How much weight can a Ford Econoline van carry?
Payload capacity on Ford Econoline (E-Series) vans generally ranges from about 2,000 to 6,000 pounds, depending on model and configuration. The exact limit is determined by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) minus the curb weight of your van. For a precise figure, check the door jamb sticker or the vehicle’s documentation.
Understanding payload and GVWR
Payload is the weight you can carry inside the van, including cargo and passengers. GVWR is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle when fully loaded, including its own weight, fuel, cargo, and passengers. In practice, you subtract the curb weight (the van’s own weight with no passengers or cargo) from the GVWR to get the payload capacity. The Econoline’s payload varies with configuration (wheelbase, roof height, engine, and whether the rear wheels are single or dual).
Model-by-model ranges (typical figures)
These ranges reflect common factory specifications for late-1990s through 2014 E-Series cargo vans. Exact figures depend on options and exact VIN. Always verify with the GVWR label on your specific van.
- E-150/E-250 SRW (single rear-wheel): GVWR typically about 8,600–9,000 lb; estimated payload roughly 2,000–3,500 lb.
- E-350 SRW (single rear-wheel): GVWR typically about 9,000–10,000 lb; estimated payload roughly 3,500–5,000 lb.
- E-350 DRW (dual rear wheels): GVWR typically about 11,000–11,500 lb; estimated payload roughly 5,000–6,000 lb.
Note: These are approximate ranges. Actual payload depends on the exact GVWR declared for the vehicle and its curb weight, which varies by wheelbase, roof height, engine/transmission selection, and optional equipment.
How to determine the exact payload for your van
To confirm your van’s precise capacity, follow these steps:
- Locate the GVWR rating on the door jamb placard or in the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle.
- Find the curb weight (also listed on the placard or in the manual) with standard equipment and fluids.
- Subtract the curb weight from the GVWR to obtain the maximum payload for your van.
- Consider any added aftermarket equipment or options that increase curb weight or GVWR, and plan loads accordingly.
After you determine the exact payload, distribute weight evenly between the left and right sides and keep heavy items low and forward to maintain stability and braking performance.
Safety and loading tips
Proper loading is essential for safety, braking, and tire wear. The following guidelines help ensure you stay within limits while maintaining vehicle handling:
- Never exceed the vehicle’s GVWR or the axle load ratings.
- Distribute weight evenly across the cargo area; place heavier items on the floor and keep the center of gravity low.
- Secure all loads with straps or ropes to prevent shifting during transit.
- Account for passengers; payload includes both cargo and occupants.
- Check tire condition and air pressure; underinflated tires can reduce load-carrying capacity and increase risk of failure.
Note that production of the traditional Ford Econoline E-Series ended after the 2014 model year in the U.S. market; Ford’s modern full-size van is the Ford Transit. For current load specifications, refer to the Transit’s GVWR and payload data if you’re considering a newer van.
Summary
In brief, the Econoline’s payload depends on the specific model and configuration, with typical ranges from roughly 2,000–3,500 pounds for lighter SRW variants to about 5,000–6,000 pounds for DRW versions. Always verify the exact GVWR and curb weight on your vehicle to determine safe maximum cargo and passenger loads, and remember that the E-Series line ceased production in 2014 in favor of the Ford Transit for new vans.
How much weight can a Ford E250 van carry?
A Ford E-250 van can carry a payload of approximately 3,470 to 3,630 pounds, depending on the specific model year, length, and configuration. This figure is based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of about 8,900 to 9,000 pounds and the van's curb weight, which can vary. For a precise payload, always check the sticker on the driver's side door jamb of the specific vehicle.
Payload capacity details
- Payload: The difference between the GVWR and the curb weight is the maximum payload the van can carry, including the driver, passengers, and cargo.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum operating weight of the van, including the vehicle's chassis, body, engine, fluids, accessories, driver, passengers, and cargo.
- Example calculations:
- A van with a GVWR of 9,000 lbs and a curb weight of 5,253 lbs has a payload of 3,747 lbs (9000−5253=37479000 minus 5253 equals 37479000−5253=3747).
- A van with a GVWR of 8,900 lbs and a curb weight of 5,329 lbs has a payload of 3,571 lbs (8900−5329=35718900 minus 5329 equals 35718900−5329=3571).
Other considerations
- Towing capacity: In addition to payload, the E-250 also has a towing capacity, which is separate from its payload capacity. This varies by model year but is often around 7,500 pounds.
- Check the door jamb: The most accurate way to determine a specific van's maximum payload is to find the vehicle's safety certification label, which is typically on the driver's side door jamb.
How much weight can a Ford E350 carry?
The Ford E-350's weight capacity varies significantly depending on the model year, configuration (like box truck, cutaway, or van), and specific upfit, but generally ranges from approximately 5,100 to 9,500 pounds for maximum payload. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the maximum operating weight, can go up to 12,500 pounds for a 2025 box truck model. It's crucial to check the specific vehicle's GVWR and payload capacity listed on the door jamb sticker for accurate information.
Payload capacity
- Box trucks: Can have a payload capacity of up to 9,500 pounds.
- Cutaway/Chassis: Payload capacity ranges from 5,100 to 8,980 pounds.
- Specific configurations: A 2024 E-350 Cutaway chassis has a max payload of 5,100 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
- 2025 Box Truck: Up to 12,500 pounds.
- 2024 Cutaway Chassis: 10,050 pounds.
Important considerations
- Check your vehicle's sticker: Always refer to the specific GVWR and payload capacity listed on the manufacturer's sticker, typically found on the driver's side door jamb, as it's the most accurate figure for your specific vehicle.
- Upfits impact capacity: The weight of any upfits, such as a box or other equipment, will reduce the available payload capacity.
How much weight can a Ford Econoline van hold?
Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 138 in. |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 5,425 lbs. |
| Maximum towing capacity | 7,500 lbs. |
| Maximum payload | 4,075 lbs. |
| Gross weight | 9,500 lbs. |
Why did Ford discontinue the econoline?
Ford stopped making the Econoline as a passenger van in 2014 to replace it with the more modern Ford Transit. The Transit offered better fuel efficiency, more cargo space, and a more comfortable, European-style unibody design. While the Econoline name was retired for consumer vans, the basic Econoline platform continues to be produced in the form of the E-Series cutaway chassis for specialty commercial vehicles like RVs and upfitters.
- Replacement by the Transit: The main reason for ending Econoline production was to transition to the newer Transit model, which was seen as a more competitive and modern full-size van.
- Technological and design improvements: The Transit's unibody construction offered advantages in fuel efficiency, handling, and overall comfort compared to the older Econoline's body-on-frame design.
- Continued commercial production: Ford still produces the Econoline as part of the E-Series line, but only in the cab-chassis cutaway configuration for specialized commercial use. This allows upfitters to build custom vehicles, such as RVs, out of the chassis, which is still a popular and stout platform.
