Towing Capacity
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From: Chicago
Towing Capacity
Hello All:
I am attempting to buy a 1999 E-150 conversion w/4.6L V8 with low miles as touring vehicle for my band. We will need to tow a small utility trailer for our gear and I am curious if I will be able to do that with this vehicle?
If not as is would we be able to retro-fit with a tow package? And any ideas of cost?
Thanks in advance to all for what probably to most of you seems like a dumb series of questions!
Hoyleb
I am attempting to buy a 1999 E-150 conversion w/4.6L V8 with low miles as touring vehicle for my band. We will need to tow a small utility trailer for our gear and I am curious if I will be able to do that with this vehicle?
If not as is would we be able to retro-fit with a tow package? And any ideas of cost?
Thanks in advance to all for what probably to most of you seems like a dumb series of questions!
Hoyleb
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
Depends on the size of the utility trailer. If it is one of those typical 1,000 pounders, I probably wouldn't worry about it, especially if you tow short distances, say less than 50miles at a time. Just hook it up and go.
To be technically correct you will need to findout the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR, Gross Combined Weight Rating GCWR and a couple others, for both the trailer and the van. Then you add up your true loaded weights and findout if you are exceeding any of the GVWR or GCWR. This is important for trailers over say 1,000# especially if your tow vehicle is whimpy. But within reason, your van should be able to handle a normal utility trailer. If you want to pull a travel trailer, then pay close attention to the weight ratings.
Retro fitting does not "legally" change the tow ratings and if you have an accident, an issue can be made of it. A lot of systems make up the tow rating. To technically change the rating, you would need to look at engine, tranny, cooling, gears, axle, rims, tires, shocks, springs brakes, shall I go on? Usually it is better to buy what you need than to retrofit.
As I think of this, you might need to consider how loaded the van would be with your band members and gear. Isn't band gear heavy? If you plan to have a full load of passengers and gear in the van, then it becomes more important to check the manual and door post ratings against the expected loaded weight of the van and then figure in the trailer. I still don't think a light utility trailer will be a problem, your bigger problem may be passengers and gear in the van itself.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
To be technically correct you will need to findout the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR, Gross Combined Weight Rating GCWR and a couple others, for both the trailer and the van. Then you add up your true loaded weights and findout if you are exceeding any of the GVWR or GCWR. This is important for trailers over say 1,000# especially if your tow vehicle is whimpy. But within reason, your van should be able to handle a normal utility trailer. If you want to pull a travel trailer, then pay close attention to the weight ratings.
Retro fitting does not "legally" change the tow ratings and if you have an accident, an issue can be made of it. A lot of systems make up the tow rating. To technically change the rating, you would need to look at engine, tranny, cooling, gears, axle, rims, tires, shocks, springs brakes, shall I go on? Usually it is better to buy what you need than to retrofit.
As I think of this, you might need to consider how loaded the van would be with your band members and gear. Isn't band gear heavy? If you plan to have a full load of passengers and gear in the van, then it becomes more important to check the manual and door post ratings against the expected loaded weight of the van and then figure in the trailer. I still don't think a light utility trailer will be a problem, your bigger problem may be passengers and gear in the van itself.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
