Randbo
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Re: Towing capacity question
Thanks for the great advice. The only sticker I found on the van shows a front GAWR of 3,400' and a rear GAWR of 3,800'. The GVWR is 7,000 pounds. According to a Ford payload capacity document, the maximum is 1,920 pounds. I found another comprehensive calculator on changinggears.com. Based on the values I researched for the van and calculated for the estimated load in the van, I think the dry weight of the trailer will already maximize the van's capacity. That doesn't give me any cushion for added performance going up hills, etc. Sounds like we will have to shop for a new vehicle with more towing capacity.789Views0likes0CommentsTowing capacity question
Hi, experts, My wife and I are trying to decide between a Class C and a travel trailer. The key question is will our 2001 Ford E-150 van tow a travel trailer comfortably? Our van has a 5.4L V8 engine with a 3:55 gear ratio. It is rated at 12,000 pounds GCWR and has towing capacity of 7,000 pounds. We are looking at the Rockwood Mini Lite 2509S with a dry weight of 5,170 pounds. I have a weight distributing hitch installed on the van with a max gross trailer weight of 10,000 pounds and a max tongue weight of 1,000 pounds. The van has rear air shocks. I would buy a sway bar hitch and a transmission cooler. It seems like the van will tow the trailer on paper but what kind of experience will I have towing it up a mountain for example? I don't want to strain the van engine, etc. Thanks for your advice.4.4KViews0likes14Comments
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