Hitch And Towing Components Recommendation For 2003 Ford E-350 Van To Tow 37 Ft Trailer  

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Expert Reply:

You will want to check the owner's manual or with your dealership to make sure you do not exceed the towing capacity for your van.

For your 2003 Ford E-350 I recommend the Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Hitch, part # 41906. This is a Class lV hitch and it has a 2 inch receiver opening.

The ball mount kit I recommend is the etrailer Ball Mount Kit, part # EBMK2216. This kit includes a ball mount with a 1 inch rise or 2 inch drop, a 2 inch and a 2-5/16 inch trailer ball, the pin and clip, and a handy storage bag. I have attached link to a product review video for this kit.

If you have no trailer wiring at the rear of your van I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness, part # 118344. You simply plug in the harness to the connection points behind the tail lights. I have attached a product review video for this harness.

If the trailer has brakes, you will need a 7-way connector and a brake controller. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 brake controller, part # 90885. This is our most popular because it is easy to install and operate.

If you do not have a 7-way connector at the rear of your E-350 I recommend the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller, part # ETBC7. You will plug this into the 4-way connector and with some additional wiring this will give you a 4-way and a 7-way connector.

If you have a 7-way connector on your van you can use the Tekonsha Plug-In Adapter, part # 3035-P. This plugs into the back of the controller and the other end plugs into the built-in harness under the dash. I have attached a link to a helpful article that shows how to install a brake controller on a Ford full size van.

When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. This keeps dirt and moisture out of the electrical connections and helps prevent corrosion.

To find out if any other components are needed there are a couple of things you will want to know. If the fully loaded ready-to-tow trailer weighs more than 50 percent of the 2003 Ford Extended Van, you should consider a weight distribution system.

I have attached a helpful article about weight distribution and sway control you can check out. There are two things you will need to know. One is the weight of the ready-to-tow trailer, or (GTW) Gross Trailer Weight. The other thing to know is the Tongue Weight (TW). This is the tongue weight of the fully loaded trailer added to the weight of any cargo placed behind the rear axle of your van. If you want to let me know what those numbers are for your system I will be happy to make some recommendations that will work for you.

Adding suspension enhancement will help the vehicle if you are loading it down. It is not designed to increase the towing capacity of the vehicle. Many times a system as simple as the Timbren Vehicle Suspension, part # TFER35092B will give you the additional support when carrying heavier loads without affecting the ride of your van when no load is present. I have attached a link to a helpful article about the Timbren suspension systems you may want to take a look at.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

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