Hey Guys

I just purchase a new E150 Chateau 5.4V8 engine, rear duct A/C, heating and its a great van, spacious for passengers, cargo room for traveling. I have a few questions though. How much does the hitch trailer really weigh? It already camewith the package butI was told that these things weigh about 500lbs-800lbs and if I were to remove it they said that it will improve my fuel economy? Is that correct? The reason I ask because my family and I hardly use it and if its true I would probably do so. Also I notice body roll on these vansand yes I know they tend to do because of their size but I wonder if there are aftermarket suspension or shocks to minimize that. Any info would help Thanks

 

Yes aftermarket sway bars and larger sway bars are made. Taking the tow hitch off temporarily will increase gas milage only slightly as they usually only weigh 100 pounds at most. However if you rarely use it you will find an increase in gas mileage over a span of time. Plus you can put it back on when you need it. If it were welded on - don't bother with it. That's way too much trouble.

 

If you buy a van and one with a 5,4 V8, there is little you can do to get better milage other then keeping your foot off it. Taking the hitch off would make the same differance as not putting anything in it. You can strip out the seats, pull the AC and take out the paneling and still have little gain in your milage if you are going to carry something in it.

 

One thing you can check is your rear end gearing. If you don't tow often - a higher geared rear will make a significant difference.

 

I bought my 99 E150 in 2001 and the previous owner had removed the trailier hitch receiver assembly. The replacement unit couldn't have weighed more than 30 lbs. I doubt you'd notice much of a savings removing yours.