Community Forums

ekim · 08-26-2017, 11:17 AM

We're close to pulling the trigger on a 40' motorhome and are considering using a Ford Excursion as a toad. I'm aware of the weight issue and the need to a driveline disconnect or some means to put the transfer case into neutral.

I'm wondering if there are other issues to consider with such a setup. For example does the length of the toad introduce more hassles when driving?

Arby49 · 08-26-2017, 11:50 AM

Some states (read most) have a length restriction.

ekim · 08-26-2017, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arby49

Some states (read most) have a length restriction.

Thank you, good point. The 40' coach is 40' 6" and the Excursion is about 19'. So, with a tow bar I think we'll be about 62' or 63' in overall length.

georgew48 · 08-26-2017, 12:45 PM

See lots of 45 footers towing full size crew cab pickups so I don't think length will be a probelem.

chunker · 08-26-2017, 12:49 PM

Newer Ford pickups, 12 and later, can have the transfer case put in neutral electronically. I would assume the Excursion uses the F-150 drive line components. I used to have a 11 F-150 but it couldn't be shifted to neutral like my current 15. But I decided to tow a Jeep, not the Ford.
In the future I may set of the F-150 to tow.

veraken · 08-27-2017, 05:58 AM

The Excursion weighs about 7000 lbs. Make sure your hitch and GCVW can handle this.

Kurtsara · 08-27-2017, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drwwicks

Newer Ford pickups, 12 and later, can have the transfer case put in neutral electronically. I would assume the Excursion uses the F-150 drive line components. I used to have a 11 F-150 but it couldn't be shifted to neutral like my current 15. But I decided to tow a Jeep, not the Ford.
In the future I may set of the F-150 to tow.

Ford quit making Excursions in 2005 and they were built on the F250 platform.

ekim · 08-27-2017, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by veraken

The Excursion weighs about 7000 lbs. Make sure your hitch and GCVW can handle this.

We have that covered. 15K hitch and GCWR 15K over GVWR. We will not have much in the form of tongue weight capacity because once loaded we expect to be close to max GAWR on the rear.

just_cruisin · 08-27-2017, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ekim

We're close to pulling the trigger on a 40' motorhome and are considering using a Ford Excursion as a toad. I'm aware of the weight issue and the need to a driveline disconnect or some means to put the transfer case into neutral.

I'm wondering if there are other issues to consider with such a setup. For example does the length of the toad introduce more hassles when driving?

We looked at the same issue when deciding between an Excursion, Expedition, or Suburban.

Went with Chevy Suburban Z71. On the 4x4 models you just push a button and the transfer case goes into neutral. Super easy.

Arch Hoagland · 08-27-2017, 07:54 PM

What braking system are you going to install on it?

ekim · 08-27-2017, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by just_cruisin

We looked at the same issue when deciding between an Excursion, Expedition, or Suburban.

Went with Chevy Suburban Z71. On the 4x4 models you just push a button and the transfer case goes into neutral. Super easy.

We already have the Excursion, otherwise we would go for something easier to deal with. We may still end up getting rid of it. This is part of the process of figuring that out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

What braking system are you going to install on it?

Not sure on that. I've seen an pneumatic one that's actuated via electric and that's the way I'm leaning for now. I like that the response time is fast with those vs the all electric ones.

hardint · 08-28-2017, 11:13 PM

I fear you will have a hard time with the drive line disconnect especially if 4x4 , the transfer case doesn't have a neutral position , As far as towing it otherwise don't worry, I tow a ford flex and bass boat or old 81 4x4 Chevy with golf cart and firewood in bed and bass boat in tow, never a problem yet, I have a Brake Buddy for additional braking when I want it. Good Luck

ekim · 08-29-2017, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardint

I fear you will have a hard time with the drive line disconnect especially if 4x4 , the transfer case doesn't have a neutral position

Do you have more details on the possible disconnect issue? I envision leaving it in 2hi with the disconnect. I've already found a disconnect - it's a complete driveshaft replacement. I actually like that since it will allow me to go back to the stock shaft if necessary.

hardint · 08-29-2017, 09:51 PM

A manual shift transfer case from another Ford would be a direct replacement part even the driveshafts could be reused I think, A 6 speed swap is also an option then use 2 wheel hi and neutral on transmission,
I have an 05 F350 King Ranch Crew cab that I did a Cummins /auto swap on then later put the 6 speed in, I haven't set it up as a toad yet, but I have been looking for ideas for the Blue ox mounts, I like the removeable type for the 2017 vs the fixed type for those years.
If I had won the lottery I guess I could have just hired people to move my stuff around for me, but I never buy a ticket thus I have to make things my way, My Dear Wife says I have to Tim a size everything.
None of my ideas are cheap or easy but can be done. Good Luck