RE: Thoughts/experience towing with an 18 pass. vs 15 pass. van
In a former life, I worked as a road warrior kayak-delivery guy driving 75-100k per year. We used both 12- and 15-pass E350 Ford vans towing long trailers loaded with 25-35 sea kayaks. Total trailer weight was similar to a single rally car.
The biggest difference between the two van chassis emerged when backing up. The larger distance between the rear axle and the hitch on the 15-pass amplified control inputs when backing, and it made for some entertaining moments when trying to get in or out of tight spaces...like the time I drove the tall kayak trailer into the low-clearance section of Storrow Drive in Boston at rush hour. Let's just say that once the backing adventures were done, I found that the 15-pass van works GREAT at driving over curbs and sidewalks! (even jaded Beantown pedestrians ran for cover when they saw me coming!) The longer rear overhang made jackknifing a real possibility while backing up.
The 12-pass van was easier to back, no question. I also remember that the shorter rear overhang helped lessen fore-and-aft pitching of the rig on dips and bridges. (Shorter lever arm moment between trailer and rear axle of van) This probably would have been helped by using a weight-distributing hitch, which I did not use. Other than that, no big differences between over-the-road handling.
I usually drove the company's 15-pass van because it had A/C, a better stereo and larger gas tanks for the 460 V8 to suck dry. That van was finally retired with upwards of 675k on the odo!
Cheers,
Dave G
Co-Pilote and Chief Team Backup Artist
Last Ditch Racing
On the Trailer, ME
"...Embrace loose gravel, beware big trees..."