Towing a Ford Excursion

[yar1982mmer]

We have a 2005 4X4 Eddie Bauer Diesel Excursion that weighs in a little over 7,000 lbs. Has anyone had any problem with towing this size of an outfit? Our HR is a 2008 40’ Neptune with the 340 HP Cummins Diesel.

The manual states that we should only tow 4,000 lbs vehicles, but we do not want to trade our Excursion.

I have seen on the road HM rigs towing large 4x4 SUV.

We will be traveling from Northern Virginia via I-70 / I-80 [Ohio] to Utah in June.

Wait for your comments.

Ray Wimmer
2008 HR 40’ Neptune

[Jim Stewart]

Your MH will have a total weight that should not be exceeded which would include the fully loaded MH and the Toad. Towing the Excursion would probably exceed that amount. If the manual states 4,000 lbs., your hitch is probably rated for 5,000 lbs, again, your Excursion will exceed that weight limit. Most tow bars would be at their maximum rating with the Excursion as well.

All that said, if you tow it and have a failure in either the hitch or tow bar and someone is injured, you would be liable for negligence in court by exceeding all limits. Probably all in all, not worth the potential liability.

[Route 66]

Towing more than the rated capacity is never a good idea. Towing so far over the limit is dangerous.

In addition, according to the Ford Towing Guide, your Excursion is not towable.

[Gary RVRoamer]

You have to be concerned with both the hitch rating and the GCWR of the coach. Neither can be exceeded, either legally or safely. Basically you can tow the difference between the coach's actual weight (obtained on a scale) and the GCWR, subject to the limit the receiver hitch and tow bar are rated for.

Your Neptune probably has a GCWR of 33,000 lbs and a GVWR of 29,000 lbs, which is the source of the 4000 lb towing number. But your coach probably doesn't weigh the full 29,000 lbs and if it does not, that would let you tow a greater amount. Probably not 7000 lb worth, though.

I believe you will find your hitch receiver is rated for 7000 lbs (per HR Neptune specs online). That's really stretching it to tow a 7000 lb vehicle.

The bottom line is that the Excursion is just too much weight for towing with your coach.

[yar1982mmer]

you are all good friends out there and answered my question.
I figured that i need to trade for one of those new 2010 Mustang Conv. Make it a red one...

and live where it does not snow...

Thanks again

Ray