Randy,
You have the best North American Overland Vehicle made since the Suburban was introduced in 1933.
My daily driver is a 2005 6.0 diesel Excursion, 3 boys and two dogs. One, a Great Dane, who happily walks around inside without ducking her head. This is the most underrated North American overland platform around. Based on the F-250 it's solid and proven with extensive aftermarket support and a Ford dealership in every town.
On road performance, both diesel and the V-10 blow away all other platforms. I've been to two Overland Rallies in VT and both times the Ex out performed expectations. We conquered obstacles some jeeps and rovers failed to negotiate. Actually I had to strap a Disco who couldn't make a muddy hill climb that I made with ease. Both years crowds gathered to see the carnage only to watch, drop jawed and literally cheer and shake my hand, after we made it through. The VT trails are very tight but if you know your truck you will be surprised what you will fit through. Where the Ex really shines is on the road; space to spare, 44 gallons at 15+ mpg (diesel) range, seating for 8, plus 2 dogs or equivalent all with DVD entertainment and power to spare.
Three advantages of the Excursions size:
1.- I don't need a trailer, the roof rack and interior capacity cover this need. Don't get me wrong I WANT a trailer cause it's so cool but now I can't justify the need. Plus side....I'm nimble vs a Jeep with a trailer and completely self contained.
2. - I don't need a rear swing away bumper because there is so much room inside . I now have a 35" spare stuffed away in the stock location including the carpet cover...yes it fits. You will need get a large chain link from Hm Dept to extend the mounting point.
3.- Happy family - importance level HIGH for the intended use of vehicle. Example..... I went from VA to Yellowstone down to Moab then home with three boys 10, 8 & 6, my brother and my mom. 5,000 miles, 17 days and everyone was happy, comfortable and had fun. You will not do that in a Land Rover, Toyota, Pinzguar, Unimog or Gwagon. Nor will you get Fords F-Series proven reliability and the security that you can be repaired in every rural town.
Based on the Overlanding philosophy of minimal lift and retaining simplicity of platform.........KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
Here's the mods I made to make sure I could get out of what I got into:
ReadyLift 2" lift $400 (does not change suspension function, only raises platform with rear bock and front mini spring pack)
35" tires that do not rub after trimming plastic in wheel well, approximately two inches (just plastic)
front Auburn electric ECTED locker with stock rear limited slip (lockers will get you further than large tires and a lift)
front ARB winch bumper and winch, giving you at least a little overland bling
defenderracks.com 9.5' x 5' roof rack, made for a van but works if you extend the stock roof track system. I used Yakima tracks but, after research, found you could just buy additional sections of track from ford which would have matched up nicely.
Love to see more Excursion builds on this sight so welcome and keep us posted!
Roudy