The Legend of the Ford Excursion: Why It’s Still the King of SUVs

Let’s take a trip back to 1999. Bill Clinton was President, Ask Jeeves is the largest search engine on the internet and Google just became a thing.

The average price of gasoline is $1.17 per gallon across the U.S. People still have pagers, and it won’t be for eight more years till the first iPhone is released. It was a different and best of times.

It was a time when Ford decided to make an SUV based on the Super Duty pickup line, and boy did they.

Based on the F250 Super Duty pickup, the Ford Excursion is considered a heavy duty Class 2 truck.

A 3/4 ton chassis with front and rear beam axles and engine options ranging from the 5.4L Triton V-8, the 6.8L Triton V-10 and the dreamy 7.3L Power Stroke V-8 Turbo Diesel.

Built Like a Tank: The Super Duty Connection

It featured a Dana 50 front axle (it is like a Dana 60 housing with Dana 44 insides), and a Ford/Sterling 10.5 rear axle.

It shared three quarters of its frame with the F250, and most of its hard components were the same as well.

Why Was the Ford Excursion Discontinued?

Unfortunately, in 2005, due to mixed feelings on the Excursion because of its size and poor fuel economy, especially when the life of excess was coming under fire due to a tumbling economy and rapidly rising fuel costs, the decision was made to cancel the Excursion and focus on the F-150 deprived Expedition going forward.

The 7.3L and 6.8L-powered Ford Excursions are hot items in the Overland world.

Those that have not been modified or tuned and are rust free are going up in value just as fast as a comparable Land Cruiser.

It is not uncommon to find ‘00 and ‘01 7.3L Eddie Bauer trimmed Excursions selling for close to $20,000, regardless of mileage.

Being the ultimate plus-sized SUV, we can understand why.

These monstrosities combined all the best parts of American diesel full-sized trucks, and mixed it with the legacy of big SUVs.

Bought a 7.3L diesel as soon as they came out in 2000. Still driving it today. Best vehicle ever. I can’t imagine ever selling it. – Reddit User, r/Ford

Suddenly with that power stroke under the hood, you had a massive SUV that was infinitely reliable, could tow exceptionally well, and still managed to get over 20 miles per gallon.

There is not a single vehicle like the Excursion, as it was, in a class all its own, and forever will be. Who might dethrone the king of excess? We do not know, but our money is on Rivian.

If the Excursion Returned Today: Imagining a Modern Titan

Ford decides to bring back the Excursion, but they don’t mess around – they build it right atop the burly bones of a modern Super Duty, think F-250 with an SUV spirit.

The result? An absolute behemoth, echoing the original’s legendary size and attitude, but dialed up for the 21st century.

Naturally, under the hood, you’d expect a monster powerplant. The current 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbodiesel (preferably in its high-output form, because of course), delivers a thundering 500 horsepower and a staggering 1,200 lb-ft of torque – yes, you read that correctly.

In practical terms, you could tow what feels like half of Montana behind you, while the payload will rival that of its pickup sibling. If the old Excursion was the king of excess, this new one is the emperor.

For the body, imagine an imposing upright stance, broad-shouldered and unapologetic, with bold chrome accents glinting across the grille, beltline, and those door handles that positively scream “luxury heavy duty.”

Oversized towing mirrors, side-exit exhaust, and split liftgate in the rear (with handy 50/50 barn doors for those Costco-and-Cabela’s runs) keep it practical, with a dash of showmanship.

Inside, three rows of couches masquerading as seats mean your whole crew can ride in comfort, whether you’re on a cross-country trek or just cruising to the hardware store. The Excursion, modernized, doesn’t forget its roots—it goes big in every sense, while serving family comfort and raw capability on the same silver-plated chrome tray.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the specifications and limitations of the Ford Excursion Diesel’s payload and towing capacity?

When evaluating the Ford Excursion Diesel’s specifications, it’s essential to consider its payload, towing capacity, and the numbers associated with these features.

Key Specifications:

• Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): 4,700 lbs
• Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): 5,250 lbs
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 9,200 lbs
• Maximum Trailer Weight: 11,000 lbs
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): 20,000 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 1,525 lbs

Analyzing the Numbers

1. Axle Capacity vs. GVWR:
   • The total axle capacity, combining front and rear GAWR, reaches 9,950 lbs.
   • Interestingly, the GVWR is lower at 9,200 lbs. This disparity might seem conservative, but manufacturers often do this to maintain vehicle longevity and safety under various operating conditions.
2. Payload Considerations:
   • With a payload capacity of 1,525 lbs, this accounts for passengers, cargo, and any additional equipment loaded onto the vehicle.
   • To ensure optimal performance and safety, staying within this limit is crucial.
3. Towing Capacity:
   • The significant towing capability allows for a maximum trailer weight of 11,000 lbs.
   • This impressive capacity makes it versatile for various heavy-duty towing needs.

These specifications illustrate the Excursion’s design balance between power and practicality, ensuring both safety and performance. Whether for work or recreational use, understanding these limits helps ensure your vehicle operates efficiently and safely.

What improvements were made to the Ford Excursion in terms of suspension and payload over the years?

In the early 2000s, the Ford Excursion was crafted with a focus on delivering a heavy and comfortable driving experience. However, back then, cargo capacity wasn’t prioritized, leaving a gap in its capability as a robust hauler.

Owners who put their Excursions through strenuous tasks, like towing heavy loads, often found themselves overburdening the vehicle.

Towing a hefty boat, for example, frequently revealed the limitations of the Excursion’s original suspension system and payload capacity. The early models, such as those from 2004, were not equipped with the heavy-duty suspension systems needed for such demands.

Key Enhancements

1. Suspension Upgrades: Over the years, advancements were made to the Excursion’s suspension system, addressing the need for a more supportive and durable ride. The enhancements included bigger and better-engineered suspension components that helped manage heavier weights and offered improved stability.
2. Payload Capacity: As the demand for robust load-bearing vehicles grew, subsequent models of the Excursionsaw improvements in their payload capabilities. These upgrades allowed the vehicle to handle heavier loads without compromising comfort or safety.
3. Diesel Performance: For those who preferred diesel, the Excursion evolved to enhance its capabilities, although early models still faced challenges with towing when compared to later improvements.

Overall, these refinements positioned the Ford Excursion as a more well-rounded vehicle capable of handling greater demands, offering both quietness and the strength consumers desired.