jjson775
Texas
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Joined: 11/27/2005
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I posted this a while back:
Before our last trip, I finally did something to improve the handling of our 2006 PW Excel. I raised this topic a while back and would like to report on the results What I did was this: 1. Replace the worn out OEM Hankook tires with Michelin XPS ribs. Someone on this forum told me I would love these tires and they were absolutely right. Both ride and handling improved a lot. 2. Install Super Track spacers from Henderson's in Grants Pass OR. Grooves in highway lanes are no longer a problem, the van tracks straight. 3. Had the front end aligned to specs from Ford provided to me by Pleasure Way. All in all the driveability improved significantly. However, we did encounter severe cross winds with gusts up to 40 - 50 mph in West Texas and New Mexico. Under those conditions you just have to slow down. The only thing to "cure" this problem would be dual wheels so we have learned to take it easy and live with it. Jim
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My Roadtrek
Tucson, AZ.
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Joined: 03/20/2002
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Maybe you didn't read the whole thread before posting. PW Excel TS, which any PW owner knows is on a Ford chassis. 
Visit My Roadtrek
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DiscoverThis
Uniontown, OH USA
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Joined: 06/16/2004
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Ditto!
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CSG
ID
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Joined: 03/02/2001
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I have an '02 Traverse. I run Michelin LTX tires and it seems to me that the bottom line is that Ford van handling stinks. That said, the Traverse is not all that difficult to handle. I've also driven a new Lazy Daze class C built on a Ford cutaway chassis and found that it was a bit squirrely but not too bad.
People seem to do all sorts of things to try to improve Ford handling. Chevys and Sprinters seem to have fewer issues.
I don't see where the OP told us what she was driving.
2001 GMC EC 2500HD, 4x4, 6.0 V8
2007 Nash 27-5B 5th Wheel
2002 Pleasure-Way Traverse
2002 Lexus Land Cruiser (LX470)
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PEISteve
PEI Canada
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Joined: 04/13/2005
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CSG wrote:I have an '02 Traverse. I run Michelin LTX tires and it seems to me that the bottom line is that Ford van handling stinks. That said, the Traverse is not all that difficult to handle. I've also driven a new Lazy Daze class C built on a Ford cutaway chassis and found that it was a bit squirrely but not too bad.
People seem to do all sorts of things to try to improve Ford handling. Chevys and Sprinters seem to have fewer issues.
I don't see where the OP told us what she was driving.
So I am not sure to what point you're helping the poster other than to indicate your dislike for the Ford chassis. While this maybe helpful if the poster was asking about what chassis to get, this doesn't really help with the handling problems seen in this thread.
Also, If you go thru and read the full post you'll she she has indicated that she is driving a 2010 PW Excel TS.
2011 Dodge Ram 2500 Laramie 4x4 Crew Cab w 6.7L Cummins
2008 Jayco Jay Feather 25F LGT
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rvdogmom40
Western Washington State
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Joined: 03/18/2004
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We have a 2004 PW Excel. With the exception of driving it home from the dealer, we have had NO problems with handling. The dealer had failed to put air in the rear air bags and this caused some steering problems. Inflating the rear air bags and putting in some water and gear in the van made a huge difference. Since then, we have put on bilstein shocks and changed the tires (they needed it). Neither of these changes made much difference in the handling; it is fine! I, the wife, do all the driving and I have no complaints--I love my Excel!
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mrvalu
Vancouver Island
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I am surprised a new Excel would have a ahndling problem as I believe steering box adjustments and alignments should have been made at PW factory. I also have a 2010 Excel and have installed Bilsteins which improved stability and cornering and have XBR Ribs ready to install although don't have serious handling issues.
A poorly handling vehicle is a safety hazard and in my opinion it should be taken to a Ford dealership to have the wandering issue addressed immediately. Be firm with them to get the stabilizer installed if they balk. The Excels are big units and need all steering and handling issues resolved as well as a steady hand on the wheel. Fords don't steer like Mazda 3s and it's a learning process. Good luck.
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PMDeb
Pinellas Park FL
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I am taking it to a Ford Dealership on Tuesday as I agree with you completely on it being a safety hazard. Can you please tell me what a Bilstein is? Thank you.
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CA POPPY
Santa Clarita, CA, USA
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Joined: 07/07/2003
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Our local Ford dealer won't touch our PW Excel, says they don't work on any RVs. We have to take it to a Ford truck dealer an hour away when it needs something. When our 2004 Excel TD was brand new, we had major handling issues and after trying all suggestions from this forum, put a couple K into modifications and upgraded tires. It's better now. I am surprised if seven years later, new units have the same problems.
Judy & Bud (Judy usually the one talking here)
2004 Pleasure-Way Excel TD
co-pilots, Rosie & Poquita
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ernie1
Sacramento,California,USA
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Joined: 02/10/2004
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A Bilstein is a brand of shock absorber that replaces the sorry Ford shocks. I've installed Bilsteins and they help alot on my 2005 PleasureWay Excel. I'd seriously consider Koni shocks the next time around though for more shock absorbing action.
The basic problem with the Ford chassis versus the Chevy is that the Ford has a shorter wheel base and the rear of the van is easily overloaded and the front becomes unloaded so therefore the wander. I've corrected that problem by installing helper springs on the rear and dropped the air bags down to 35psi.
My next step will be to replace the Hankook tires which are starting to have cord separations and put on Michelin XPS radials. Hankook tires are unreliable low grade tires and the company will not provide much if any support if and when it's needed.
I understand that PW Industries does not recommend steering stabilizers because it wears out the steering box prematurely.
I had a Helwig rear stabilizer bar for a Ford van and was going to install it but the fresh water tank was in the way so I gave up. I understand other brands will fit.
Rear spacers were installed on the wheels and that took care of the tendency to track in the ruts in the blacktop created by big rigs but did not affect the wandering one bit.
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