Community Forums

Wildbob52 · 04-05-2013, 02:56 PM

I thinking on buying a Ford E-350 XLT Van with a 5.4 V-8 engine to pull my travel trailer and haul heavy stuff in back at the same time. What kind of gas mileage will I get?

Thanks, Bob

BFlinn181 · 04-05-2013, 03:05 PM

I drove many different Ford vans working out in Yellowstone. A 5.4 would usually get about 14 mpg with about 9 passengers. A V-10 actually did better at about 17 mpg. These were 12 and 15 passenger vans.

Wildbob52 · 04-06-2013, 10:46 AM

I wonder what a Ford 4.6 V-8 would get in gas mileage? Can a Van with a 4.6 v-8 pull my travel trailer?

Thanks, Bob

cwsqbm · 04-06-2013, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildbob52

I thinking on buying a Ford E-350 XLT Van with a 5.4 V-8 engine to pull my travel trailer and haul heavy stuff in back at the same time. What kind of gas mileage will I get?

Thanks, Bob

Depends on the size of the travel trailer, what else you're hauling, how fast you drive, and where you intend to haul it. I'd personally get the V-10, as it will get the same mileage while towing if you drive it as fast as you'd drive the 5.4, and you'd have some reserve power left for hills. The best for towing and mileage would be a 6.0L diesel (or older 7.3 diesel), but they're hard to find, especially in XLT wagon form, and can cost more to maintain.

I'd avoid the 4.6 for any towing bigger than a pop-up tent trailer.

Scarab0088 · 04-06-2013, 11:53 AM

TE=cwsqbm;1521791]Depends on the size of the travel trailer, what else you're hauling, how fast you drive, and where you intend to haul it. I'd personally get the V-10, as it will get the same mileage while towing if you drive it as fast as you'd drive the 5.4, and you'd have some reserve power left for hills. The best for towing and mileage would be a 6.0L diesel (or older 7.3 diesel), but they're hard to find, especially in XLT wagon form, and can cost more to maintain.

I'd avoid the 4.6 for any towing bigger than a pop-up tent trailer.[/QUOTE]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I concur that the bigger gas engine would be best for towing. Just beware that most modern full sized vans are de-tuned from the exact same drivetrain in a pick-up.

But I would stay away from the 6L Diesel...My best buddy had one and had so many issues, he sold it. It wasn't just him...do an internet search about the Navistar 6L Diesel to see all the problems

Vans (with strong engines) are great for towing travel trailers, so best of luck!

TdogKing · 04-06-2013, 02:20 PM

My Class B Pleasure Way is on the same chassis and I avg. about 13 mpg

Wildbob52 · 04-06-2013, 05:18 PM

I was going to buy this van from this dealer because they claim this E-250 gets 18 city / 22 hwy.

2010 Ford Econoline, Used Cars For Sale - Carsforsale.com

BFlinn181 · 04-06-2013, 05:41 PM

In general, your mileage may vary, most usually 1 - 2 miles LESS than the EPA sticker. It also has a lot to do with what rear end the van has. If it has been set up for towing, it will be less for sure, then when you add the trailer, it will drop some more.
We had a comparable GMC van for many years, my wife got about 13-15 around town, I got 19-21 on the highway. We got rid of it in the 'Cash for Clunkers' deal a few years ago and got a Subaru Forester. It claims 20 city 27 highway, my wife gets 15-16 around town, I get 26 on the highway.