I don't have much 302 experience, so I thought I should ask.

I found my neighbor a 85 Ford Econoline 150 like mine in pretty good condition, its a conversion van with a 302/auto overdrive, class 3 hitch.
You can't give full size vans away now, and the price is cheap.

He just needs it for towing a 4,000 lb boat and towing his 4 wheelers because he sold his pickup.

Will a 302 of that year handle the job OK ?

 

i havent had much experience with these vans but had a 90 f150 with the 302 and Aod trans and it towed the 3800 pound trailer with no problems at all you barely even knew it was back there all that was done to it was an aftermarket tranny cooler

 

It'll do as well as a pickup from the same year, the main thing to look for is axle gearing, 3.55 with stock tires is good overall, but if it has 3.08 it will struggle.