RV - Ford E450 Chateau Sport 2001 - towing

Golden_HVAC wrote:

I don't have a hitch on my 2002 E-450 and the frame is 42" wide, a non-standard size, so I can not buy a off the shelf hitch.

Fred.

Hidden Hitch Class 5 hitch for E350 vans also first he flat frame rails of the cutaways. Just requires a slight re-ordering of the flat washers. There's there models that fit too, but that's once I know has the flat flanges to fit either body.

Hi,

I used to tow a 1999 Honda CRV 4 wheel drive. They can be towed with auto transmission 4 wheels down with either FWD or all wheel drive. Now I have a Ford Edge, and it can also be towed 4 wheels down in either FWD or AWD. I have the AWD because I live in Portland OR and can get snow here.

The E-450 chassis has a 22,000 GCVWR and 14,050 GVWR. So your RV is probably about 12,000 curb weight leaving a 10,000 pound tow rating, however the hitch is probably rated at 3,500 or 5,000 pounds trailer weight rating, or you might not have any hitch at all.

I don't have a hitch on my 2002 E-450 and the frame is 42" wide, a non-standard size, so I can not buy a off the shelf hitch. I plan on having my nephew build one - he is a certified welder, but in high demand, so getting some free time is rare. . . I will be mounting my hitch to the Ford factory frame, not the cheap looking frame extension that the bumper is mounted to, along with the rear wall. My frame extension is only about 12" long, so I can actually mount the hitch, and have a 12" extension to the hitch cross member, and it will still carry 1,000 pounds hitch weight and 12,000 GTWR.

So that is my plan. I plan on getting a travel trailer some day, to tow behind my E-450 based shuttle van.

Yes you need to check the tires for age. If over 6 years old, plan on replacing them soon - probably by next spring. Also check the brake fluid. It probably is factory original, and should be changed every 7 years.

Many think that they 'MUST' change the engine oil every 3,000 miles, but seem to forget about the rear axle, transmission, and brake fluid.

You really do not need to change the engine oil every 3,000 miles, that is 33 changes in 100,000 miles. By extending that to 5,000 miles, it is only 20 changes. You really can get 15,000 miles out of synthetic oil, and save a LOT of money overall, changing it only 6 times in 100,000 miles. Jiffy Lube is pushing the 3,000 mile oil changes, not for any other reason than more business! That said, changing the oil each year or so is a great idea.

You will need to check the seams on your roof, and windows.

I do not want to shock you, but your black tank is likely to read 'full' or 3/4 full even just after dumping it, and rinsing it out. This is because it relys on some metal screws into the sidewall of the tank and electrical probes. If the tank is 1/4 or 1/2 or 3/4 full, electricity will conduct from the lowest screw to the screw just below the top of the water. IT works great on the fresh water and grey tanks, however a little TP in the black tank, and it will conduct power from the bottom to top screw all the time. So never be surprised when it reads full much of the time, just dump every 2 weeks or so, and it will stay empty enough.



Have fun camping!

Fred.

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your Chateau.

I don't have any specific info for your model. However, check the age of your tires.
If you didn't know, RV tires age out before they wear out.
And, check for leaks. A small leak can cause a lot of damage if not repaired.

Enjoy your travels.