2011 E350 6.8l towing 9k

NCMODELA wrote:
I am moving from raleigh to nashville. I was going to purchase a keystone hornet 32bhds. I was going to pull it to nashville and then have gears changed because that will be closer to where warranty is vs getting it changed in raleigh. I was just wondering if you guys would make that trip or if the van would be able to do it.

Van will do it without issue. Won't win any races but it's a V10 for g.... sakes. It'll pull 10klbs. Just answer the mail with making sure you have a good hitch and I'd want a big transmission cooler. BUT, a healthy torqueshift transmission is one of the best out there.

I had an older (2000 or 2001) E350 with 6.8l that towed my TT one summer. I am not sure which gears it had (3.55 or 3.73) but I do remember when I was cruising at highway speeds (65 mph) and in OD I was good on level ground but if I tried to lightly accelerate (or incline) the engine lugged until it dropped out of OD. So I either cruised faster or forced it out of OD by giving it more gas.

My Excursion 6.8l with 4.30 had a much more useful power band. I could cruise at that speed with cruise control on up slight grades with no issues.

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Does it have the HD trailer tow package ? That includes a HD radiator and an auxiliary transmission cooler. Those are ESSENTIAL if you are going to be towing a big load !!

All E350 V10 Wagons include the larger radiator, aux transmission cooler, and engine oil cooler.

I am moving from raleigh to nashville. I was going to purchase a keystone hornet 32bhds. I was going to pull it to nashville and then have gears changed because that will be closer to where warranty is vs getting it changed in raleigh. I was just wondering if you guys would make that trip or if the van would be able to do it.

My 02 Excursion with the V-10 and 3.73`s had a 17k lb GCVWR. when equipped with 4.30`s it goes up to 20k lbs! I towed 2 trips with the 3.73`s and my 9200lb loaded trailer and it was terrible performance wise. I swapped to 4.30`s over the winter and the performance was night and day better. It will do it with the 3.73`s but you wont be happy even with the 5 speed auto. 4.30`s with the newer more powerful V-10 and the 5 speed will make a great combo.

I think you'll be 1500 pounds over GCWR. Power is good. Suspension is good. Check the receiver that it can support 1200-1300 pounds of loaded TW. You will likely want shorter gears. 2WD is relatively cheap to change.

If you are set on going that route, why not leave the 3.73's alone initially and see how you like the way it goes down the road.

Depending on your travels and need for speed you may be pleased as is.

Does it have the HD trailer tow package ? That includes a HD radiator and an auxiliary transmission cooler. Those are ESSENTIAL if you are going to be towing a big load !!

I certainly recommend swapping into 4.30 gears. It'll tow way better and get better gas mileage while towing.

I think you meant GCWR 15K. I think the key word in your post was WELL. I don't think the 3.73 gears would work well, with the 5-speed. While it may work, going to 4.30 gears would be the best option IMO.

Jerry