1996 Ford E-150 Mark III Conversion Van

[monika4555]

I just purchased a 1996 Ford E-150 Mark III Conversion Van that has rear leaf springs from a E-250 does anyone know how much weight I can pull with it? I am looking to purchase a travel trailer. Thanks

[Jarlaxle]

Probably nothing. Most half-ton conversion vans are right at their limits just hauling the conversion stuff. (Even some 250/2500's are pushing it.) Unless it's a low-top, lightweight conversion, do not even think about towing with this.

[dodge_guy]

Depending on the conv. it may or may not be too heavy. stay away from the leather lined loaded hightops! I had a 97 Dodge conv. van, basic conv. with just the seats and cloth interior. I don`t remember the actual weight, but it was considerably lighter than the passenger van version. I was towing a 28ft. 6500lb loaded TT. never had a problem towing even through the Rockies! it had the 5.9L and 3.90 gears.

[Bamaman11]

I had a 1995 F150 LA West high top conversion van, and it was a first class machine. The basic bare van weighted 6,600 lbs. before the interior and extended roof was installed. I would think it probably weighed 8K.

Fortunately, I had the 351 engine. I towed a 5,500 lb. travel trailer, and I now realize I was grossly overloaded.

A conversion van is so heavy that it really has no business towing more than a bass boat. Most travel trailers really do best towed by a 3/4 ton truck that has heavier brakes, axles and suspension. With a crew cab and topper, they're quite serviceable.

I later went to an Expedition, and a new 2003 F250 Crewcab diesel truck that's just getting broken in.

[monika4555]

Thanks for all the info. I will have it weighed.

[jerem0621]

It may have 3.31 or 3.07 rear axle ratio. Please verify what the axle ratio is too. With that combo you will want 3.73 minimum.

Weighing the rig will give you tons of information.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[2012Coleman]

What's more important is what it can carry - take the advice to weigh it. What about the tires, shocks and brakes? Transmission see new fluid lately? Radiator? Good luck.

[carringb]

Possibly nothing. The conversion could already have the rear axle maxed out. You will need to weigh the van to find out if you have any available payload left. This will be your constraint. Mark III conversions varied a lot, so it depends completely on the build.

[tempforce]

what gear ratio does the van have, has the transmission been modified, i.e. a shift kit or reprogrammed? what tires are you running, size and ply rating.
what does the vehicle weigh and how much gvw is the rated for...
need more info, before any guesstimate may be made.

just swapping rear ends springs won't change what you can tow, unless it allows you to haul more weight. then you can tow less than if your vehicle is unloaded.
usually a conversion van weighs several hundred lbs more than a stock vehicle. (probably the reason for the 3/4 ton springs).

[Fordlover]

monika4555 wrote:
I just purchased a 1996 Ford E-150 Mark III Conversion Van that has rear leaf springs from a E-250 does anyone know how much weight I can pull with it? I am looking to purchase a travel trailer. Thanks

I'd guess in the 5K range. The 1/2 ton rating of your van is not a limit of it's rear springs.

I'm gonna guess it's equipped with the 5.0 V8 and a 4 speed AOD tranny.

[Old-Biscuit]

Regardless of what mods/additions have been added it is still a 1996 F150 conversion van that is full of stuff.

Spend $10 and go to a CAT scale and get van weighed..then compare that number with data info on door jam or in glove box (GVWR).

Bet with all of the items used in conversion not much weight is left before reaching GVWR and/or other ratings (axle ratings/tire load ratings)