Weight Ratings on E-350

[hopefulinOhio]

Hello everyone

I have been unable to find the weight figures for the E-350 passenger vans. I'm trying to find a tow vehicle that will fit the upcoming expansion to my family.

Currently, it's me, the wife and 3 kids (ages 12, 7, & 3). We are in the process of adopting four more (ages 10, 9, 5, & 3). I have a TT with a gross weight rating of 7,500 lbs.

Somewhere, I think I read that the E-350 has a GVWR of 9,400 lbs. Is this correct? I haven't seen any figures for the combined weight. I know it varies by rear end ratios.

On average, what does an unloaded (but full of fuel) 12 passenger E-350 weigh?

My desire is to have the diesel engine for reliability, efficiency and power. In evaluating, I have to consider the additional weight of the diesel. How much more does a PSD weigh than the V-10?

At this point the E-350 is the only tow vehicle that even appears to have a chance of carrying the load.

Would an E-350 short body 12 passenger be significantly lighter than the extended E-350? It would be nice to have the extra storage capacity inside, but if I needed to save some weight on GVWR, would this be a place to save a few hundred pounds?

Thanks for all your help!

David

[Larry M]

Here is what is listed in my 2002 brochure for the E-Series Wagons (i.e. passenger types vs. cargo)

6.8L w/3.55 - GCWR 15,000; Reg box max tow: 8.8K, Extended max tow: 8.5K
6.8L w/4.10 - GCWR 18,500; Reg box max tow 10K, Extended max tow 10K

7.3L PSD w/3.55 - GCWR 16,000; Reg box max tow 9,400, Extended max tow 9,100
7.3L PSD w/4.10 - GCWR 20,000; Reg box max tow 10,000, Extended max tow 10,000

Also the Extended comes with 245R75X16E tires and the regular box shows 225R75X16E so that might have an effect on the GVWR between the two vehicles, but don't know how much. You need to see what the 225R75X16 max load is and multiply by 2 and subtract from 6084 to get a WAG at how much you GVWR might suffer from a max of 9500.

Sorry don't have any info on GVWR or GAWR for the Wagons or can I help you with the actual weight difference, but seem to think the PSD is about 500lbs more that the V10, but that's a WAG on my part. My 2001 E-350 PSD Cargo Van and I think all have GVWR of 9500 for the regular box and 9400 for the extended box with both having a rear GAWR of 6084. The front GAWR seems to vary and can be increased with the one up front GAWR option. Normally the front GAWR is 4200 for the extended and 4400 for the regular box and both can be increase 200lbs with the option. My door sticker w/the one up option says 9500GVWR, 4600 front GAWR, and 6084 rear GAWR.

I guess I'll add that with a Van full of passengers and if you going to be towing a 7.5K TT much the PSD w/4.10 would be my recommendation.

Hope that helps some,

Larry

[toalpi]

The 2003 brochure shows that the 225 tires are standard on the V8 gas engine only so don't bother with Larry's additional tire math project. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]


With the PSD, towing package and 4.10 axle, after you subtract the weight of other van options, all people and gear from the 10,000 you should have a little margin to spare. I would go for the extra room in the extended body (EB) unless frequent city parking is an issue. Tony

[Defective]

[ QUOTE ]
I would go for the extra room in the extended body (EB) unless frequent city parking is an issue.

[/ QUOTE ]

I recently went from a big old (read ugly & tough looking) extended 1 ton to a wimpy looking new 1/2 ton. The old van was easier to park in the city. I think it kinda scared the other parked cars out of the way...

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

[toalpi]

Defective, I think you're just afraid of scratching the new one. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]Tony

[shume]

David,

Congratulations on the expanding family. I have two of my own and three adopted.

Here are some numbers from my 2001 owners manual. V-10 only, the PSD numbers are in a supplement.

12 passenger, 6.8L, 3.73 axle, GCWR = 15,000, max trailer = 8,900
12 passenger, 6.8L, 4.10 axle, GCWR = 18,500, max trailer = 10,000
15 passenger, 6.8L, 3.73 axle, GCWR = 15,000, max trailer = 8,600
15 passenger, 6.8L, 4.10 axle, GCWR = 18,500, max trailer = 10,000

From the door jam sticker: front GAWR = 3800, rear GAWR = 6084, GVWR = 9300. Incidentally, the max weight rating of the 245/75R16 E rated tires is 3042 lbs, hence the rear GAWR.

I would 2nd the recommendation of the extended version, especially with the large family. Mine is extended, but with seating for 12. The extra storage space is very nice. It adds about 200 lbs.

I weighed mine once with 3/4 tank of fuel and all the family. It tipped the scales at just under 7,000. My kids are all young, the oldest just turned 11 so they didn't add too much weight.

Be aware that you can't get to the max trailer weight without exceeding the GCWR if you have much of anything in the van. I made a trip to Colorado two summers ago. 12 passengers, ~6000 lb TT. The total weight of the rig was right at 15,000 on a scale. Both axles were at there weight limits (see above). The numbers don't quite add up because part of the trailer weight is pushed onto the van axles by the weight-distributing hitch.

I'm happy with the V-10. IMHO it has plenty of power for my needs. Even in Colorado at 10,000 ft.

Enjoy.

Steve

[Defective]

[ QUOTE ]
Defective, I think you're just afraid of scratching the new one.

[/ QUOTE ]

Nah...already scratched it...

It's probably a combination of the different front end geometry (vans after 92 don't seem to turn as tight) and the lack of mirrors (the old one had lots of extra mirrors added).


I still think the old van was more intimidating too.

[jogiba]

David, Ford is putting the 325HP/560Tq 6.0L PSD and 5speed AT in the 2004 E350 Van so you should have the power to tow the largest TT like my 41 ft. But I think you will have to wait until Jan 2004 to get the new E350 with the new 6.0 PSD. Make sure you get a PullRite or Hensley Arrow hitch if you pull a long TT. Someone on this forum pulls a 33' TT with an extended E350 so I would get that for the extra luggage space.

Joe

[Mark Kovalsky]

[ QUOTE ]
Someone on this forum pulls a 33' TT with an extended E350

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes I do, and it tows well! I second getting either a Pull-Rite or a Hensley Arrow. They are the ONLY way to tow.

[shume]

My TT is just 25 ft. I went ahead a got the Hensley Arrow hitch because of the extra length from the rear axle to the hitch on the extended vans. Well worth the money for the safety and comfort of my family out on the road.

Steve