I purchased a 2012 jayco 32 bhds travel trailer which has an 8100lb dry curb weight.

My current vans are:
1999 e350 SD XLT 15 passenger and a 2007 e350 SD XLT.

Both these vans struggle up minor inclines (both are 5.4..gears unknown)

both get terrible mileage, both just barely get the job done.

I figure I have about 550 lbs of people and around 150lbs of cargo in the van

trailer has about 600-700 lbs of gear in it most of the time plus or minus 100 lbs.

I think the diesels are out of the running, I would love some input on the v10 gas, max towing caps on the 2007 or i can purchase another van. also some input on proper or improved gear choices would be very helpful. Are the steering improvements etc on the 2008 or 09 models that good?

Should I go to a 12 passenger with the v10 maybe?

This is my first travel trailer and the biggest thing I have towed is a 24ft triple axle open trailer.

I know its a lot of questions but I really need to make sure I pick the right van to keep my wife and kids safe!

I have no issues with selling both of these vans and going after something else, I have very little into both of them so will make money on both when I sell.

Thanks in advance for your time and guidance.

Signed confused and overwhelmed.

 

Is there some way you might speak with someone that owns a v10.
I know they have plenty of power and received almost similar mpg as the v8's.
Not sure completely as to why you might be willing to overlook the new diesels. They have come a long way and you might be surprised how quiet and clean the new ones run.

 

Thanks for the suggestion Hanky, I don't want to get into the expense of owning yet another diesel. The last one was expensive to repair and and it was kind of a pain to have to plan my trips around where I could find diesel.
As far as speaking with someone who owns a v10...I cant find anyone.