Hi,
I have a blue Transit T-250 cargo van on order, and am getting excited about buying it! Production date should be May 18th! Mine will have a 3,000 pound cargo rating, and the Ecoboost will have a 11,200 GCVWR for both 3.31 or 3.73 rear axles in the window van.
The lighter the van, then the more it can tow, so 5,000 pound tow rating is for the lighter T-150, while the heavier T-250 can tow about 400 pounds less due to higher curb weight. The cargo van with it's slightly higher 12,600 pound GCVWR can tow 7,000 pounds in the T-150/250 with medium roof and 3.73 rear axle.
Yet the maximum towing 'ability' is for the empty van, with only a 154 pound driver. Add more weight, and the ability is still only a total of 11,200 pounds! So a curb weight empty of 6,200 pounds (window van with 1 driver and no accessories) then you add the rest of the family, you might have a curb weight of 7,000pounds, leaving you a tow ability of around 4,200 pounds.
I have no idea why Ford rated the cargo van for 1,400 pounds more weight rating than the window van. I guess it has to do with more weight on the empty van's rear axle?
I am ordering a cargo van with dual A/C, windows all around, and other options, so it will look like a window van from the outside, but be a cargo van inside. My curb weight will go up by 600 pounds when the wheelchair lift is installed. I am getting a aftermarket hitch from ETrailer.com that is rated at 8,000 pounds with a 800 pound deadweight rating.
Good luck with your van, I hope that you enjoy it!
Fred.
