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Old 05-11-2015, 03:44 PM   #1
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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?
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Old 05-11-2015, 06:46 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by Fordvan View Post
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....
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Old 05-11-2015, 07:01 PM   #3
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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?
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Old 05-12-2015, 12:21 PM   #4
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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.
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Old 05-12-2015, 12:36 PM   #5
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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.
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Old 05-13-2015, 04:53 AM   #6
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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?
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Old 05-18-2015, 01:45 AM   #7
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Pulled the 31 footer for about 15 years over 50,000 miles.
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Old 05-19-2015, 04:59 AM   #8
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Pulled the 31 footer for about 15 years over 50,000 miles.
Well then, I shouldn't have any problem pulling a 23'. Thanks.
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Old 05-19-2015, 05:26 AM   #9
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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.
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Old 05-19-2015, 06:42 AM   #10
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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.
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