A Noob Van Towing question
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
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A Noob Van Towing question
Okay, I searched and didn't find the info. I also checked my owners manual and couldn't completely figure it out. I have a 1988 Ford xlt van (3/4 ton I believe). It has a c6 auto and a 3.54 rear end. It has an auxilary trans cooler, brake controller and a frame mounted hitch. I know the tires and hitch type are a factor, but what type of towing capacity does the van have? The person I purchased it from said he used to pull his 7K pound travel trailer with absolutly no issues and it pulled better than his 454 gasser truck. What do you guys/girls think?
I tried to read the door sticker, but it is old enough it is hard to read.
I tried to read the door sticker, but it is old enough it is hard to read.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
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i believe the e250/350 were designed to tow a maximum of 10k. since you're a diesel, i'm sure you're either a heavy e250 or an e350.
if you plan to spend a lot of time towing heavy or towing up mountains, you might consider swapping the trans cooler for a bigger one, but of course i don't know how big the one there is to start with.
if you have good tires, suspension, and brakes, i say you're safe to tow 10k - but make sure all hitch components are up to the task first. note that they advise using a weight-distributing hitch for anything over 5k
if you plan to spend a lot of time towing heavy or towing up mountains, you might consider swapping the trans cooler for a bigger one, but of course i don't know how big the one there is to start with.
if you have good tires, suspension, and brakes, i say you're safe to tow 10k - but make sure all hitch components are up to the task first. note that they advise using a weight-distributing hitch for anything over 5k
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,943
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i believe the e250/350 were designed to tow a maximum of 10k. since you're a diesel, i'm sure you're either a heavy e250 or an e350.
if you plan to spend a lot of time towing heavy or towing up mountains, you might consider swapping the trans cooler for a bigger one, but of course i don't know how big the one there is to start with.
if you have good tires, suspension, and brakes, i say you're safe to tow 10k - but make sure all hitch components are up to the task first. note that they advise using a weight-distributing hitch for anything over 5k
if you plan to spend a lot of time towing heavy or towing up mountains, you might consider swapping the trans cooler for a bigger one, but of course i don't know how big the one there is to start with.
if you have good tires, suspension, and brakes, i say you're safe to tow 10k - but make sure all hitch components are up to the task first. note that they advise using a weight-distributing hitch for anything over 5k
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
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cool. you should have enough cooling for most situations, but the gage would be wise if you're working it hard, and from there you can decide if a bigger cooler may be in order. if you aren't working it excessively, i wouldn't worry about it.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
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Quite possible. It is titled as a ClubWagon XLT. Was the E350 a 1 ton or a 3/4 ton? Some other members said you were the guy to ask if I had any van questions.
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e250=3/4 ton
e350=1 ton
just like the f-trucks
while i've never seen a diesel e250, they do seem to be listed in parts catalogs, though those aren't a reliable source.
e350=1 ton
just like the f-trucks
while i've never seen a diesel e250, they do seem to be listed in parts catalogs, though those aren't a reliable source.
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Fleet Mechanic
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I should be able to tell from the VIN, right? Is there a website that can decode it for me? I googled it, but everyone I found only gave me basic info (make,model,yr and engine).....nothing more detailed unless I wanted to pay.
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Fleet Mechanic
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I talked to the local Ford dealer when I was checking on glow plugs. He ran the VIN and verified it was a 3/4 ton ClubWagon. Pics comind shortly.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
There is a decoder here on FTE, top of your screen, right under the blue FTE logo thing, right in the middle, you'll see a bunch of tabs, the middle one "Articles/Specs", just put your mouse over it, and a list will pop up, and you'll see VIN decoder in that, it's free and gives you all the info you'll need!
And yes i'm the crazy van man here
And pics are a must!
And yes i'm the crazy van man here
And pics are a must!
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 21
There is a decoder here on FTE, top of your screen, right under the blue FTE logo thing, right in the middle, you'll see a bunch of tabs, the middle one "Articles/Specs", just put your mouse over it, and a list will pop up, and you'll see VIN decoder in that, it's free and gives you all the info you'll need!
And yes i'm the crazy van man here
And pics are a must!
And yes i'm the crazy van man here
And pics are a must!
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