risk of rollover

[rcecowood]

hey, we just bought a 2006 e350 extended 15 passenger a few days ago. we traded in a horrible pontiac montana, it was a 99 we bought in 03 and replaced the engine,fuel injector, tie rods, rear wheel bearring, etc. we dumped about 5100 dollars into a van we got 3000 for, even though they only wanted to give us 1500 because the abs module needed to be replaced. anyway, we got a great deal on the ford, its in good shape, under 20000 miles and only paid about 18000. however my wife is a bit overwhelmed by its size and is very nervous of rolling it and killing our 5 kids. i realize the risk of a rollover is higher with a vehicle like this, but how dangerous is this van?? i'd hate to have my family driving around in a death trap, even though its huge. anyone with info or an opinion on the rollover factor i'd like to hear it. oh yeah, if you were wanted my opinion, i love this van and i love driving it. i just hope i don't have to trade it back in due to saftey . rc.

[N8KJT]

Vans generally do not have the rollover hazard that SUVs have due to the length of the wheelbase. SUVs are relatively short and when going over dips in the road tend to buck like a bronco. If you are making a turn while this happens, the vehicle can "launch" itself right off the road. I was concerned about this myself several years ago so I checked which vehicles had rollover tendencies. No full size vans were on the danger list.
This does not mean your van will handle like a Mustang GT! Your tires will most likely squeal long before it rolls over.

[slap]

I can assure you that a full sized stock ford van is incrediably hard to roll!! In my highschool daze the ford van was the auto of choice for my family, I can recall at least 6 that we owned. From 74 to the current 98 clubwagon chateau, e-150 to 350. the tires will slide before it tips up on its edge

[davidlamson]

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

[davefrommd]

I would keep your van and not be loosing sleep about worried about your van rolling over. I understand your concern about your family's safety. If I were to be in an accident I would feel safer and would rather be in your van then in some of these other vehicles being made. It's good that you show concern for your family's safety. Is it possible your roll over concerns are being picked up by your wife making her feel uneasy about driving the van. My neighbor down the street she is a senior citizen and weighs around 110 lbs and she has a 91 van like yours and drives everywhere with no problem. Keep the van, think positive. Everything is going to be ok. dave