Transit towing Hybrid Bullet

Old_Stevenick · 06-26-2023, 09:20 AM

Our 2002 Ford V10 E350 van is still running, but replacing it is an upcoming reality.

The Ford Transit Crew vans are rated to tow 4,600. My Bullet is rated at 4,700 full, so if I didn't fill the water tank before traveling I would just make it into the rating.

I know the general consensus is to go larger, but would this configuration work OK, albeit a bit underpowered?

**chuckster57** · 06-26-2023, 11:23 AM

“Tow rating” is not applicable in most if not all situations. Auto makers use an unrealistic set up. Cargo capacity is more important IMO.

Look at the tag in the drivers door and then figure tongue weight as 13% of trailer GVWR as a starting point.

wiredgeorge · 06-26-2023, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

“Tow rating” is not applicable in most if not all situations. Auto makers use an unrealistic set up. Cargo capacity is more important IMO.

Look at the tag in the drivers door and then figure tongue weight as 13% of trailer GVWR as a starting point.

Would the payload for a 2002 have the yellow/white placard in the door frame? I know my old 1996 F250 didn't have one.

**chuckster57** · 06-26-2023, 11:36 AM

My ‘94 F350 has a white sticker, I would think a 2002 would have something.

Old_Stevenick · 06-26-2023, 12:13 PM

Our 2002 Van pulls it fine. I will check for the tag though.

My question is about the 2023 Ford Transit V6 AWD. I'll have to see if I can find out what the tongue weight is of one of those.

jasin1 · 06-26-2023, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old_Stevenick

Our 2002 Ford V10 E350 van is still running, but replacing it is an upcoming reality.

The Ford Transit Crew vans are rated to tow 4,600. My Bullet is rated at 4,700 full, so if I didn't fill the water tank before traveling I would just make it into the rating.

I know the general consensus is to go larger, but would this configuration work OK, albeit a bit underpowered?

i just bought a 2023 transit rwd cargo van i tow a 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer with it and when it’s loaded you can really feel it..my gvwr on the trailer is maybe 2900lbs? i have to check but think it’s around there.

the transit tow haul mode makes it rev really high going downhill unless you keep on the brakes.

Don’t even think about getting a transit unless it has the FACTORY BRAKE CONTROLLER MODULE and the FACTORY TOW PACKAGE WITH HITCH AND ALL THE WIRING!!! …..and verify it’s all there before you sign anything…it’s been an absolute nightmare getting mine setup and i’ve given up on a brake controller or a bigger trailer….it’s not a comfortable engine transmission and trailer combo

go on the ford transit forum and do a search about trailer wiring …it’s a real pain if it didn’t come from the factory and most of the ford dealers say it can’t even be added after the fact…only 4 wire like i managed to get working

Old_Stevenick · 06-26-2023, 12:47 PM

Do you think the Econo Boost model would be better, or is that what you have?

Otherwise it really just comes down to a pickup for us, and the Transit we could possibly build out as a camper van someday.

jasin1 · 06-26-2023, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old_Stevenick

Do you think the Econo Boost model would be better, or is that what you have?

Otherwise it really just comes down to a pickup for us, and the Transit we could possibly build out as a camper van someday.

i don’t have the eco boost so i wouldn’t know but check on the ford transit forum

Old_Stevenick · 06-27-2023, 02:23 AM

Well as to be expected on the Transit Forum I found some people said they did it and it was fine, others thought they were weak for towing.

Looking at the chart I found, with the ecoboost engine it's a 12,600 GCWR and towing capacity in the 6,800 range. Since the van probably weighs 6,000 empty. With the van loaded it still would tow close to 5,000 lbs.

My GVWR is 4,700. I think I can do it.

I did meet an electrician camping who had a Transit that he was using to tow an even larger camper. I wouldn't even be sure that his was Ecoboost, and he said it was fine.

Might be an option.

For now we carry bikes, tables and chairs in the van when camping, along with suitcases, toys, etc. None of that weighs much.

Max23 · 06-27-2023, 04:50 AM

Do not look at "towing capacity". This number really means (relatively) nothing. What you will be doing is going over your payload and rear axle capacity. This is where they get you. Generally you can TOW something with a vw bug. Doesn't mean it will handle all the rest of the weights. I had an f150 eco boost. Had a large towing capacity. However, I exceeded my cargo capacity and axle capacity when weighed at the cat scale. So many numbers I know but don't under estimate the real need. If your at a point where you are in need now, get what you need don't settle for something that "might" do the job because it comes in barely under 1 of the specs. Just my opinion but I lived the dream. Didn't work out so well for me. LOL I very much so understand the need for "affording" what you can, I am not a rich man by any means. Just saying, are there other options you may be able to get into?

Old_Stevenick · 06-27-2023, 04:58 AM

Our 2002 van is still working, still just looking ahead, maybe to next season.

We need a tow vehicle for a 4,700 lb. camper and we like having a Van for this. The inside space is very convenient. A van like a Transit, can also be modified to have a bed, etc. They can even be gotten with swivel front seats.

So it would be the best of both worlds. Tow vehicle and campervan.

Sprinters don't tow as much. RAMs are RWD only, this is to me the only van option with AWD.

It just seems that pickups are the only decent tow vehicles, and i really don't want a pickup, and they're so expensive.

Old_Stevenick · 06-27-2023, 05:05 AM

So basically what I'm saying is that for driving around in the Northeast US mostly, that I may be open to having a just barely good enough tow vehicle for a couple of years.

It's a little hybrid 1650 camper. Single axle.

dutchmensport · 06-27-2023, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old_Stevenick

...

... but would this configuration work OK, albeit a bit underpowered?

Short answer: No.

Your tow vehicle will suffer the consequences!

notanlines · 06-27-2023, 05:46 AM

“ we carry bikes, tables and chairs in the van when camping, along with suitcases, toys, etc. None of that weighs much.”

I believe we all would like to have you read that statement back to yourself. I’m not opposed to your van idea as long as you know it isn’t ideal, but most of this ‘stuff’ needs to be centrally located in the RV for travel.
It will weigh more than you think!

Old_Stevenick · 06-27-2023, 05:48 AM

Well in our V10 E350 Econoline that pile of stuff works fine, perhaps from what you're saying, the Ecoboost Transit would be significantly less powerful than the 2002 van and would be getting somewhat abused by towing our trailer.

Is that accurate?

Max23 · 06-27-2023, 06:01 AM

Your E350 has "significantly" higher weight capacities all the way around. This is why it has lasted. The new one would be getting significantly abused and will not last over time. Just think of things as simple as wheel bearings. This is just one "simple" thing. They are designed to carry x amount of load. Exceed this and you are sitting along side the road waiting for a tow. That is a simple example. Other things are worse.

**JRTJH** · 06-27-2023, 07:16 AM

I just went to the Ford.com website and tried to "build your own" on a Ford Transit van. According to the website (maybe a locality issue) the Ford Transit passenger van (not the electric version) is only available in RWD. There was (on the Ford website) no option to select an AWD version.

So, if the RAM/Sprinter version is not an option because it doesn't have an AWD option, you might want to double check with Ford. Seems their website is also RWD only.... https://shop.ford.com/configure/tran...RW.99G.WAL.%5D

Old_Stevenick · 06-27-2023, 07:28 AM

The Cargo vans have higher towing capacity and definitely come in AWD.

Old_Stevenick · 06-27-2023, 07:31 AM

You have to go to the Commercial section of the ford website.

https://shop.ford.com/configure/tran...nsitcommercial

**JRTJH** · 06-27-2023, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old_Stevenick

You have to go to the Commercial section of the ford website.

https://shop.ford.com/configure/tran...nsitcommercial

Looks like you found "Dorothy's rabbit hole" to get to the AWD versions... And it can be ordered with windows "all around".

Seems to me, if the suspension is similar to the truck suspension and the frame is on rails, not unibody construction, the 3.5L echboost and 10 speed transmission "ought to be up to the task for light/medium trailer towing"... That is, if I remember correctly from the Ford website, travel trailers under 5000 pounds total weight.

Who knows, maybe someone will start producing a better alternative in the next couple of years that's even a better choice.... Hmmmmm

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