Maximum Towing Capacity of a 1989 Ford E350 Van
Question:
Hi...considering the purchase of a 1989 E350 Club Wagon. Intent is NOT to haul people, but strip the interior for cargo. Max estimated weight of vehicle cargo is 2,200 pounds. Intent is to also pull a 5foot x 10foot trailer that has a max rating of 4,500 pounds single axle w/brakes. Doubt I will ever max trailer out, but Id like to know if these numbers are doable. P.S What size/model transmission cooler would you recommend for this van?
asked by: Dave
Expert Reply:
To determine the maximum trailer weight you can tow with your 1989 Ford E350 you will need to find both the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of your van. This can all be found on the information tag located inside the driver door jamb. If you subtract the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of your van from the (GCWR) that will give you the maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) you can safely tow.
Generally speaking, the best transmission cooler to use would be the largest one you have space available for in front of the radiator/condenser behind the grill of your van. Therefore, as long as you have 11" wide x 8-3/4" tall x 7/8" deep of space in this location the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets part # D13503 would do an excellent job of cooling your transmission fluid. This kit comes with everything you will need to install on your van.
If your trailer is more than 50% of your GCWR, you will want to use a weight distribution system. In order to be sure you are choosing the correct weight distribution system, you will want to find the total tongue weight of your towing setup by adding the tongue weight of both your loaded and ready to tow trailer by any cargo stored behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
The average total tongue weight (TW) rating of a trailer is typically 10-15% of the gross trailer weight (GTW). An easy way to find this would involve using a tongue weight scale like the etrailer Trailer Tongue Weight Scale part # e99044. When choosing a weight distribution system, you will want your total tongue weight to fall in the middle of the weight distributions weight capacity. For example, the ideal weight distribution system for a total tongue weight of 600 lbs is one that is rated for 400-800 lbs of tongue weight.
For a total tongue weight between 200-600 lbs I recommend using the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System part # EQ37060ET. I have attached a review video of the transmission cooler for you as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 8-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Mount a Truck Bed Camper
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: In-Depth Review of the Brophy Stake Pocket Mounted Camper Tie-Downs
- Video: Breaking Down the Brophy Basic Turnbuckles w/ Hardware for Camper Tie-Downs
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control
- Shop: HappiJac Camper Tie-Downs - Custom Bed and Bumper Mount - Front and Rear
- Shop: Brophy Stake Pocket Mounted Camper Tie-Downs - Bed Mount - Qty 4
- Shop: Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2"
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Shop: Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - 11,500 lbs GTW, 1,150 lbs TW
- Shop: Pole-Tongue Adapter for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Shop: Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: 7-Way Trailer Plug Adapter or Compatibility with Lance Slide-In Truck Bed Camper
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: camper tie~downs
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receivers for 2020 Chevy Colorado
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Brophy Slide In Camper Tie-Downs
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
on Transmission Coolers
