Which hitch for Excursion?

[kfrere]

It has been recommended to me that I choose between a Reese Deluxe Trunnion Style Weight Distribution Hitch and a Hensley Arrow. I've been doing some research, but was told by a dealer of the Reese that neither the Reese nor the Hensley can be used on my 2005 Ford Diesel Excursion. That I need to contact Ford for a recommendation. This comment surprises me.

I will be pulling a 31' Classic.

If you pull with an Excursion what do you use?

thank you!

kfrere
knoxville, TN

[DEITZ645]

As long as the vehicle has the correct class receiver, I would not understand why you could not use any hitch you wanted to. I am a GM man and have no experience with the Fords.

If you can spare the bucks go with the Hensley.

If you want to save some bucks, look at the Equal-i-zer hitch. I had a Reese hitch with a Reese friction sway control on an SOB and did not like it. When we got the Airstream we went to the the Equal-i-zer and I love it. It is easy to hook up and disconnect and works great.

I am sure others will chime in on the issue too.

[Sean Woodruff]

Originally Posted by kfrere

It has been recommended to me that I choose between a Reese Deluxe Trunnion Style Weight Distribution Hitch and a Hensley Arrow. I've been doing some research, but was told by a dealer of the Reese that neither the Reese nor the Hensley can be used on my 2005 Ford Diesel Excursion. That I need to contact Ford for a recommendation. This comment surprises me.

I will be pulling a 31' Classic.

If you pull with an Excursion what do you use?

thank you!

kfrere
knoxville, TN

I was the vice president of the orange company for 10 years and never heard THAT one before. It will work GREAT with that combo. Of course, it isn't the hitch I would recommend anymore...

[overlander63]

About the only reason I could think of not to recommend the Orange Hitch would be if the Excursion had Air Ride, and Auto Leveling.

[Sean Woodruff]

Originally Posted by overlander63

About the only reason I could think of not to recommend the Orange Hitch would be if the Excursion had Air Ride, and Auto Leveling.

It can still be used. The only reason I can think of is that there is a black hitch that offers upgrades and equivalent performance for less money.

[slowmover]

There is some pretty good info on setting up the Excursion on RV.Net : RV.Net - The Leading RV Community, Club, RV Travel and Information Source for Recreational Vehicle Camping (azflycaster[?]) in re the suspension, etc; things related to making that TV a better one.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by kfrere

pull with an Excursion what do you use?...

hi kfrere...

as i recall, bambi's bandit here is towing with an excursion AND a haha...

at least until the 2008 superduty is ready!

he made several suspension mods to the ex' but unrelated to the hitch.

search his posts or pm him...

and u can read about the orange blob from users here...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ide-26279.html

even with auto leveling or airbags the haha will work...

since the w/d is totally independent of sway control, it can be dialed way back as needed.

the ONLY situation i can imagine, where the haha wouldn't work with an excursion is...

IF the ex' has been LIFTED higher than available drop bars that fit either the haha OR the propride...

cheers
2air'

[Bambi_Bandit]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

hi kfrere...

as i recall, bambi's bandit here is towing with an excursion AND a haha...

at least until the 2008 superduty is ready!

he made several suspension mods to the ex' but unrelated to the hitch.

search his posts or pm him...

and u can read about the orange blob from users here...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ide-26279.html

even with auto leveling or airbags the haha will work...

since the w/d is totally independent of sway control, it can be dialed way back as needed.

the ONLY situation i can imagine, where the haha wouldn't work with an excursion is...

IF the ex' has been LIFTED higher than available drop bars that fit either the haha OR the propride...

cheers
2air'

Hi kfrere,

2Air is correct, I have a 2005 Excursion 4x4 as well, and have used both an Equal-i-zer and Hensley.

I will say that the Hensley, by design, is far superior to the Equal-i-zer. The only drawback to the Excursion is the softer springs that Ford puts in, as compared to a F250 pickup. Its softer and therefore weight distribution is really important or you will be white knuckling it coming down a mountain pass at highways speeds with a light steering feel. The Equalizer never could get dialed in perfectly, probably because of the Excursion's huge 44 Gallon diesel tank. Full with diesel both the truck and trailer would act differently than with 1/2 tank.

I overcame the above with rear Airbags (set at 15 psi at all times) E rated tires @ 65 psi, aftermarket shocks (Rancho) and a Hensley. Perfect setup for me.

Also be aware that the rear sway bar is optional on 2005 Excursion unless you get the 4x4 trailer tow group, which will include Power heated manual telescoping mirrors and rear stabilizer bar. This makes a huge difference as well. If you don't have one, you can get a nice (31mm I think) from Hellwig, or take one off at a junkyard, or order a new one from Ford. If you do order one or take one from a junkyard, get one from an F250 or F350, as the stock one used on the Excursion was much smaller in diameter and less effective than the larger diameter ones. Hellwig is a nice good diameter product superior than the factory.

Here's a list of the mods I did on the Excursion:

• Upgraded to slotted & cryogenic tempered rotors with high performance friction pads: Applied Rotor Technology & Performance Friction
• Hellwig Sway Bar Hellwig Products
• Blind spot Mirrors (These are great!) BNH Products C-Betr Blind Spot Towing Mirrors for F250-550
• Ride-Rite Air Bags: RIDE-RITE™ Air Helper Spring Information
• Headlight Harness upgrade (more voltage = brigher light) Upgraded Headlight Harness for 05 up Ford With 9008 Bulbs
• Pressure Pro Tire monitoring: PressurePro, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
• Wilson Cell Phone booster: Cell Phone Antennas and Cell Phone Boosters at Wilson Electronics
• Rancho Shocks and Steering Stabilizer: Rancho Ego Gear
• Wireless backup camera: Roadmaster USA - VR3 Back Up Camera System
• Sears Die-Hard AGM (Automotive) Batteries: Sears
• Garmin GPS hard mounted to dash: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=6389

Going back to your original question, yes you can use the Hensley with the Excursion. You don't need to go as far as I did, but just make sure you have the Excursion set right, and most any hitch will work.

[TinLoaf]

My Excursion towed a 31 foot Keystone for many many miles with the Reese Dual Cams and the setup worked admirably. When I got the Airstream the seller included an Equal-i-zer and it works equally well. It makes a little more noise but is a little easier to hitch up. Either would work just fine. I doubt you need to spend the big bucks for the Hensley.

I don't have any modifications to the Excursion. And you can't beat 14 mpg.


Steve

[kfrere]

Wow! This is more information in a short time than I was able to find after hours surfing the net. Thank you! My Excursion does have the tow package because we bought it originally to tow a 25' boat, which it did nicely. Of course, that only weighed 5,000 - 6,000 pounds. We also have not lifted it in any way.

Next novice question: Is this Hensley hitch going to provide both weight distribution and anti-sway in the one device?

kfrere

[millcreek08]

kfrere

I also have a similar 2005 Excursion diesel and I agree with Keystone. I tow a 25' Classic ( about 2000 lbs less than the 31 I think) with the Reese Dual cam hitch with no problems. I did upgrade the shocks with high performance after market which likely stiffens the ride a little but otherwise stock. Although I haven't completed any mountain descents. this rigs hauls great! Good luck and happy trails!

[PWRSTRK]

Pull a 28' slide with our Ex diesel and use Hensley Arrow... love it and wouldn't use anything else.

Tom

[peegreen]

'03 Excursion with Reese DC. Once properly adjusted tows great. Installed Hellwig rear sway bar and ditched the junk stock shocks for Ranchos.

[Sean Woodruff]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

the ONLY situation i can imagine, where the haha wouldn't work with an excursion is...

IF the ex' has been LIFTED higher than available drop bars that fit either the haha OR the propride...

The ProPride 3P will have up to a 12" offset available within two weeks.

I will also have it available for the haha but the over-center-latches will have to be changed to a shorter latch due to the wedges being closer to the hitch bar tabs. This will also move the effective pivot point more forward for the haha like it is with the ProPride 3P.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by kfrere

Next novice question: Is this Hensley hitch going to provide both weight distribution and anti-sway in the one device?

kfrere

Yes, both Hensley and Pro-Pride have WD and anti-sway in a single assembly.

[kfrere]

I've been able to find some prices for the Reese, but not the Hensley or the ProPride. The people selling Hensleys seem to want me to call to get the price. I see the comments about the Hensley costing a lot more - what are we talking about exactly? Twice the cost as the others; three times the cost?

[Mikethefixit]

I tow a 27' Overlander with a F350 Crew/SW/7.3 liter Diesel . I have an older version of the Reese Dual Cam Straight Line. I use mostly two lanes roads when ever possible. With the hitch set up to balance the weight,between Steering,Drive,Trailer,I get no sway when meeting trucks of all configurations. I have also ran the Interstates with no sway problems. I have purposely drop the right wheels off the pavement and then back on without Sway.
I have seen the HAHA .not yet the Pro Pride which is the same configuration. While they are fine equipment I am sure .I have to stick with what works for me. Beside the several thousand dollar price tag is beyond my budget.
Follow what your budget can stand.
Roger

[85MH325]

Here is a thread you need to read thoroughly before buying a hitch for your Ex:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...ion-36898.html

Roger

[DesertStream]

We have a 2006 Excursion and use a Hensley. It works great!

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Sean Woodruff

The ProPride 3P will have up to a 12" offset available within two weeks.

I will also have it available for the haha...

wow great info sean...

AND cross compatible too, THAT's cool....

-so what happen to the lame excuse offered (by the orange guy) that the RECEIVER would fail...

with a longer drop?

and will ALL the stingers ship at 12 or is this a new/extra option for users?

i ask because IF you need a really short drop (like 2 inches) why carry the extra mass from a longer chuck of iron....

Originally Posted by kfrere

...Next novice question:...

no offense intended kf', and you've gotten some very useful replies....

kevin and roger and i have also provided some valuable links to review...

with LOTS of the basic and advanced info u might want...

there are also good threads here on the reese, equal-eye-zer, and draw'em-up-tight-2-pull-rite brands....

the haha owner's manual can be downloaded and reviewed for insights as well, it is IN the user's guide....

the haha folks regularly have pricing discounts, so direct contact is the best way to find today's price...

or you can find a lightly used orange thing at discount on d'bay...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...bay-32736.html

cheers
2air'