Ford E450 vs E350 under a Class C
This also appears under a different post as well re: stretching Chassis. I'm looking for some more opinions / tech intelligence. We looked at a 31' Class C but rule it out in part because of some of w...
Forum Discussion
Hi, Some of this discussion is missing this point:
I think it's Important to point out that concerning towing, sometimes the lighter E350 chassis is better/more fitting simply because the weight of the trailer is not on the vehicle chassis therefore the heavier chassis isn't needed nor the heavier chassis brakes because the trailer probably has electric brakes of it's own.
So with an E350 vs E450 with the same engine size, you will probably find that the trailer towing capacity listing in the owner's manual is actually higher for the E350 vs E450 simply because the engine won't have to also "move" the extra weight of the heavier E450 vehicle chassis.
Also you will get better gas mileage with the E350 vs then heavier weight E450.
So if the E350 can carry the weight you need in it, then it's the way to go.
Now the next question would be engine size because you'll find that the larger engines in the same vehicle can have a much higher tow rating than the smaller engines and larger engines means heavier duty transmissions and axles, cooling systems and even the brakes may be heavier duty. It's all designed with the engine size equipped with and the amount of weight carried in the vehicle will always reduce the weight you can tow behind you.
Viewable online Owner's manuals and repair books often have charts on all this from the manufacturer can be Very enlightening.
Even if a vehicle is rated for the weight and towing, don't forget that high altitude's thinner air reduces power output and also going over steep hills will slow you down as well but at least you won't break anything.
Take care
I think it's Important to point out that concerning towing, sometimes the lighter E350 chassis is better/more fitting simply because the weight of the trailer is not on the vehicle chassis therefore the heavier chassis isn't needed nor the heavier chassis brakes because the trailer probably has electric brakes of it's own.
So with an E350 vs E450 with the same engine size, you will probably find that the trailer towing capacity listing in the owner's manual is actually higher for the E350 vs E450 simply because the engine won't have to also "move" the extra weight of the heavier E450 vehicle chassis.
Also you will get better gas mileage with the E350 vs then heavier weight E450.
So if the E350 can carry the weight you need in it, then it's the way to go.
Now the next question would be engine size because you'll find that the larger engines in the same vehicle can have a much higher tow rating than the smaller engines and larger engines means heavier duty transmissions and axles, cooling systems and even the brakes may be heavier duty. It's all designed with the engine size equipped with and the amount of weight carried in the vehicle will always reduce the weight you can tow behind you.
Viewable online Owner's manuals and repair books often have charts on all this from the manufacturer can be Very enlightening.
Even if a vehicle is rated for the weight and towing, don't forget that high altitude's thinner air reduces power output and also going over steep hills will slow you down as well but at least you won't break anything.
Take care
