E 350 Conversion Van 1986 Towing Capacity?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 9, 2005 | 08:13 PM

aviatorthree

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

E 350 Conversion Van 1986 Towing Capacity?

Hi Everybody,

I have a 1986 Ford E 350 Conversion Van. It has a 5.8L engine. I am wanting to buy a Fleetwood Wilderness Travel Trailer 33ORL 2005. This trailer has an empty weight of 8400 and can be loaded to a gross of approximately 9500.

I have been unable to get the specifications on this older Conversion Van. Is it big enough to pull the trailer? It already has the electric brake hookup and the low speed rear end. It has an automatic transmission. It is a one ton vehicle.

Your thoughts will be appreciated.

Mar 9, 2005 | 09:44 PM

racingstudebaker

Freshman User

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 28

Likes: 0

From: Buffoonalo, Yew Nork

Quote:

Originally Posted by aviatorthree

In my experience, you probably have enough "butt" to handle the weight of the trailer, but that can be good AND bad. You have to add the weight of the trailer PLUS the weight of the van, (which I think loaded, has got to be around 6000 pounds), to realize what you're actually working with. I must say, in my own honest opinion, that you don't have enough engine/transmission to handle what you're trying to do.

I think that a combined weight of possibly 16,000 pounds is getting into the diesel realm. Don't get me wrong, the van may be able to move itself and the trailer, but the stresses imposed are astronomical. The van may be able to do it initially, but I think extended trips, (especially hills/mountains) will be your "Waterloo".

I would definitely try to find the specifications, or at least thoroughly and realistically look into what the capabilities of the van really are. Good luck!

Sonny
RacingStudebakers.com

Mar 9, 2005 | 10:42 PM

pfogle

Lead Driver

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 8,140

Likes: 4

From: Oak Harbor, OH

I have an '88 CLubwagon with a 302 that towed ~16k... OVer 200 miles. If it hadn't been for the clogged radiator he wouldn't have had any problems.

Mar 9, 2005 | 11:45 PM

racingstudebaker

Freshman User

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 28

Likes: 0

From: Buffoonalo, Yew Nork

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfogle

I have an '88 CLubwagon with a 302 that towed ~16k... OVer 200 miles. If it hadn't been for the clogged radiator he wouldn't have had any problems.

I don't doubt it at all. But, that kind of stress on any vehicle tends to illuminate any existing foibles. I think looking closely at inherent limitations/capabilities is the wisest route to the least problems though. The real test is dragging it 2000 miles or 200 miles with alarming regularity.

Mar 10, 2005 | 09:34 PM

aviatorthree

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

Thanks RacingStudebaker,

Sounds like you know what your're talking about. I am also taking a look at used ambulances (Type 1) that have the back unit taken off the chassis. Something at least one ton with dual wheels should work fine. Another consideration I am looking is perhaps a retired Uhaul truck with a small box - at least one ton or above.

Thanks for your information.

Joe