Ford E-250 Towing Capacity – [With Chart & Upgrade Tips]

E 250 line of vans was designed for those who wish to tow some hefty sums but have got budget issues. It’s a beast made to handle a standard car, sailboat, teardrop trailer, or camper.

Ford E250 can tow anything from 5,200 lbs. to 7,600 lbs. depending on how the van is configured and what’s being pulled. 

The range varies in year and type of the model. So, make sure to check the details before attaching stuff to the vehicle. 

An important note: I’d suggest you put something that’s 75% of the max limit. Not only will it keep the vehicle safe but also prevent accidents, disasters, and penalties. 

Ford E-250 Towing Capacity by year

Here’s a list of some Ford E-250 models from 2000 to 2014 with a range of different towing capacities. It may help you know about the pulling capacity of an E250.

How Much Can A Ford E 250 Tow?

Ford E250 towing capacity ranges between 5,200 lbs. and 7,600 lbs. based on the model configurations and other factors. Some of them include van’s gross weight, payload, thing that will be pulled, towing hitch, axle weight rating, wheelbase, braking power, and engine type. 

It also varies based on the year of release. For instance, 2010 ford e-250 towing capacity will be different from 2013 ford e-250 towing capacity. 

That said, the average is about 6,400 lbs. Within this range, it can easily pull a utility trailer, car trailer, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), pop-up camper, snowmobile, fishing boat, Jet Ski, or tow dolly.

As the van has the strength to handle somewhat heavy things, it’s similar to some of the E 350 models. The Ford also has another line, E 150, which is for light-duty purposes.

In case you wish to use the van frequently and don’t have heavier things to tow, Ford E 250 would be suitable. 

What Percentage Of Towing Capacity Is Safe For Ford E 250?

80% of the maximum towing capacity is safe for all the Ford E 250s on average. In case the spec says a van can tow up to 7,400 lbs., then ensure the max weight goes around 5,920 lbs.  

This is what the 80/20 towing rule is. However, you can stay within 75% to 90% range. But I wouldn’t recommend going beyond the parameter. 

Now, the question may pop up, what happens if you go over the towing capacity? Towing over the capacity limit can result in serious damage to the Ford E 250 vans. Not just that, it can lead to accidents and penalties too. 

Consequences Of Exceeding Towing Capacity Limit 

1. Strains engine and transmission leading to wear and tear. 
2. Overheating of internal system warping parts. 
3. Deteriorates auto transmission fluid causing serious friction among parts. 
4. Lose control of the load.
5. Makes vehicle go out of control.
6. Brake issues such as reduction in stopping time, failure of braking system, and accelerating wear time. 
7. Damage to the wheels and tires.
8. Warp chassis. 
9. Makes U-turns more challenging. 
10. Property damage. 
11. Penalties for violation. 
12. Accidents and injuries. 

How Do I Improve The Towing Capacity Of My E 250?

Your E 250 requires some modifications such as upgrading the hitch that can improve its towing capacity. Take a look at the following options and talk with a technician for suggestions. 

1. Upgrade your tow hitch. 
2. Upgrade the suspension system that can help increase the hitch weight.
3. Add a better intake and exhaust system. 
4. Install stronger axles.  
5. Install a high-performance braking system including brake pads, rotors, and hydraulic system. 
6. Increase the size of the radiator.
7. New air filters.

Does Ford Still Make E 250?

No, Ford discontinued E 250 back in 2014. It was in production from 1992 to 2014, i.e. for 22 years. 

Usually, E 250 belongs to full-sized vans and is a part of Ford E-series or Econoline. It includes passenger and cargo vans. The series also features extended variants that are suitable for those who want more space.

Currently, Ford makes such vans but they replaced E 250 or Econoline with Transit. 

Towing Capacity Of Ford E150 vs. E250 vs. E350

The scale of E250 towing capacity is quite close to the higher range of E150 and lower range of E350. You can get it clearly by checking the list below. 

1. Ford E150 can pull between 6,000 lbs. and 7,500 lbs. 
2. Ford E250 can pull between 5,200 lbs. and 7,600 lbs.
3. Ford E350 can pull between 5,600 lbs. to 18,500 lbs.

E250 can be the safest option if you want to make the most of towing without spending much. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How Much Can A Ford E-250 Carry?

Ford E250 payload capacity stands at about 3,600 lbs. depending on configurations such as gross vehicle weight, what’s being carried and/or towed, and how they are equipped. 

Usually, E250 can handle up to 9,000 but it refers to the total weight of item that’s carried plus towed. In case you get an item weighing 3,600 lbs. inside the van, then you can’t tow something over 5,400 lbs.

2. Is E-250 Good At Towing? 

Yes, Ford E250 is quite good at towing things that weigh around 5,200 lbs. to 7,600 lbs. depending on model specs. You must check the configuration beforehand so you stay within the limit. 

With an E250, you can consider pulling a trailer, pop-up camper, ATV, motorbike, or rowboat. To be extra careful, I’d also suggest measuring the weight of the things that you’d like to tow. 

3. How Much Can An F-250 6.7 Pull?

Ford F250 towing capacity can reach as far as 20,000 lbs. with its 6.7L PowerStroke V8 engine. 

But attaching an optional 5th-wheel or gooseneck trailer can allow the capacity limit to increase up to 22,800 lbs. It’s a suitable option for people who plan to pull heavier things. 

4. How Many Miles Can An E 250 Last?

Ford E 250 comes with a transmission that can last about 300,000 miles before it starts breaking down. 

The mileage can increase or decrease depending on model specs, maintenance, driving habits, and driving style. 

Final Words

Just like any other vehicle, Ford E250 can be affected once you go closer to the maximum towing capacity. Not only will the speed deaccelerate but also put extra stress on the engine and transmission to work harder. And it can lead to further damage as well. 

Hence, make sure to subtract at least 20-25% off the limit. You can consider upgrading the vehicle too if you want to tow heavier loads.  

Iyul Nasruddin

Nasruddin is a passionate car enthusiast with a love for troubleshooting and diagnosing all sorts of vehicle problems. With years of experience in OBD diagnostics, Nasruddin, has become an expert in identifying and solving complex automotive issues.