e150 towing

rbuskey3 · 03-28-2006, 11:11 AM

My 1993 E150 is rated to tow a 6800 lbs trailer. It as a 351ci and 3.55 gears. The camper I am towing is 5000lbs. It just does not seem to have the towing power it should have. Has anyone ever tried a gear change in their van? I was thinking maybe 3.73 or should I go higher.
Thanks

dieselman · 06-22-2006, 05:54 PM

If you tow regularly, you'd be best with a 4.10 gear ratio. With the OD off it should run around 2750rpm @60mph. I tow with my 360 on weekends and 3rd gear (1:1) runs be about 2600rpm at 60mph with 3.92 axle. Adding a cold air intake may help your midrange out. A good one will run about $150. I noticed a nice gain with mine when towing! Of course, your results may vary. The gear conversion shouldn't run more then $500. If you wanted to get really aggressive, you can upgrade to 4.56 gears. I think that's the maximum size that will fit in the pumpkin.

These guys are quite reputable: http://www.yukongear.com/

phrog · 10-09-2006, 01:58 PM

Drop in a K & N air filter it will improve your torque. I have the same van as you do and pull a 21 ft ROO trailer. the 5.4 will tow it 70+ Mph in overdrive anywhere except steep mountains and get 11-12 MPG in overdrive. out of overdrive you will get 5mpg. Durability ? I have a friend that pulls a 29ft Trail Lite, he has over 250,000 on his van no problems. Watch when you drive pulling the 5.4s have a sweetspot around 72mph that the torque is unbelieveable. 3.73 will give you more power and 1 to 2 less mpg

kips · 10-15-2006, 07:26 PM

I have an 05 e350 with 5.4 3.73's, tow 4300lbs loaded, cannot run in od, and not recommended in the owners manual. Tow in D, 2800rpm @ 65mph, 3100rpm @70mph, 8mpg no matter what I do. Do have aftermarket cone type filter (airraid) with air box mod, did add some more juice. Best tq at 2500-2700rpm this is the goal. Not sure what the engine curve is on the 93. I also looked into rearend change, but after viewing owners manual further did not pursue a $1500mod. Just learning to slow down. Hope this helps. I may go to one size larger tires, from 245 to 265 on next set of meats to increase speed a little more when in D.