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06-21-2016, 06:35 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
1977 Argosy 24
Winston Salem
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 39
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My First Diesel - Excursion
So, I bought my 77' Argosy 24' back in August. I did not have a tow vehicle at the time. Borrowed my Dad's Dodge 1500 to go get it and drag it home from MI to NC.
Since used that truck on several trips while I saved up and researched what I wanted.
I finally bit the bullet yesterday and bought a 2001 2wd Ford Excursion 7.3 Diesel with 96,000 miles. Never had a Ford, never had a Diesel, but after doing my homework, I think that will do nicely!
Having it shipped from Texas. Can't wait for it to get here!!
Would like to here from any others who have pulled with a similar rig.
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06-21-2016, 08:01 PM
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#2
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3 Rivet Member
2003 25' Safari
Riverside
, California
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 234
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I hope you had someone in Texas do an inspection on it before the purchase.I see many abused diesels that are shipped to Cali for sale
__________________
2003 25' Safari
2005 Ram 2500 4x4
1994 Ram 2500 4x4
2015 Toyota Tacoma trd 4x4
2000 Jeep Wrangler 4x4
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06-21-2016, 10:04 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2002 30' Classic S/O
Garden Valley
, Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,631
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You have found a real jewel in the tow vehicle class. Keep it totally stock except to add a more open intake system like an Airaid. The automatic tranny is the only weak spot, so tranny flush every 20k or spend the money to upgrade to a Suncoast torque converter and tranny upgrade. Then you will be bullet proof. Regardless, you have a great tow rig.
__________________
2008 F-250 4X4 Lariat V-10
2002 Airstream Classic 30' w/SO #2074
2007 Kubota 900 RTV
1996 Ford Bronco
2007 Lincoln LT
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06-22-2016, 01:33 AM
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#4
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2 Rivet Member
1977 Argosy 24
Winston Salem
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 39
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Yes, I had it checked out before purchase. I feel it has really been babied it's whole life.
My plans are to keep it as stock as possible. I may do an intake eventually as you suggest but I have read bad things on tuners and whatnot. For now I will drive it as/is. Hopefully tranny will hold out. If not I'll upgrade when it fails.
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06-22-2016, 02:54 AM
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#5
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4 Rivet Member
1991 25' Excella
Stanfield
, Oregon
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 317
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With the heui fuel system a top shelf oil is very important. I'd recommend changing all fluids and starting over on the maintaince schedule. But you picked a great tv.
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06-22-2016, 06:29 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1966 26' Overlander
Woodstock
, Georgia
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,525
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a lucky find for you. I had a 2000 Exc V10, it was a terrific truck. Went "downsized" to a 06 Expedition 5.4 V8 its been fine so far too, but not as stout and comfortable.
I would suggest you tow with the overdrive turned off. If you are on a clear stretch of highway with steady speed you can always turn it back on for awhile, but it takes a load off the weak spot in the trans.
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06-22-2016, 11:19 AM
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#7
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2 Rivet Member
1977 Argosy 24
Winston Salem
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 39
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Here is a pic of her.
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06-22-2016, 11:34 AM
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#8
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4 Rivet Member
2003 31' Classic
Terra Alta
, West Virginia
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 274
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Have an 02 F250 with 7.3. It's a great machine and with common sense good maintenance it will serve for you years. Enjoy !!
Ps this is my 4th similar engine beginning with a 6.9 in the 80's
Dave
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06-22-2016, 11:53 AM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
2008 31' Classic
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Lenoir City
, Tennessee
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 264
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We have loved, loved, loved our Diesel Excursion. Pulls like a dream, gets great fuel mileage, is accessible from both sides and rear to reach gear, and has cargo space to spare. Take care of it and it will last forever. Ours is also white and even though it lives outside the finish is still great.
__________________
Kelly & Matt
WBCCI - #4335
2005 Diesel Excursion
2008 31' Custom Classic "Moonshine"
2016 Interstate "BugOut"
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06-22-2016, 12:07 PM
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#10
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2 Rivet Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Vermilion
, Ohio
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 38
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I towed my 29' airstream and my 30' avion with a 2001 4x4 V10 excursion. It's a great tow vehicle with the V10, probably even better with the diesel.
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06-22-2016, 02:01 PM
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#11
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1987 Avion 34W owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Good Ol'
, USA
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,090
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For your future oil changes: I have used Tractor Supply's Traveller 15W-40 for a long time in our 1995 PowerStroke with oil analysis reports to back up the claim..... It's a very good oil. Locally, the current regular price is $34.99 for a 5-gallon pail. Over Memorial Day weekend, they had it for $28.99.
Good oil, good price, and you are not financing anyone's race team and glossy advertising.
PaulnGina
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke
Blessed and highly favored
__________________
I this great country!!!!
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke
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06-22-2016, 03:03 PM
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#12
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2 Rivet Member
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Yorba Linda
, California
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 69
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Great buy. Looks new in your pic. You will love the power and torque. Don't panic your first time out. Your trailer really is still there!!
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06-22-2016, 03:20 PM
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#13
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3 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
belen
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 191
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7.3 PS the best! 6.0 PS POS! I had a 97 PS F250 and crossed the us 4 times in 98/99 pulling my 79 ambassador and avgd 18 to 20 mpg and that was with 4WD!
GREAT move YOU will love it! keep clean Rotella oil in it and it will treat you right!
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06-22-2016, 04:13 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
Princeton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
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Check to see if that has the fuel filter mounted on the drivers side frame rail under the driver. If so change the drain plug to the brass after market one, $15.00,. International sells the plugs and the filters. The steel plug will rust over time a give false water in fuel lights.
Mine was owned by a soccer mom and had low mileage. If you have a good mechanic have them check the variable disc in the turbo and clean it. Get a boost gauge, that will tell you if the turbo is sticking, and exhaust gas temperature gauge and drive against the EGT gauge. The EGT gauge requires drilling the exhaust manifold so have someone that knows what they are doing install it lest metal chips in the turbo.
If you notice the rear end is sloppy install a rear stabilizer. I installed a rear and upgraded the front stabilizer.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/77...-sway-bar.html
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles
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06-22-2016, 05:28 PM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member
1977 Argosy 24
Winston Salem
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 39
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Thanks for all the info guys! Sounds like maybe I picked a winner!
I will take care of her for sure. It was a big investment for me and I'm real picky
about maintaining my equipment.
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06-22-2016, 06:19 PM
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#16
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New Member
1970 18' Caravel
College Station
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 1
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Great tow rig. I put over 100K on my 2001 towing a 10.5 k rig all over the US. As mentioned the tranny can be a weak point. In order to make the shifts smooth Ford reduced the line pressure to allow for some slippage during shifting. This increases wear and fluid temp during heave towing. I installed a Gale Banks TransCommand kit which corrected the problem and I never had to go to a Performance transmission like Sun Coast. Also install a Transmission Temp Gauge. I used OD all the time unless I saw an increase in transmission fluid temp. Unless you have service records don't forget to replace differential, power steering and brake fluid. Google Gale Banks TransCommand for more information. Just my TCW. Bob Smits
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06-23-2016, 07:29 AM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2002 30' Classic S/O
Garden Valley
, Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,631
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You can help your automatic tyranny by having your tyranny guy install a Transgo Tugger shift kit. The kit replaces most of her plastic internal parts and also increases the shift pressures which cause tyranny failures. The Banks systems do not have a good reputation with the diesel heads on the Ford Truck Forum.
__________________
2008 F-250 4X4 Lariat V-10
2002 Airstream Classic 30' w/SO #2074
2007 Kubota 900 RTV
1996 Ford Bronco
2007 Lincoln LT
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06-23-2016, 08:14 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 811
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I have a 2000 Ex purchased new now with 234k miles.
I have had almost no trouble with the engine and transmission only cheap to fix oil and fuel leaks and cam sensors (fixed by Ford recall). I did have the fuel leak mentioned by Howie E. I just replaced the stock plug.
My trailer is 6300 pounds so the stock transmission does fine. I do replace the fluid at 50,000 miles and the interior filter at every 100k miles.
If your trailer is heavier, you might look at transmission upgrades.
Everything spun by the serpentine belt has been replaced except the a.c. and now it is leaking.
When you get your truck, look at the belt when the engine is running. If there is a wobble find it and fix it. One of the few times, my truck was unreliable was when the power steering pump blew up in an inconvenient place.
Mine is a 4x4 and I have done many front end repairs. I am on my 3rd set of ball joints, 3rd set of shocks, 2d set of hubs (use after market Warn rather than factory) 2d tie, rod, 2 sway bar, 2 bushings ect. 2 W.D. front ends are much simpler.
When you get your truck, drive it. If the front end bangs, it is probably the ball joints, if it wanders, it is bushings or tie rod.
I had to replace the stock brakes early on with slotted rotors and ceramic discs. The stock brakes warp and shudder after only a few thousand miles towing a trailer. Don't waste money on milling the stock rotors.
My truck goes up the same hill in 4rth overdrive at the same speed as it did new.
I wax it occasionally and the finish looks new despite being outside most of the time.
The interior still looks good but the drivers seat is saggy and give me a back ache after a days drive. My next project will be to have the seat rebuilt with firmer foam.
I am in my 70's and fully expect my truck to well outlive me.
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06-23-2016, 08:24 AM
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#19
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4 Rivet Member
1990 32' Excella
jonesboro
, Arkansas
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 257
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Don't know much about how powerstrokes except my fleet service guy says probably the best engine ever built for our type towing. He as 2 with over 300,000 on them. He also recommended the kit to eliminate the trans slip. He recommended Howes fuel treatment in every tank due to lack of needed additives in the fuel. I also use amsoil synthetic. Ghg it every 15000 mi. At 180,000 eng still like new. I have a duramax , diff engine but same basic maintenance. Enjoy.
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06-23-2016, 08:46 AM
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#20
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1987 Avion 34W owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Good Ol'
, USA
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,090
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Knowing that I would eventually be towing a 34' Avion, shortly after we bought our 1995 F250 PowerStroke in 2010 ( it only had 70K miles on it at the time, 118K now ), I added a 45K BTU transmission cooler that just happened to fit behind the front bumper openings. I would like to add 2 or 3 muffin fans to it to help dissipate heat in slow traffic. I added a drain plug to the tranny oil pan to make it very easy to change at least that much fluid on a regular basis (20-30k miles). A full flush/fill is done every 2nd service. Also added a magnetic in-line filter to the return line as another attempt to coax maximum life out of this tranny.
The truck has done well pulling the trailer in hilly areas. If I ever sense problems in the tranny I'll have it bullet-proofed, but it seems to do well as-is if you keep in mind the design parameters.
PaulnGina
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke
Blessed and highly favored
__________________
I this great country!!!!
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke
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