Hi, Does anybody know what the ambulance package entails, I have a 1989 E350 DRW and they (Ford) say not to use it as a tow vehicle and I was wondering why. I looked high and low trying to find out but know luck.

 

Have a 1988 E350DRW Ambulance. Not sure why you couldn't tow with it other than GVW. A lighter trailer should be no problem. Ambu alone weighs 10,000 pounds easily, depending on load and configuration.
OTOH, the ambu was designed to be driven around with medical equipment and 2, 3 or 4 people in the back, so I think you could easily pull another 1,000 pounds of load.
I have loaded mine with approx. 1,000 pounds of lumber and concrete and it actually rides better (less bounce in back).
Is yours a box ambulance on a cutaway chassis or a regular full size van body?
Mine is cutaway.

 

Mine is a E350 DRW Cutaway with no box at all, it has the ambulance prep package. Right now it weights 5280 pounds, I was planing on adding one of those Neslon Hoods cab backs and towing a fifth wheel. When I looked and the door sticker it has 10500 GVWR, but make no mention of the GCWR so I did some checking and for some reason Ford says you can't tow with it????

 

this chassis was designed to be built as an ambulance
it was assumed that when finished it would be maxed out
on its gvwr and not suitable for towing
this is also legalease to CYA.
if you look close to any standard truck or van
you will find a disclaimer to not build an ambulance on those chassis
most ambulances if put on a set of scales would blow the gvw
by at least 1000 lbs
spent 16 years in the ems world
would still be there if not for the ankle

 

Replying to this old thread because it references a vehicle close to one my son wants to purchase. So, my 22 year old and some buddies want to buy an ‘88 E350 7.3L with the ambulance package and only 29,000 original miles. It seems like both a ridiculously cool idea and a ridiculously bad idea. The sale price is fairly low so that part of the financial equation isn’t too much of a concern. My bigger concern is that it’s 32 years old and just huge. I’m trying to provide some guidance... any input would be appreciated. Wondering the GVW on this rig, what he may pay to put plates on it, insurance costs, etc. - I’ve told him if he’s serious, he needs to have a mechanic friend of my check it out. What things should my mechanic look for? Maintenance on a 32 year old ambulance can’t be cheep. Also, what kind of mileage does a 32 year old ambulance get - 6 MPG???

 

'88 with 29k? Thats hard to believe and those don't read 100k so it could have rolled over. If not then it has sat a ton. This can be good and bad. Whats he going to use it for? Good diesel maintenance isn't cheap or easy but solid if running good and cared for. You may want a diesel mechanic to check it over. Is that the Aod or 3speed c-6 in there? Great camping van starter Is the wiring intact? If things have been pulled out and unhooked the wiring can be a nightmare depending on whos messed with it. If they do decide to drop the hammer on it, keep us posted on any progress/work with that beast.

 

My immediate thought when seeing the photo of the grinning young man is wondering if he's thinking or pre-calculating how many buddies, beer coolers and young women will comfortably fit inside this thing? Its the same thoughts I'd have so maybe I'm just projecting? Something like that in my hey day would have been a dream come true........

Depending what jurisdiction this ambulance served its entirely possible it has only 29K actual miles---in a small enough town with few runs 29K might be a lot of miles. Condition-wise it probably needs a lot of remedial work on hoses, belts etc etc but if the mileage is actual not much else should have failed. I'd have the A/C system checked but if its been carefully maintained that should be operating fine now.

The ambulance portion is another story especially if the more important medial components or systems were removed without care. I would think the siren was removed as that could be a nuisance in the hands of young men--again maybe just projecting.

The price is right, it could possibly be negotiated downward a bit but its fair right now. I would talk with a trailer hitch shop to get their impression on its real-world ability to tow something. I can't image a small single-hull 16' boat (or similar) would be a problem--hauling a 50' mobile office would present issues I'm sure. Since its probably a dually stability shouldn't be an issue--whether the current suspension can really handle a hitch and tongue weight would be an issue and concern.

BTW I'm figuring no less than 3 total buddies, minimum 4 40qt coolers and 10 young women---as a rough estimate.