Towing with a 2011 E350 5.4 Engine
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 2
From: USA
Towing with a 2011 E350 5.4 Engine
Hello,
I just got this van and I am trying to figure out the best way to use it and maintain it. Long story short, I drove it for 4k miles, engine blew, getting a new one/remanufactured from Ford Dealer.
Why it blew, no clue, maybe i bought a lemon or maybe it was the way I was driving/towing?
I tow 3 trailers.
1. 1500lbs empty weight (single axle)
2. 2000lbs empty weight (single axle)
3. 2200lbs empty weight (double axle)
There is always 500lbs worth of equipment in each one.
I move pianos, hot tubs and safes in those trailers. The average weight that I pull with trailer, equipment and pianos/hot tubs/safes is 3000-3500lbs total.
I noticed that there is a big gap when going uphill. the last 2 gears could use a middle gear. RPMs can be at 3000 but if going up hill towing, it jumps to the next gear and goes to like 4500 or 5000rpm
I use (overdrive off) since it kinda feels like my Transits Tow Mode.
Any advice on how to keep this van towing as safe as possible so that I don't blow an engine.
I just got this van and I am trying to figure out the best way to use it and maintain it. Long story short, I drove it for 4k miles, engine blew, getting a new one/remanufactured from Ford Dealer.
Why it blew, no clue, maybe i bought a lemon or maybe it was the way I was driving/towing?
I tow 3 trailers.
1. 1500lbs empty weight (single axle)
2. 2000lbs empty weight (single axle)
3. 2200lbs empty weight (double axle)
There is always 500lbs worth of equipment in each one.
I move pianos, hot tubs and safes in those trailers. The average weight that I pull with trailer, equipment and pianos/hot tubs/safes is 3000-3500lbs total.
I noticed that there is a big gap when going uphill. the last 2 gears could use a middle gear. RPMs can be at 3000 but if going up hill towing, it jumps to the next gear and goes to like 4500 or 5000rpm
I use (overdrive off) since it kinda feels like my Transits Tow Mode.
Any advice on how to keep this van towing as safe as possible so that I don't blow an engine.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 312
Probably have a 4R100 behind that 2V 5.4. Four gears tends to have those wide spaces. I know my old ‘08 SCrew needed a 4-2 downshift to really pass with the 4.6. The extra pork of an 350 probably acts similarly with that 5.4.
Shouldn’t have anything more to do than usually time tested preventative maintenance.
I know 5.4 F150s had auxiliary trans coolers in them, so having one in your van would be nice. Or upgrade it if you feel like doing so.
As for the engine, luck of the draw there. Maybe you missed a noise on the test drive that shouldn’t have invoked confidence in the purchase. Maybe it was mileage and living on borrowed time. Who knows. Tritons are pretty solid-2V versions at least.
Shouldn’t have anything more to do than usually time tested preventative maintenance.
I know 5.4 F150s had auxiliary trans coolers in them, so having one in your van would be nice. Or upgrade it if you feel like doing so.
As for the engine, luck of the draw there. Maybe you missed a noise on the test drive that shouldn’t have invoked confidence in the purchase. Maybe it was mileage and living on borrowed time. Who knows. Tritons are pretty solid-2V versions at least.
FTE Community Team
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 10,728
Likes: 1,497
I don't see a mention of the odometer reading at the point of failure. I also have no idea how it was treated prior to your ownership.
E350s often get worked pretty hard all their lives.
How many miles on it?
Any idea what it was used for prior to your ownership?
E350s often get worked pretty hard all their lives.
How many miles on it?
Any idea what it was used for prior to your ownership?
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 2
From: USA
I sent the van to get an engine replacement at ford in los angeles. I still havent gotten the van back, its been gone for 70 days now. Last i heard they did a test drive, check engine light came on and they are checking it out.
Tough 2 months. Had my 2nd and only other work van go out due to fuel system. its been 40 days on that one... free fuel system change on a powerstroke 3.2l. cost was 8k but under warranty so its free thankfully.
Have done more circular pacing these past 2 months than all my years combined lol
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