Looking at 2004 ford econoline 350 van

carringb wrote:
FWIW in 2007 Ford moved the e150 to the same chassis as the E350, also giving it over 3000 pounds of payload.

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind as I shop. Though 5.4 E-150s are harde to find than E-350s.

FWIW in 2007 Ford moved the e150 to the same chassis as the E350, also giving it over 3000 pounds of payload.

That's the right size for the load you have. The V10 would push nominal tow capacity to the 9000-10,000 range, depending on axle ratio. No increase in payload. Biggest advantage over the 5.4 is a lot more torque at low RPM, so fewer occasions to downshift. Both are much better than the 4.6.

Even a E-150 with the 5.4 could handle your trailer, might even have more tow capacity because it is about 1200 pounds lighter than the Superduty van, but you would likely be pushing the limits on payload. E-150 works better as a tow vehicle if you run empty, or fairly light, most of the time when towing, but then why would you have a van?

You might look also for Express 2500/3500 vans with 6.0. But they are pretty hard to find, most of the organizations buying this van new were not planning to tow, just shuttling groups of people on short trips, so they got the smallest engine available.

I've been looking here, Econolines easier to find, lower prices since about 2001 model year.

Go for it.

Looking for a v10, but not seeing them around here. As for trailer size, this is really the biggest size we can get and store here...so I hope we have many many years with this. Coming from an 8' box popup, it seems HUGE. :-)

I would see if you can find one with a V-10, it will offer a lot more power for towing especially with 7 passengers and luggage in the van. If you are possibly considering a bigger trailer in the future, then I would definitely focus on the V-10. The 5.4 will be OK for what you have now but it's really on the top end of what it will handle weight wise.

Should be just fine. The 5.4L isn't a speed demon, but you won't have any trouble keeping up. It will have around 3,000 pounds of carrying capacity, so you should be fine on the payload too.