1997 Ford E-250 Van towing capacity
The 1997 Ford E-250 Van is published in 2 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 5,700 to 7,500 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (7,500 lb) sits in full-size truck and SUV territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 1997 Ford E-250 Van with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.
Per-trim breakdown
| Configuration | Engine | HP | Torque | Axle | Tow (lb) | GVWR | Curb | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 V-6 | 4.2 V-6 | — | — | — | 5,700 | — | — | — |
| 5.4 V-8 | 5.4 V-8 | — | — | — | 7,500 | — | — | — |
How to interpret the headline tow figure
Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.
How this year compares to 1996
The 1996 Ford E-250 Van carried a maximum tow rating of 7,600 lb. The 1997 model is rated 100 lb lower — sometimes a real spec change, sometimes a re-test under a stricter standard like SAE J2807. See the 1996 Ford E-250 Van page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 1997 Ford models
The rest of Ford's 1997 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 1997 Ford Econoline E350 Cargo | 10,000 |
| 1997 Ford F250 Crew CAB | 10,000 |
| 1997 Ford F350 Crew CAB | 10,000 |
| 1997 Ford F350 Regular CAB | 10,000 |
| 1997 Ford F350 Super CAB | 10,000 |
| 1997 Ford Club Wagon | 10,000 |
Notes
- Requires automatic transmission.
- Requires 3.73:1 axle ratio.
All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.