[A/S] Re: 28' Excella Tow Vehicle Question

["Maurice Riggins" <maurice.riggins@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

A late-model ('96-on) 28' Excella dry weight is 6730 lbs with a 630 
lb dry tongue weight.  Fully loaded, it can weigh 8200 lbs, of which 
at least 820 lbs, and as much as 1,000 lbs or more, should be tongue 
weight.  When you add the weight of a hitch, a tank of fuel, and a 
coupla people in the cab, that definitely calls for a 3/4 ton or 
larger tow vehicle.  Due to the length, you'd want that truck to have 
at least 130" wheelbase.

As far as engine, I'd definitely want more than the small block gas 
V8, due to the combined weight of the heavier duty truck and loaded 
trailer, which could be near 16,000 lbs.  That would be near the 
limit of a big-block gas V8 or V10 with 3.73:1 gearing, so if you 
went that route, I'd recommend 4.10-4.30:1 if mountain pulling were 
in your future.

You wouldn't NEED a diesel, but they sure are nice when it comes to 
fuel mileage, and torquing up a hill at lower rpms.  They are several 
thousand dollars more expensive, even in the used market.  The 
problem is that for only $15,000, including diesel engine, you're 
looking at an older heavy-duty truck, and earlier diesels weren't 
nearly as good as ones in recent years.

A vehicle with a tow package should have a 10,000 lb or more hitch, 
and a 7 way electrical connector.  But just because a truck has one 
doesn't mean it has the towing package, which with an automatic also 
includes a heavier transmission cooler... or two.  If the owner kept 
the window sticker, it should be there, and a dealer should be able 
to look up the VIN in the computer and tell you what options the 
truck originally came with.

Hope this helps,
--
Maurice
WBCCI 5446