|
05-11-2015, 03:44 PM
|
#1
|
1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
lake worth
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 5
|
Van towing
I have a 2013, 2500 Ford cargo van with a 4.6 liter engine, 3.73 rear axle ratio and 8,500-9,000 lb, GVWR. Can I safely tow a 23 foot airstream?
|
|
|
05-11-2015, 06:46 PM
|
#2
|
Rivet Master
2002 25' Safari
1977 20' Argosy 20
northern valley
, new jersey
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 532
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fordvan
I have a 2013, 2500 Ford cargo van with a 4.6 liter engine, 3.73 rear axle ratio and 8,500-9,000 lb, GVWR. Can I safely tow a 23 foot airstream?
|
maybe.
you'll probably want to know the towing capacities of your particular van, as published by Ford, along with the other weight, drivetrain (rear axle ratio,) and tire info that are stamped on the white door pillar sticker, and on your tires.
then you can compare all that to the trailer you're considering, and
have a good idea where you stand....
__________________
Joseph & Gabrielle
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci.
WBCCI 2087 - AIR 3144 - TAC-NJ2
https://defendwally.org/
|
|
|
05-11-2015, 07:01 PM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,103
|
I certainly think so in terms of size and payload. I have caravaned with several people who towed 34 footers with 250 sized vans. Backing will be a bit tougher than it would with a shorter TV or longer trailer. Engine power will slow you down a little in hilly areas. Since you drive a van anyway you already know its limitations. What is your area of concern about a heavy van as a TV?
|
|
|
05-12-2015, 12:21 PM
|
#4
|
1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
lake worth
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 5
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill M.
I certainly think so in terms of size and payload. I have caravaned with several people who towed 34 footers with 250 sized vans. Backing will be a bit tougher than it would with a shorter TV or longer trailer. Engine power will slow you down a little in hilly areas. Since you drive a van anyway you already know its limitations. What is your area of concern about a heavy van as a TV?
|
My areas of concern are safety and dependability.
|
|
|
05-12-2015, 12:36 PM
|
#5
|
Rivet Master
1977 31' Sovereign
1963 26' Overlander
1989 34' Excella
Johnsburg
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,944
|
I used 250 Ford Vans for years. Pulled well but I blew two rod bearings at 125K miles. The flat sides did cause more sway when passed by trucks. Your rear end ratio is a little low for the mountains. Having a trailer package with transmission cooler is beneficial for mountains.
|
|
|
05-13-2015, 04:53 AM
|
#6
|
1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
lake worth
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 5
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by dwightdi
I used 250 Ford Vans for years. Pulled well but I blew two rod bearings at 125K miles. The flat sides did cause more sway when passed by trucks. Your rear end ratio is a little low for the mountains. Having a trailer package with transmission cooler is beneficial for mountains.
|
Can I ask you what size Airstream you were towing?
|
|
|
05-18-2015, 01:45 AM
|
#7
|
Rivet Master
1977 31' Sovereign
1963 26' Overlander
1989 34' Excella
Johnsburg
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,944
|
Pulled the 31 footer for about 15 years over 50,000 miles.
|
|
|
05-19-2015, 04:59 AM
|
#8
|
1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
lake worth
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 5
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by dwightdi
Pulled the 31 footer for about 15 years over 50,000 miles.
|
Well then, I shouldn't have any problem pulling a 23'. Thanks.
|
|
|
05-19-2015, 05:26 AM
|
#9
|
Rivet Master
1978 31' Sovereign
Texas Airstream Harbor
, Zavalla, in the Deep East Texas Piney Woods on Lake Sam Rayburn
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,435
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fordvan
Well then, I shouldn't have any problem pulling a 23'. Thanks.
|
I would highly recommend that you avoid overdrive with a passion - this coming from a person who blew a van transmission while towing.
My opinion is that vans are the perfect road trip vehicle.
__________________
Dennis
"Suck it up, spend the bucks, do it right the first time."
WBCCI # 1113
AirForums #1737
Trailer '78 31' Sovereign
Living Large at an Airstream Park on the Largest Lake Totally Contained in Texas
Texas Airstream Harbor, Inc.
|
|
|
05-19-2015, 06:42 AM
|
#10
|
Rivet Master
1977 31' Sovereign
1963 26' Overlander
1989 34' Excella
Johnsburg
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,944
|
Lots of covered, waterproof storage volume for junk(protected from prying eyes). sleeping facility and tent for side trips to places you can not take the Airstream.
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|