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Onesweetvan's avatar
Onesweetvan
Explorer
Jan 10, 2014

Towing with my 5.4 L.....

We just returned from a 3200 mile loop through California. Left greater Vancouver on Boxing Day and returned 2 weeks later. Pulled our 1994 Terry with the E350 12 passenger powered by the old 5.4 L. We were about 14,000 pounds GCVW and about 500 pounds over GRVW, the van performed flawlessly. Returned 9 mpg per US gallon on average with 12 for a high between Redding and Bakersfield and 7 for a low from Furnace Creek (in Death Valley) to Tonopah NV. The van handled all the big hills in and out of Death Valley very well and I never saw the water temp gauge go over normal.
I don't think I would ask this motor to do much more on a regular basis, but it probably could.
Tow Vehicles
  • LimogesMan's avatar
    LimogesMan
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2014
    Thanks for the report. The 5.4L delivers great torque.
    It starts to purr at 3000rpm.
  • rowekmr's avatar
    rowekmr
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2014
    I had one briefly in a Navigator and it towed my trailer with no issues. It was my only TV that was my DD also and if it wasn't for the air suspension woes I would still have it.
  • benalbert's avatar
    benalbert
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2014
    We just retired the last of our E350 vans at work. Most of them had over 300k and had been beat to no end. Load in a ton of tools, hook a 10000 lb trailer behind and go. Didn't need to worry about speeding tickets when towing... Now if those trailers only had brakes!:E
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Jan 11, 2014
    5.4 is one of my favorite motors.

    Its not a race motor but it is reliable and powerful. It WILL get you to the top of the hill.
  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    Jan 10, 2014
    Our class C leaves driveway at 13,380 pounds, over the years I've been amazed at the little thing. Well over 100,000 miles, sounds like sewing machine at higher rmps and just keeps on ticking.
  • Hannibal's avatar
    Hannibal
    Explorer
    Jan 10, 2014
    Glad to read someone else is happy with their 5.4L. Our tows our 8500~lb 5th wheel all over the southeast without any trouble. Wife made the comment on our last trip that, other than the seats, I haven't complained about this truck at all. No unusual noises, vibrations or weird gear ratios to bug me.
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Jan 10, 2014
    The 5.4L is a proven and reliable small motor that can handle small to medium loads.

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