Can a 2002 Ford E-150 Van Tow a 7,000 Pound Travel Trailer

Question:

I have a 2002 e150 5.4 v8 It has a tow capacity on the sticker of 5000 lbs. but a tow hitch rated for 10,000. I have safely towed a trailmanor camper weighing 3000 for years. Now im looking at a travel trailer weighing 7000 . Will this work with my van? Do I need to add something else?

asked by: Cynthia W

Expert Reply:

Take a look at your trailer hitch and vehicle owners manual to determine if there is a separate rating for weight distribution. We have found that the max towing capacity of your van is 6,900 pounds. If that is what you find in the owners manual then you will need a lighter trailer. Hitches that are rated for use with weight distribution will have a separate gross trailer weight and tongue weight capacity listed that is higher because weight distribution allows the hitch to reach its maximum potential.

If your hitch does have a listed capacity for use with wight distribution then it must exceed what the trailer weighs when loaded and ready to tow. You will choose a weight distribution system by the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the van.

For example, trailer tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. For a trailer weighing 7,000 pounds, the tongue weight would be 700 to 1,050 pounds. So if you were not carrying anything behind the rear axle of the vehicle then a system rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds like # RP66084 which includes dual-cam sway control and the adjustable shank. You would just need to add a properly sized ball like # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.

Make sure the owners manual states the vehicle can tow the weight of your trailer. If the hitch and vehicle are rated high enough you would not have to use weight distribution but you would still benefit from it.

Since the trailer you want to tow is heavier, I also recommend a transmission cooler, see link. There are several options recommended for your van, the most popular of which is # D13503. I have included some helpful links for you.