Ford Excursion opinions

jakeWI

jakeWI

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Wisconsin
So I was looking at a 2002 Ford Excursion xlt with a v10, auto, 4wd with about 138,000. I was just curious if you guys have ever towed with one or even daily drove one. How does it do while towing a jeep or a camper? Rough fuel economy? Any known problems?

I did some research, but I hate reading opinions from people that don't know a truck from a horse. So any input you guys can offer would be sweet.
 
I love the Excursion but the V-10 is a gas hog and they are too revvy for low end torque. I've driven a lot of super dutys and I'd rather have a 5.4 V-8 over the V-10 any day. Its not that its really a bad engine but the power and fuel economy just don't justify it at all. An Excursion with a 7.3 would be awesome! I'm not saying don't buy it but if you have other options I'd look around. If its really clean, a good price and the truck will suit your needs then there is nothing wrong with that. But like I said, 5.4 or 7.3 are the way to go if you can look around. Other then that those are great SUVs and I love them!
 
Thats the number one thing that I have read over the years on the ford V-10, "Its a gas hog." Even driving it unloaded its a gas hog. Over all its a great truck, just be prepared to dole out the monies for the gasolinez
 
Better off with a Diesel or V8 gasser for sure. Also, something that doesnt have FORD in the name. ha!
 
All these responses are why I wanted to ask. A bunch of the reviews I wrote, people were getting better mpg even up to 21. Then one review said he was getting 13 mpg I know some of that depends on how I would drive. A 7.3 would be awesome.
 
We had 3 Super Duties with the V10 at my last job. No major problems, but we averaged 8 mpg empty, 6 loaded. We never towed the trailer any long distances but it likely would've been bad mileage. Mind you, these were flat bed 4x4, crew cabs. But then an Excursion would be similar to a crew cab anyways.
 
Rev had one for a while, he wasn't happy with the mileage. Ford puts the V10 in their motorhome chassis, and I've heard it get about 2 mpg better than the 460 did. 8 mpg is still not great...

Like others have said, a 7.3 Exc. would be awesome.
 
lesslimited said:
Ford puts the V10 in their motorhome chassis, and I've heard it get about 2 mpg better than the 460 did.
Click to expand...

And I'd wonder how much of that is because of the new TorqueShift transmission replacing the good ol' C6.
 
ARB-XJ said:
7.3 would be your best call, but you would have to be crazy to get a 5.4....
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Why would that be crazy? How much are you guys towing? My buddies 5.4L will tow my XJ and trailer at 80mph, my 4.6L towed it 6 hours and back at a steady 65 mph. Maybe I'm missing something with the "need" for the larger engines?

I'm not arguing that the larger engines tow easier but why is it a necessity?
 
Why are you towing at 80? That's my question. It's not just you, a lot of people brag about being able to tow at 80 and it makes no sense. A 5-6000 lb truck is hard enough to stop or make evasive maneuvers with at 80, throw in another 6000lbs of trailer, and even with trailer brakes, I think you're tempting fate.
 
ARB-XJ said:
7.3 would be your best call, but you would have to be crazy to get a 5.4....
Click to expand...
What he said

Darky said:
Why are you towing at 80? That's my question. It's not just you, a lot of people brag about being able to tow at 80 and it makes no sense. A 5-6000 lb truck is hard enough to stop or make evasive maneuvers with at 80, throw in another 6000lbs of trailer, and even with trailer brakes, I think you're tempting fate.
Click to expand...

I beg to differ.. have you ever towed a properly setup loaded trailer at that speed thats got the correct brakes and not overloaded? it tows fine with my setup i put the cruise control on 75 and go...
 
5.4 is a dog. I'm not saying you need a bigger engine to go fast, hits the hills/mountains that i think about. Its nice to be able to maintain speed up a hill. The 5.4 is just doesnt have the power.
 
Just remember, the diesel ones run about twice what a gas one runs. My uncle had one with a 7.3 and it was a sweet rig!
 
I've always been a ford guy but the 5.4 and v10s are JUNK Id take a 5.8 351W over the 5.4 any day and Id take a 460 over the v10 as well.. Id take a 7.3 powerstroke over those any day and Id take a 6.0 right to the scrap yard
 
WAD357 said:
I've always been a ford guy but the 5.4 and v10s are JUNK Id take a 5.8 351W over the 5.4 any day and Id take a 460 over the v10 as well.. Id take a 7.3 powerstroke over those any day and Id take a 6.0 right to the scrap yard
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Couln't have said it better myself. I'd even go for a non-turbo 7.3L before the 5.4.
 
ARB-XJ said:
5.4 is a dog. I'm not saying you need a bigger engine to go fast, hits the hills/mountains that i think about. Its nice to be able to maintain speed up a hill. The 5.4 is just doesnt have the power.
Click to expand...

That would make perfect sense. So in other words, I don't need anything more than a 4.6L here in Kansas? lol :shhh:

I would really love to upgrade to a "real" tow-rig, but it is hard to find anything remotely nice (can't be old) for the price that I paid for my truck ($2,500)
 
WAD357 said:
What he said



I beg to differ.. have you ever towed a properly setup loaded trailer at that speed thats got the correct brakes and not overloaded? it tows fine with my setup i put the cruise control on 75 and go...
Click to expand...

Uhhh how often do you do this AND attempt life altering maneuvers?

Driving ok is different than being able to swerve and brake to save you and others lives.
 
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