The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced several consumer advisories regarding rollover concerns about 15-passenger vans. Search Google for Ford E350 safety issues and you'll get plenty of information. I believe that churches and other groups are no longer permitted to use the 15 passenger Ford vans because of those safety issues.
Most of the problems involve fully loaded vans, with much of the weight being in the back of the van behind the rear wheels. That causes the weight on the steering tires in the front to be lightened, thus causing steering issues in some situations.
Towing can be a problem too, as the weight on the rear of the van also causes the weight over the steering tires in front to be lightened.
Also, weight placed on top of the vans (luggage, etc.) causes the van to be even more top heavy, and that higher center of gravity causes rollover problems.
That said, if you have good tires on the vehicle, just have your family inside, and have no load on the roof, I don't think the extended van is dangerous.
David Lamson
Durham, NC | 
