To test the capabilities of the mammoth Ford Excursion, we towed a Coachmen Spirit of America 25-footer that’s aimed at the affordable end of the price scale. While that wasn’t pushing the Excursion anywhere close to its maximum capabilities, it did provide a good foundation for family trailering with a wide margin of safety and convenience.
Both the Excursion, with its seven-person-plus-cargo capacity, and the bunkhouse-model Coachmen are set up to handle lots of people. A pair of aft-streetside-corner bunks plus a forward double bed and streetside dinette provide sleeping space for six, and the balance of the floorplan offers a good-size curbside kitchen plus a functional curbside aft-corner self-contained bath. Many other manufacturers use this same floorplan for good reason: It works well for accommodating a crowd.
When it comes to handling big trailers — with the inherent comfort of handling a crowd of passengers — the Ford Excursion has few peers. However, the Excursion is scheduled to be dropped from the Ford lineup after the 2004 model year.
We hate to say goodbye to the Excursion, because it does such a good job as a tow vehicle and as a sturdy family hauler. However, Ford has other plans afoot for the future, so we’ll make do with fond memories of a really outstanding vehicle. Hooked up to Coachmen’s Spirit of America 25-footer, the two make a well-blended pair in the best of classic RVing tradition.
Pick up the July 2003 issue of Trailer Life for full test impressions and details on the Excursion and Spirit of America 25′ — then subscribe to Trailer Life — so you can stay informed on the latest tow vehicles, tests, previews, and technical and RV-lifestyle information. Coachmen Recreational Vehicles, (800) 453-6064, coachmenrv.com.
