Checking back in with a towing question
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
I don't see how that would distribute the weight differently. It still hangs off the rear past the bumper. The pivoting would make turning some corners easier, but would have to be locked back to back up a trailer. Where did the bent pipe looking thing go on at ? Or do ? What I see there is at least a hundred extra pounds (at least) added to the rear of the van, behind the axle. Further subtracting from what's a safe tongue load.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
Oops, the bent pipe is a shop vac hose that snuck into the picture. Yes the receiver does extend out past the bumper, and the center of that arc is flush with the bumper albeit below the bumper by the height of that support bar. I guess this is all moot anyway since it will now live in the garage unless someone finds it to be of value to them. Otherwise, at least it doesn't take up much room against a wall.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
I got one when I bought a camper trailer a few years back. Just the drawbar and the equalizer bars and hardware. I promptly put it up for sale on Craigslist and sold it a week or so later for $175.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
Quick question...
1996 E-350/ It has the plugs in the rear for adding the harness for the trailer wiring, 4 or 7 pin. What's the harness I need to plug right into those for the 4 pin trailer wire connector? Anyone know the part number or have a link? I keep finding universal ones that assume there's no trailer plug already adapted.
1996 E-350/ It has the plugs in the rear for adding the harness for the trailer wiring, 4 or 7 pin. What's the harness I need to plug right into those for the 4 pin trailer wire connector? Anyone know the part number or have a link? I keep finding universal ones that assume there's no trailer plug already adapted.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 786
Likes: 26
Try etrailer.com. They have just about everything. Good service, too. If you don't find it on the site, give them a yell. If they don't know, it probably doesn't exist.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
Wow, well that was a nice surprise. Man that van towed that pontoon boat like it was a jet ski. It was so smooth and easy that I actually forgot I was even towing a couple times. The way that Pacifica we had towed the same boat (struggled mightily and MPG was horrific), I was a little leery of how the E-350 would do. But holy bananas, it was cake. MPG was nearly the same, even with the aero drag the boat certainly must have caused. Totally stable, very confident vehicle.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
Nothing like using the right tool for the job. Big difference in towing ability between those two. My 99 SD F250 pulls anything hooked to the bumper like it's not there with it's suspension, engine (7.3) and transmission ( ZF6 speed) The wife's old 2006 Chrysler T&C minivan got 7.25 mpg towing a small 17 ft camper. The F250 got 16 mpg loaded down with 200 gallons of fuel and the same camper. And went up and down the hills on I-20 and US 287 (going up to Colorado) without ever touching the shifter.
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Senior User
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Wow, well that was a nice surprise. Man that van towed that pontoon boat like it was a jet ski. It was so smooth and easy that I actually forgot I was even towing a couple times. The way that Pacifica we had towed the same boat (struggled mightily and MPG was horrific), I was a little leery of how the E-350 would do. But holy bananas, it was cake. MPG was nearly the same, even with the aero drag the boat certainly must have caused. Totally stable, very confident vehicle.
I tow about 3500 lbs with my 5.4/3.73 E250. No problems at all other than I have to drive 80 to keep it in OD on a hill or with a strong headwind.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
I do, but not the harness (re-used it). It would need the stop pin repaired, a new piece of metal welded on because the plate snapped. Of course I would not recommend re-using the nuts and bolts. It's a rusty guy too. I assume it was installed in 1996 when the van was new and was on it until I removed it this year.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
I got your PM but can't reply for some reason, can't type in the reply field??
Anyway, I don't want any money for it and would be glad to have it out of the garage really. I won't ever have a use for it. This week is bad though, work has been stupid busy lately. But we'll figure out a good time soon and I will get it to you. It really is not in the best of shape, though. Well aged, I guess you'd say. When I get time I will dig it out and get some more pics or just load it up and meet you at a gas station or something.
Anyway, I don't want any money for it and would be glad to have it out of the garage really. I won't ever have a use for it. This week is bad though, work has been stupid busy lately. But we'll figure out a good time soon and I will get it to you. It really is not in the best of shape, though. Well aged, I guess you'd say. When I get time I will dig it out and get some more pics or just load it up and meet you at a gas station or something.