DrJupeman

As Bull mentioned, we are very happy with our Excursion diesel for towing our enclosed trailer. I'll do ~10k towing miles this year with the truck and did ~7.5k last year.

Sean F

Do you have a weight distributing hitch setup? Any other keys to success?

DrJupeman

Yes, weight distributing hitch setup and nothing else, really. I can't even say that I pay that much attention to the hitch weight as I know a good spot for loading the car, but overall I just load up the trailer with whatever I'm bringing and go from there. This may mean the load is more on the tongue vs. other times. Overall, the Excursion pulls the load straight and true with relative ease.

I range from 8-12 mpg depending on how fast I go. My rig is very aero-poor since my trailer is so tall (I have a high trailer floor and the 6" extra interior height option).

mhm993

I tow with a 150 with the taller rear end option, and a trailex enclosed. The gas mileage stinks at 11 or 12 on a really good day, but I have no problems with the long hills on rt 81 or rt 17 here in the north east, and I've had no scary moments during the couple hard braking situations that have come up. I chose the trailex for the light weight and excellent aero specifically so I wouldn't need to move up to a 250.
All in all, I'm exceedingly happy, though I'll admit that I wouldn't consider towing even my 5000 lb rig with anything smaller.

sleder

Once you go Diesel you won't go back to gas... I use a Dodge 2500 with the infamous Cummins. I have towed 9000lbs at 85 mph and get 14mpg regularly. When I 'm not towing I average 19.3...but I have been known to donate occassionally to the local communities in the state of Virginia.

mhm993

umm,.... Scott,....... were you part of that early morning stop near summit point a couple weeks ago? (Nice to meet you in person, btw)

sleder

No ...I stay on the other side of town. They need the revenue and we are their source...Please refresh my memory...
sleder@ix.netcom.com

mhm993

..refresh your memory on the traffic stop or who I am??
Traffic stop: heard that several were stopped near the train crossing down the road from Summit P including one driver who was momentarily handcuffed.
Me: met you and your brother at the schattenbaum event--I had emailed with you last year about your 964 for sale.

sleder

OK...now that you mentioned the hand cuffing. Yes...I was thankfully informed that morning during the drivers meeting. You and a number of others that got it. I was sorry t o hear. Did you make out ok at the end of the day on Sunday? I was leaving during the last run group but was told there was some additional carnage.

mhm993

Oh no, I wasn't part of the traffic stop, just heard about it. !!

I was however part of the additional carnage--turbo in the black/red group spilled his antifreeze in turn 4 but I has a "lucky spin" and only mowed some grass. I did watch the next 4 cars crest the hill sideways or backwards, including a driver who miraculously missed me skidding sideays on the grass. A couple did have some damage, but happily nothing terrible that I could tell.

RickBetterley

Wow - lots of good advice on this one.
I towed my 20' CargoPro enclosed with a 1999 Expedition; it was fine as to power and, with new gas shocks and sway bars, was stable as well. 7 mpg, though
But, my F-350 Duallie is way better!

Crazy Canuck

F150 will do the job. Get the big engine, 4.10 or equivalent rear end ratio, every HD or towing option available, a good electric brake controller, a weight distribution system with dual cam sway control. An aluminum trailer will be lighter.

Diesel engine is better as is a 6 speed automatic but the F150 will do the job. If you do lots of towing get the diesel.

I have a number of customers towing 20'-24' enclosed trailers with Yukons, Tahoes, F150s (& larger), Cayenne S', Expeditions, Excursions etc. It can be done safely but every choice is a compromise in some respect.

rsa

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on towing 20 ft or so enclosed trailer with the Touareg V10 TDI?

Kevin

I have a '04 Escalade ESV and it pulls my 20' enclosed Featherlite with ease, loaded to the gills.. I went with the higher ground clearance options for the trailer.

With the Chevy gas powerplants you have tuning options for greater torque. Within the first 2K miles I cracked open the trans valve body and re-springed and shimed all the shift points..

With seating for 7 or 8 and all the extra gear it hasn't let me down. I have had a '96 Ford F250 460 and '99 Dodge Ram (still own) for comparison.. I'll take the gas rats over the diesel dogs..

DrJupeman

Power certainly won't be the problem with that situation! I would think the Touareg TDI would be a great tow vehicle for a 20' enclosed. The only downside is wheelbase so use a good sway control system.