we are a little tired of "roughing it " in 25'....think perhaps the four of us (see sig) would be happier in a longer tt.....but then again will we find that it is difficult to find campgrounds that accommodate 34' plus the tv????

Any opinions? I don't want to buy a Hensley but is that the only problem?

Kistler,

As you know, we have a 34' Classic that we pull with an Excursion. While I've never tried to tow it with anything smaller, I can tell you that I don't think I'd want to try it. From the perspectives of wheel base, tow vehicle weight, and power, I think you'd be disappointed in the ability of the Expedition. My 34' weighs 7300lbs dry with a GVWR of 8900lbs (or thereabouts). It's a lot of trailer for my Excursion's wheelbase, and my Excursion is substantially longer than the Expedition.

Good luck with your decision. If you're going to try this, I think that the Hensley is a must, and that you have the best and most responsive brake controller you can find.

Roger

[dscluchfc]

I have a 1984-31' Excella that I tow with a Yukon 2dr. 4x4, which is a way short wheelbase. I have the Reese Dual Cam/Anti-sway setup. The Yukon has a 350 cu inch TBI and adequate power in flatland conditions(60-65 mph at 7-8 mpg), but it is anemic in the hills....2nd gear 42 mph, and grinding it out.
The thought of climbing out of the hole from Santa Rosa to Clines Corners on I-40 at 42 mph with the 18 wheelers whipping by me at 85 is something that scares me to death, so I have NOT done hills with this setup.
I am currently searching for a Duramax or Powerstroke to improve the situation.

[dscluchfc]

Forgot the pic...and it wouldn't let me add it into the previous post....

[Cracker]

Reading all of the comments about tow vehicles is making me feel better about my longbed, crew-cab dually! Overall, I'm 53' long. I've had my concerns about getting into campgrounds but my most pressing concern has been the stiff rear-end suspension of the dually. I've even considered "dead-weight" towing using an "air-ride" type hitch. Right now my plan is to not make any changes until after I do more towing with the present equalizer set-up and Prodigy. The dually was originally intended for towing a 5th-wheel - but I saw the light!!!

[DreamStream]

For about five years, we pulled our 30' SOB with a Ford F150 short bed step-side pick-up with a standard V6. The SOB weighed close to 8,000 lbs ready to go down the highway. The only thing that made this feasible IMHO is the Hensley Arrow hitch. Without the HA, we simply did not have enough weight or wheelbase to handle that much trailer. I would think the Expedition would handle quite similar to the short wheelbase F150. Since I only had the standard V6, I limited my top speed to somewhere between 50 and 55 mph which probably helped also. If you don't want to buy a HA (for which I can't blame you, always hated mine), I would highly reccomend an upgrade in the TV.

[George Jr.]

Linc54,

Have they discontinued the Excursion? How do you like the 6.0 and Excursion combination?

Thanks,

[Dwight]

I have always towed the 34' trailers that we have owned with crew-cab dually's. I have liked the extra set of tires on the back axle for stability and weight. I also have used the Hensley hitch and wouldn't pull without it.

[Porky Pig]

Originally posted by George Jr.
Have they discontinued the Excursion?

Ford announced on January 12, 2004 that the Excursion will stay in the lineup "at least through the 2005 model year and perhaps beyond."

"We'll see after that," Ford Division President Steve Lyons says. "We could go a little longer if we want because it's selling, and we make money selling it. It's pretty simple."

I think it all depends when the stretched Expedition will be ready for market. The guess is 2006 or 2007.

[George Jr.]

I have towed my 1988 34' with a 1999 Suburban 350 with 3:48 gears.....it towed...but didn't like it. I think you need to move up in power and size.

Porky, if you were going for used Excursion, would you look for 6.0 psd or 7.3psd?

Thanks,

[Porky Pig]

Because the early 6.0 PSDs had their fair share of problems ... I would look for a used '04 ... not an '03. I would want the 6 liter model because of the TorqShift transmission .. the tow/haul feature is awesome.

The 7.3 is a very good engine .. but I have heard the transmission is not the most reliable. I have no experience with either .. this is only what I have read at TheDieselStop Forum.

I was going to go with the Ex .. but RoadKingMoe talked me into getting the F-350. I'm glad I listened to him.

With the greater weight capacity I can carry more ... and I spent less money.

[Tinsel Loaf]

My Neighbor bought a new ford F350 6.0 with the torqshift locking transmission and the tranny has gone out three times in less than a year. Warranty replace the transmission completely but the second one went down also. Makes you wonder if the new trannies from Ford are up to it, but this is only one case. Porky you have one, how is it doing?

[Porky Pig]

Mine is fine. I love it .. but I only have 3,500 miles on the truck.

I'm amazed at your neighbor's problem. Not a squeek from anyone at The DieselStop about replacing the TorqShift.

Is he towing with it?

[Tinsel Loaf]

He tows your standard work trailer full of tools everyday. Not that heavy a trailer but he has a lead foot which does not help. Wounder how much a lead foot weights. I know they cost alot.
I could not get the ATS Diesel tranny lock to work on my Ford. The guys at ATS have been trying to figure it out for months now with no luck. The Pacbrake is the only thing that saves me.

[dmreilly10000]

Hey, check out this classic airstreamforums thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forum...dodge+intrepid