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. . . 26 pounds overweight before you put anything in the trailer. There are three things to know about this:
1. You are starting out overweight. You can't add a feather to the trailer without making the problem worse.
2. Less weight in the garage means more tongue weight. More tongue weight means more rear squat . . . and more importantly means more unloading the front tires.
3. I've almost never seen manufacturer weights at or below reality. I wouldn't be surprised at all if you take it to a scale and find it is 6,200 pounds empty and 900 pounds tongue weight. Or more.
Also, extended-tail Econolines get pushed around by trailers more than short-tail Econolines. Loading the trailer properly and using a weight distributing hitch are both going to be very important when you downsize the trailer or upsize the tow vehicle and start towing.
Questions:
Is the 660 tongue weight supposed to be when empty or loaded?
You are planning on using a weight-distributing hitch, right?
Hook up to that trailer and see how much it squats your van. I think you'll be surprised at how bad it is. A quality WDH that is properly configured will help with that some.
For comparison, here is my 22' toy hauler hooked up to my Titan that has a 9200 lb towing rating. Yes, the trailer is way, way too much trailer for the truck, but the way it sits in the picture the trailer's weight was within the trucks towing capacity but way over the rated tongue capacity This was before I setup the WDH, so all the tongue weight was on the rear axle. I'm going to say it caused the truck to squat 4". Even with the WDH setup, it was not a pleasant drive.
I recommend that you find a lighter trailer or a stronger tow vehicle.
...I have a 2014 Extended E-250 4.6L V8 and specs say Max Towing Capacity is 5,900...
The 5,900 lbs. spec is not absolute. Instead, it’s based on a very narrow set of atypical operating conditions:
Base trim model (higher trim levels add weight to van which reduces tow rating)
No unnecessary options (options add weight...)
Includes allowance for a 150 lbs. driver (hmmm...)
No other passengers or luggage or cargo or tools or coolers (add weight...)
Assumes operation at sea level (engine develops less power as elevation increases)
Once you make an allowance for your vehicle configuration and realistic operating conditions, then you’ll have a better idea of your van’s capabilities.
Hook up to that trailer and see how much it squats your van. I think you'll be surprised at how bad it is. A quality WDH that is properly configured will help with that some.
For comparison, here is my 22' toy hauler hooked up to my Titan that has a 9200 lb towing rating. Yes, the trailer is way, way too much trailer for the truck, but the way it sits in the picture the trailer's weight was within the trucks towing capacity but way over the rated tongue capacity This was before I setup the WDH, so all the tongue weight was on the rear axle. I'm going to say it caused the truck to squat 4". Even with the WDH setup, it was not a pleasant drive.
I recommend that you find a lighter trailer or a stronger tow vehicle.
Another vote for “no go”. I would use it to move very short distances, if necessary, but you’re not going to be safe or having very much fun, with that setup.
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Expert Towing Advice Needed
