2010 Ford E250 Weight Towing Question

[HoosierD]

Hello, I'm new to the forum and to towing and was hoping to get your towing expertise. I'm looking at purchasing a 2010 Ford E250 Cargo van with either a 4.6 V8 (225 hp.) or a 5.4 V8 (255 hp.) to convert to a camper van and hopefully my son's 22' 2009 Harris Sunliner Pontoon with a 60 hp. engine. I'm trying to make sure I could safely tow it. The numbers are as follows:
Pontoon net weight is listed at 2,200 lbs. (I'm guessing that's dry weight)
Pontoon trailer approx. 1,200 lbs.
Pontoon w/trailer total 3,500 lbs.
_____________________________________________
Van GWCR 11,500 lbs.
Van Curb Weight 5,329 lbs. (I'm guessing that's dry weight)
Max Towing capacity 6,000 lbs.
Thank you for your help!!

 

[04fxdwgi25]

You show tow weight as 3,500 lbs. Add another 500 for stuff on the toon, like water, fuel, gear, etc.
You show tow capability is 6,000lbs.
Good to go. Just make sure the trailer has a good braking system.
On the side note, this max towing weight will be reduced by the amount of lbs you add on a conversion.

 

[HoosierD]

Hello, Thank you so much for checking out my information. With so much discussion online about towing capacity, I wanted to ask folks that actually trailer boats. I feel more confident about it now.
Have a great day!!!

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... An F250 should have no problem towin' that 'toon,....

 

[RMClark]

I would also recheck weights after converting that van. Conversions can really pack on the weight; when you reweigh it after the work is done AND it's packed for a typical trip, you'll likely find that much of the GCWR is now consumed by the vehicle. If you add 1700 pounds of weight with the conversion and personal gear, taking the weight up to 7000 pounds, then you really only have a tow capacity of 4500 pounds and still remain within the 11,500# GCWR of the van.

Does the van have a tow package already installed? That would be a good thing to know.

If you're going to pull the 6000# pontoon long distances, good trailer brakes are a very good thing to have. The engine will get all that weight moving easily. Stopping it in a reasonable distance or under emergency conditions could be sporty.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I bet you will have used all of your payload weight by doing the conversion. Add to that the weight of gear and the tongue weight of the trailer, and I’d guess you’ll be exceeding your vehicle’s payload rating. It is pretty common to exceed payload rating before you exceed towing capacity.

 

[HoosierD]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... An F250 should have no problem towin' that 'toon,....

Thank you Bondo!!!

 

[HoosierD]

I would also recheck weights after converting that van. Conversions can really pack on the weight; when you reweigh it after the work is done AND it's packed for a typical trip, you'll likely find that much of the GCWR is now consumed by the vehicle. If you add 1700 pounds of weight with the conversion and personal gear, taking the weight up to 7000 pounds, then you really only have a tow capacity of 4500 pounds and still remain within the 11,500# GCWR of the van.

Does the van have a tow package already installed? That would be a good thing to know.

If you're going to pull the 6000# pontoon long distances, good trailer brakes are a very good thing to have. The engine will get all that weight moving easily. Stopping it in a reasonable distance or under emergency conditions could be sporty.

Hi RM, Really good information that I didn't think about. I'm trying to find out the specs on the van to make sure. Being able to stop that rig is my concern.
Thanks again!!

 

[HoosierD]

I bet you will have used all of your payload weight by doing the conversion. Add to that the weight of gear and the tongue weight of the trailer, and I’d guess you’ll be exceeding your vehicle’s payload rating. It is pretty common to exceed payload rating before you exceed towing capacity.

Ahoy JAS!! Another great point from all of you!! I'm going to take another look at our plans before starting, I may have to trim some things off my list.
Take care!!