towing limits 350 2.2 115 lwb h/r

[geordie]

Hi guys, need your opinions on buying van. I didnt know you could get a 350 115 h/r fwd as I thought all 350s were rwd. I need van for work with generator , welder , tools etc and for occasional towing of trailer/car approx 1100kgs which I currently move around in my 330 lwb 90ps rwd and is a tad underpowered especially when towing . Question is , are the newer fwds up to the job . I have often seen fwd vans loaded well down on rear arches without trailers attached and worry if I go for one I have the same problem. Some have told me the 350 can cope with weight and shouldnt be a problem. I think I would rather get advice from people on here.
Geordie.

[geordie]

Well, looks like I will have to find out the answers myself. Van purchase within 24hrs and was hoping to have the info onboard before buying.

[(ROG)]

If the manufacturer has deemed it capable of towing a weight then it should be able to with relative ease if everything is up to scratch mechanically

[geordie]

Thanks ROG for the reply. I dont know what towing limit is on this van and from what I have read it is not as high as a rwd, and the fact it is a fwd seems to get the thumbs down from the majority on here. The trailer would only be towed once a week (1100/1200kgs total including trailer weight). I spoke with a dealer today who said that weight shouldnt be a problem to this particular van. The van is a good price with all the toys but not sure if I could have any problems (driveshafts etc) through time. I suppose if I am told to steer clear then I would go rwd but if occasional towing doesnt pose a problem then I have options. Appreciate any advice.
Geordie

[ake]

You need to check all the figures on the VIN plate, there are several variations of gross train weight on Transit 350, which take into account, FWD, RWD, Medium, Long or Jumbo, and engine output.

Other than the obvious traction problems on a FWD it will carry the weight ok, and the 115ps will cope, and it will tow, the only question is how much, I seem to remember that the FWD 350 could only tow 1000kg behind a loaded van, but may be mistaken

[Altransit]

I seem to remember that the FWD 350 could only tow 1000kg behind a loaded van, but may be mistaken

You could be right, my 280 can only tow 700kg behind the fully loaded van, but it's rated towing capacity is 1550kg, (if the van was more lightly loaded, obviously) so the 350 FWD must be at least the same

[(ROG)]

Do you have a B+E licence?

[kulataz]

I have a lwb high roof 350 fwd with a 130ps engine. I tow a twin axle caravan behind my van. The van itself wieghs 2700kgs as its a part camper and my caravan is about 1500kgs. I am sure my gtw is 4700 so I have a bit to spare for dogs etc.

The van tows the caravan very well. I would say it is better than the wifes old td5 at towing.

Graham