Tow vehicle for 2016 264bhw

Acdessert · 08-12-2015, 08:10 AM

Hi,
My wife and I take delivery of our first TT, it's a 2016 264bhw this Saturday . We have been waiting a long time and are beyond excited. My question: is my 2005 ford E250 van with a 4.6L V8 going to get the job done? We live in SE PA so we can go to the mountains or stay on flat terrain. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time

SkyBound · 08-12-2015, 08:22 AM

Welcome to the forum. I previously had a 2003 F-150 with the 4.6 and towed a Jay Flight with it. It was a smaller and lighter model than yours. That truck didn't do very well towing the trailer. It moved it, but struggled doing so. The torque converter was always unlocked which pushed the transmission temps, and we got about 7mpg because it was always revving so high to make power.

Your 4.6 is the 3 Valve (I think) which is slightly better than my previous 2 Valve, and I doubt you're running larger and heavier LT tires like I was. My advice to you is to start by towing on the flat areas and see how it behaves. I have very high expectations that it will be no good for hilly/mountainous areas but you will have to see for yourself. Start easy and go from there.

Have fun and don't be afraid to ask all your questions here!

Iraqvet05 · 08-12-2015, 09:41 AM

At 4400 lbs dry, I don't think that 4.6 will tow a loaded 264bhw very well but like SkyBound said, once you hit the hills, you will see for yourself and you can be the judge.

TJEli · 08-14-2015, 10:24 AM

That is a 3/4 ton van. What gears are in it?

Acdessert · 08-14-2015, 10:34 AM

It's 410

Murff · 08-14-2015, 11:36 AM

Well, he has the gearing.

Checking, your van has a 6600 pound tow limit. Your 264bhw is rated at 6500 GVW. This is pretty much at your max and allows not a lot of weight in the van, depending on the E250's payload.

Check the numbers for axle weight limits on the drivers door post. Keep in mind your tongue weight could be in the 900+ pound range.

Murff

Acdessert · 08-14-2015, 11:39 AM

I just don't want to over stress my truck. Of course the dealer says everything will be fine I was just looking for opinions / experience. Thanks

dphoward62 · 08-14-2015, 12:50 PM

I tow a 2015 264BHW with a 2013 F-150 with a 5.0L V8. We have towed in hilly (but not mountainous) areas with no problems, but we can definitely tell the camper is back there. Towing capacity of the truck is around 8,000 pounds.

On some of the steepest hills the transmission drops to 3rd gear, but most of the time it goes no lower than 4th. We average around 11 mpg. The truck has the towing package, so I use the tow/haul mode when pulling the camper. We also have the integrated brake controller.

I personally would not be comfortable towing that camper with your van, given its 6600 pound towing limit. You might be OK on level ground, but you would really be pushing the limits.

Acdessert · 08-14-2015, 01:04 PM

My door post says GVWR 8600. Rear GAWR FRONT GAWR 3800. Does this help any?

jasoncw · 08-14-2015, 01:21 PM

Actually checking Ford's towing guide, your max trailer weight is only 5,600 (5,400 for extended van). I wouldn't be towing in the mountains with that. It will probably struggle but survive on flat land.

Acdessert · 08-15-2015, 05:40 PM

Thanks for all the responses. I decided this morning to not risk damage to the van and took the F-450 instead. Van is more suitable for the family,but with the diesel I didn't even know it was behind me. I guess the next logical purchase is a crew cab pickup. I guess it never ends. Thanks again and I'm looking forward to this forum. Happy camping!!

SouthCo · 08-15-2015, 08:31 PM

Good move borrowing the diesel as to not damage the family van in the long run....

Acdessert · 08-16-2015, 02:13 PM

The 450 is actually my truck but is a regular cab where my van has a bench seat in the back I was planning on putting the kids. I'm gonna see how the van pulls it tonight as a trial around the block. I've got some pretty decent hills around here. Maiden voyage this weekend...can't wait. Thanks again guys!

SouthCo · 08-16-2015, 07:50 PM

Oh I just assumed. Good luck and it may be fine with the van. If not, you know what to do...

jdrumsr · 08-18-2015, 11:27 AM

Be careful in the mountains if you go with the van. Going up a mountain isn't the only aspect you need to consider - coming down safely is another major consideration. I'm sure others on the forum are more experts on braking mechanics than I.

Good luck!

TWP723 · 08-18-2015, 11:53 AM

Don't even hook it up to the van. It won't work. Promise.

Husker Red · 08-18-2015, 12:14 PM

We camped next to a guy last week who was towing with one of those big 16 passenger type vans. He had a big TT (at least 26 ft) and said that old van pulled it great. He's been using it for years and was very happy with it. He called it his "Chester the Molester" van. We were in the north Georgia mountains, so he's got experience on some big hills.

Subaru297 · 08-18-2015, 01:17 PM

What is the van's payload? Should be on the door jamb sticker with your tire pressures.

The 4.6 with the 4.10 gears should do fine. Pretty bullet proof engine. 4 speed transmission won't help though. Payload???
Do you know if you have a transmission cooler?

Acdessert · 08-22-2015, 07:09 PM

Thanks everyone, the mystery is solved. We are currently camping in the Poconos and went up the NE extension and I80. Van did unbelievable and never went above 3000 rpm at 60-65 mph. I'm relieved and impressed. Thanks All

Edd505 · 08-22-2015, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdrumsr

Be careful in the mountains if you go with the van. Going up a mountain isn't the only aspect you need to consider - coming down safely is another major consideration. I'm sure others on the forum are more experts on braking mechanics than I.

Good luck!

You can go up too slow lots of times but only come down too fast once.

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