I just got home from my first experience towing with my new (to us) 2000 E250. We pull a 30 ft travel trailer, a 1994 Prowler. I don't know the trailer specifics but it's no lightweight. We left Saturday morning for Pigeon Forge, TN, taking I-40 from Nashville (I-24 from Hoptown to Nashville) and I am very excited about the van's abilities. The 5.4 pulls like a freight train. The only time I was running slower than I wanted to be was when I got trapped behind slower traffic. Ran between 65 and 75 all the way down and back. No problem pulling up on the Plateau or over the Escarpment at Rockwood/Harriman. Those of you familiar with I40 east will know what I mean. Also, this is my first 250 van, all my other pull vehicles have been 150's (2 vans & pickup) and I was amazed at how well the van handled the trailer. I think it has a 700 lb tongue weight, but not only was the horsepower and torque adequate, but the 4 wheel discs handled the braking well (with the trailer brakes too) and the suspension--handling with a 30 footer behind me--was great. I am most impressed. Now, given the choice, I'll never consider a 150 again. My last one was a '96 and did an adequate job, but nothing like this one! And, in spite of my reservations, it doesn't ride like a goat wagon solo either! My wife and I cruised the mountains without the trailer and the van feels so much more solid and smooth than the '96. Either it's Ford's constant improvement of the vehicle, or the difference between the 150 and 250..... again, I am most impressed.

Just thought someone out there might benefit from my report....

Have fun!

Hal

 

Hal,

What rear end ratio do you have? Have you put your rig on a scale to see how much it actually weighs? If you should decide to do so, look for a Cat scale location. The Cat scale have four segments so you can get the weight on each of your van's axles and the trailer's axles at the same time. It's good to know how much you are towing.

Gene

 

My van has the 3.55 gears under it (as best I can decipher the door tag) and I have the trailer specs, just not here at work with me today. Thanks for the reply!


Hal

 

Well there is a positive posting. I've been doing preliminary searches to add another E350 to my garage and have avoided the V8 in favor of the V10 like I currently have. I wonder if the V8 would be adequate. I like the 9500 towing capacity of my current E350 and wouldn't want to downgrade too much.

 

Of course, the Tim-The-Toolman answer to every question is "more horsepower!" More cylinders, more torque, more power, "R, R. R!" I have 2 friends and inlaws that have recently (in the last 24 months) purchased full blown motor homes. 2 of them bought Ford chassis with the V10 and one bought a GMC chassis with the 454. Guess who's the happiest? My father in law has been a 454 GMC man forever and he's most impressed with the V10. Huge increase in power over his last 454 and even a slight improvement in gas mileage. My other friend with the V10 is very happy, no complaints about mileage or power. My friend with the 454 keeps talking about how he's learned to drive to conserve fuel.

Bottom line, the new 3 valve 5.4 is supposed to have more power and torque than my 2000 model. There were few times this past week when I wished I had more horses, but being a gearhead, I ALWAYS want more horses! What has impressed me most about the 5.4 in the E250 is it's seemingly effortless pull from a dead stop. This baby has some torque! Running solo, it's certainly no Mustang GT, but so much smoother and quicker on the acceleration than my 351 was. With a 30 foot trailer behind, you can confidently pull into traffic without fear of somebody running over you, 'cause it just flat pulls! I was most impressed with pulling away from a dead stop with the trailer. The van moved it on out without breaking a sweat or breathing hard.

Good luck!

Hal