Hitch Recommendation For A 1999 Ford E450 Shuttle Bus
Question:
I own a 1999 e450 25’ hotel shuttle bus diesel that I intend to build out into a camper. I’d like to pull a trailr behind it. Can you comment on what hitch options are possible , and how much tow/tongue weight I could Manage?
asked by: Patrick D
Helpful Expert Reply:
Looking to the towing section of the owners manual for the 1999 Ford e450, though it never specifically calls out the e450 model in the Trailer Towing Table, for every model with a 7.3 Diesel and 4.10 rear axle ratio, the maximum GCWR is around 20,000lbs and trailer weight of 9,500-10,000lbs.
My recommendation is the Curt Trailer Hitch Class IV Receiver # 14053 rated for 1,000lbs of tongue weight and up to 1,200lbs of tongue weight when used with a weight distribution system. A weight distribution system is helpful for situations when you may experience sway. This is often with heavier towing applications when wind, passing vehicles, or sudden turning movements can cause side-to-side movement. Weight distribution systems use spring bars to help combat these issues. Spring bars apply leverage to either side of your setup, which transfers the load at the rear of the vehicle to all axles on your tow vehicle and trailer. This even distribution of weight results in a smooth, level ride, as well as the ability to tow at the maximum capacity of your hitch.
A weight distribution system we highly recommend should you decide to look that way is the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37120ET.
What really drives any of these recommendations is the trailer you will be pulling. The above may be more than necessary if you never have the need to pull 10,000lbs of trailer weight or more. Included below are video resources for additional information.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class IV
- 1000 lbs TW
- 10000 lbs GTW
- 12000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 1200 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 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
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
7" Weld-On Bracket Kit for Draw-Tite Class V Ultra Frame Service Body Trailer Hitch
- Accessories and Parts
- Heavy Duty Receiver Hitch
- Brackets
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Review of Draw-Tite Heavy Duty Receiver Hitch - Mounting Brackets - 4907
- Shop: Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Service Body Trailer Hitch Cross Tube - Class V - 2"
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Hitch Recommendation for a Ford E-450 Bus
- Q&A: Availability of Class V Trailer Hitch for 1990 Ford E-350 with Ambulance Body
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Shop: 7" Weld-On Bracket Kit for Draw-Tite Class V Ultra Frame Service Body Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Q&A: Trailer Wiring Harness for 2005 Ford E450 Shuttle Bus
- Q&A: Trailer Wiring Installation on 1999 Ford E450 Van
- Q&A: How To Wire In A 7-Way Trailer Connector On A 2007 Ford E-450 Cutaway With No Existing Wiring
- Shop: ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Search Results: hitch
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
on Accessories and Parts
