Towing a 5000pound trailer with a E350 5.4/3.73

[Silver350]

As far as hills go, 10% grades ("The Cut " in North Van. for instance) at 41 MPH floored.

IMO, that is not dangerously slow, if in the right lane with the 4 ways on.

[Whistler40]

Wanted to get the toyhauler, to have a place to sleep with the option for cooking and of being able to plug in for some comfort while camping.

we travel in general with 4 mountain bikes (inside, build a nice custom interior rack) and 2 trials moto's on the hitch....

I figured the toyhauler would be a cheap way to get some comfort and get the moto's stored inside...

the SMB conversion will likely cost me a bit more money of getting a toyhauler but may in the long run be a better as I will be saving in RV storage fees and insurance....+ I'll have a pretty sweet rig ...

Will obtain a quote for the Transformer Gallery + Pop-up and go from there I guess...

Thanks for all the input. It is good to know that I can tow somewhat OK if I keep the weight reasonable..I may in the future add a small cargo trailer, so that we could keep all the toys in the trailer and have more "living space" in the Van....but for now the bikes will stay inside..the bikes are almost worth more then the 4x4 van ...

PS...even with the toyhauler, I was never looking for bathroom amenities as we plan to mainly stay at full service camps or be travelling with friends that have an RV with all the bells and whistles...

[jage]

Originally Posted by loren85022

I pull a 20' toy hauler with my 5.4L. Loaded, you definitely know it's back there. The biggest issue is the tranny shift points. Almost dangerous when going up a grade in traffic. If you lose the RPM's, it's tough to regain them.

Why not regear? Would have been my advice to Whistler too- get the trailer, drag it around if you feel like you're underpowered, regear. I would think it would save the tranny from being overworked as well if that's a concern.

[Whistler40]

Thanks Jage, I will actually look into the whole re-gear thingie..I'm well not much of a cat expert, but learning as I go and this forum has been more then helpful...next step goggle gearing...

[Silver350]

Originally Posted by Whistler40

Thanks Jage, I will actually look into the whole re-gear thingie..I'm well not much of a cat expert, but learning as I go and this forum has been more then helpful...next step goggle gearing...

Since you are in the Vancouver area, I recommend these guys in Surrey B.C. (Port Kells ) on 96th Ave. Quick, knowledgeable.

Gears & Rears
604 455 0503

[BroncoHauler]

Trans temp gauge.
Trans temp gauge.
Trans temp gauge.

[Bones_GSXR]

Regularly tow a 5000lb (loaded) trailer with a 5.4 and have been with mine with 285/70-16's and 3.73 gears and 37x13.5-20's with 4.88.s. No trouble at all.

[Whistler40]

Thanks for all the feedback...and it looks like the toyhauler is back on the table...afer a quick check with the checkbook holder....apparently 10K is a bit more realistic then the 20K the sportsmobile built would cost...Darn...

Glad to see the positive feedback...I will now go back to looking for a 3500-3700 dry weight trailer...which loaded shouldn't be over 5000....had already prescreened a few...

based on all your help..I will first see how it tows as is and if need be re-gear...
.

[86Scotty]

I DON'T have a 4x4, which is pretty different in terms of towing capacity/comfort, but i have no trouble with this setup.
2001 5.4l extended, 3.73 gears pulling a 6500+/- Airstream. The 5.4 is up to the task, and saves you a few MPG when you aren't towing compared to the V10.
As mentioned above, get a trans temp guage and live by it! also, service your trans more frequently.

[regist1]

I pull my '83 Jeep Scrambler behind my 07 2wd E350 EB,full conversion. The Jeep and trailer weigh 6000#. I lifted the van 2-1/2" with Deaver springs and install P265/75R16 tires. I re-geared to 4.10's; the power is good. Mileage with trailer last three tanks averaged 10.4 and last months trip to Colorado (1800miles) without trailer best 15.3mpg worst 13.2mpg. I am very happy with my 5.4L.