Towing with Express 3500 15 pass
Hi everyone. We have been looking for a new tow vehicle. With 4 young kids we were looking at a suburban 2500 but recently drove a 15 passenger express 3500 and it wasn't as bad as I thought it was ...
Forum Discussion
Vans actually have a lower rollover risk that most other large vehicles. The big deal is that when one is in a collision, there is more injuries likely due to the number of people they seat, and the very low seatbelt use rates in full size vans.
Plus, electronic stability control has also gone a long ways helping drivers maintain control.
Anyways.... The Express is fine for a tow vehicle up to its limits. You'll actually run into the GCWR first (16,000) vs running into GVWR limits like most SUVs. If you load up that van, that effectively limits you to about 7500-8000 actual trailer weight. Also, budget for Bilstein shocks. The OEM Express shocks are garbage.
If you want to tow a heavier trailer, you'll have to try to scoop up one of the last Ford E350 V10 vans. There's also good mini-bus options available like Turtle Top VanTerra which give you more seating options, and can be ordered on the E450 chassis which will bump the GCWR up to 22,000 pounds and bump payload up to the 3-ton range.
Plus, electronic stability control has also gone a long ways helping drivers maintain control.
Anyways.... The Express is fine for a tow vehicle up to its limits. You'll actually run into the GCWR first (16,000) vs running into GVWR limits like most SUVs. If you load up that van, that effectively limits you to about 7500-8000 actual trailer weight. Also, budget for Bilstein shocks. The OEM Express shocks are garbage.
If you want to tow a heavier trailer, you'll have to try to scoop up one of the last Ford E350 V10 vans. There's also good mini-bus options available like Turtle Top VanTerra which give you more seating options, and can be ordered on the E450 chassis which will bump the GCWR up to 22,000 pounds and bump payload up to the 3-ton range.
