What is the capacity of the E450?
The capacity of the Ford E-450 varies with year, configuration, and the body mounted on the chassis. In general terms, its GVWR typically ranges from about 14,000 to 22,000 pounds, and payload commonly falls in the 4,000 to 8,000-pound range depending on the body and equipment installed.
What is the E-450?
The E-450 is Ford’s heavy-duty cutaway chassis derived from the long-running E-Series family. It is widely used as the backbone for ambulances, shuttle buses, and motorhomes, with varying wheelbases and either single-wheel (SRW) or dual-wheel (DRW) configurations. Because the body and added equipment contribute significantly to total weight, the capacity you can carry atop the chassis depends on the specific year, drive configuration, and body build.
Key capacity aspects you should know before evaluating an E-450 are outlined in the following overview.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum allowed combined weight of the vehicle, including the chassis, body, fuel, cargo, passengers and all equipment. For the E-450, this figure varies by configuration and year, commonly landing somewhere in the mid-teens to low-20,000-pound range depending on whether the chassis is configured SRW or DRW and what body is installed.
- Payload capacity: The usable weight for cargo, passengers and equipment. Payload is calculated as GVWR minus the curb weight (the weight of the vehicle with standard equipment and fluids but without payload). Typical payload for E-450 configurations can span several thousand pounds, often in the 4,000–8,000-pound range, depending on the body and options.
- Seating and occupant capacity: The chassis itself has a cab with a set number of seating positions, but the total usable occupancy weight depends on the mounted body (for example, ambulances or shuttles add seats and equipment that affect total usable load).
- Towing capacity: The E-450 is primarily a cutaway chassis designed to support a mounted body; some configurations can tow light loads if equipped with the appropriate hitch and drivetrain, but towing capacity is not uniform across all builds. Always verify the specific rating for the exact vehicle/body combination.
Before exploring the figures, note that capacity is largely driven by how the chassis is configured with wheels and bodywork. The items below summarize typical considerations.
These figures are intentionally generalized. Exact numbers depend on the model year, wheel configuration (SRW vs DRW), engine choice, and the type of body installed on the chassis. Always check the door jamb sticker and the builder’s data sheet for the precise GVWR and payload for a given vehicle.
Key factors that influence capacity
Several design choices and options can swing the capacity numbers for an E-450. Understanding these can help buyers compare trucks more accurately.
- Wheel configuration: SRW (single rear wheels) typically yields a different GVWR and payload ceiling than DRW (dual rear wheels), affecting overall capacity.
- Engine and powertrain: The engine choice (including any balancing of torque and payload needs) influences curb weight and the ability to handle heavier bodies or loads.
- Body type and equipment: Ambulance bodies, shuttle interiors or RV coach builds add significant weight; the heavier the body and interior systems, the lower the payload available for cargo and passengers.
- Axle ratios and gearing: The selection of axles and gearing can impact how much payload is practical, especially with steep grades or frequent stops and starts in city or rural routes.
The following factors determine how much weight the E-450 can carry or safely support in practice.
In practice, capacity is a balancing act between the base chassis strength, the added weight of the mounted body, and the intended use. Prospective buyers should always confirm both the GVWR and the actual payload with the exact build data.
How to determine the exact capacity for your E-450
To know the precise capacity for a specific E-450, follow these steps to verify the official figures and ensure safe operation.
- Identify the exact model year, wheel configuration (SRW or DRW), and the mounted body type. These details determine the baseline GVWR and payload potential.
- Check the driver’s door jamb placard for the GVWR and payload specification printed by Ford and the body builder. This sticker is the primary source of truth for that vehicle’s capacity.
- Review the body builder data sheet or build sheet for the specific ambulance, shuttle, or motorhome conversion. The added weight of the body and equipment is listed there and affects available payload.
- If buying used, obtain the VIN and request the official specification sheet from the manufacturer or dealer to confirm the exact GVWR and payload.
- Consult the owner’s manual or dealer resources for any restrictions on towing, cargo limits, and recommended operating weights for your intended configuration.
By verifying these documents, you can avoid overload risks and ensure the E-450 will meet your needs for payload, occupancy, and safety.
Notes on year-to-year changes
Ford updated the E-Series line over time, and cutaway configurations can see variations in GVWR and available options across model years. If you are comparing used units or shopping across model years, cross-check the exact GVWR on the door sticker and compare the body builder’s load data to understand any shifts in usable payload.
Summary
The capacity of the Ford E-450 is not a single universal figure. It depends on year, wheel configuration, and the mounted body. Generally, GVWR lies in the 14,000–22,000-pound range, with usable payload often in the 4,000–8,000 pounds range, varying with the body and equipment installed. Always rely on the vehicle’s door jamb placard and the builder data sheet for the precise numbers, and verify before purchasing or operating a heavy-duty cutaway like the E-450.
How many gallons does an E450 hold?
Capacities: Passengers, Fuel
| Capacities: Passengers, Fuel | ||
|---|---|---|
| E-350 Super Duty® Cutaway (SRW) / (DRW) | E-450 Cutaway (DRW) | |
| Seating capacity (std./opt.) | 2/1 | 2/1 |
| Fuel capacity (gal.) | 40/55 | 40/55 |
Is a Ford E450 a commercial vehicle?
The Ford E450 truck is Ford's biggest truck built for the commercial industry. It's bigger than the F350 Super Duty passenger truck because it's sixteen inches wider from side to side. That's intentional, considering that the E450 is built into an Econo-van design meant to haul much larger items.
How much cargo space does the E450 have?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain has 33.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
What's the difference between an E350 and an E450?
The next easiest difference to spot is that the E350 is usually reserved for smaller cargo or passenger transport. The E450 is reserved for more heavy-duty commercial purposes but both models come with the same configurations that include passenger and cargo vans, cutaway, and chassis cab designs.
