I've been wondering about my curb weight. It's the shipped weight according to Ford (minus gas) When I do an internet search and look at other curb weights for the same vehicle it does seem low, 4200 is probably more realistic.
I just got back from an RV dealer and looked at the 16 foot Funfinder. It only weighs 2200 UVW, 2500 as it sat on the lot, that's with lot's of nice options, A/C, awning, stereo etc. Max GVW is only 3300. It also seems aerodynamic. As far as the 32sq/ft limitation, Ford only states that exceeding it will decrease performance and a more aerodynamic trailer will help. It shouldn't compromise safety.
Even if I use worst case scenario weights, my whole family and 300lbs cargo in the van and the trailer right at max (water and tons more gear) I still come up 100 lbs under GCVW. Realistically I'll be 500 - 1000 lbs below that.
Don't trust any numbers that you see unless you are looking at a scale. Either way, I would not tow our Travelstar 19CK (2841 GVW) with our Windstar. No way, no how. We towed the trailer with a Explorer and ended replacing just about the whole drivetrain and the brakes every year. I cringe when I see trailers going down the road taking the tow vehicle for a ride. Lots of people recommend a 20% safety margin on the weights. Listen to them, I didn't and wished that I had.
Paul
2005 F150 Supercrew, 5.4L, 3.55, Prodigy
2009 Shamrock 233 (used to be a 2004 Travelstar 19CK)
My question to the O.P. is - Does your Windstar have the class II trailer tow package on it?
If it doesn't, it's max tow capacity is 2000#
I looked at my 03 Ford Trailer tow book. It shows 2 entrys. One with Trailer tow package and one without.
Just curious...
I don't have the tow package but I've discovered it only included the wiring, class 2 hitch, full size spare and a transmission cooler.
I'll install the class 3 hitch with a better transmission cooler (the factory one was quite small) I'll also install a transmission temp. guage and possibly upgrade to synthetic oil and trans. fluid.
I may also install an auxilliary oil cooler.
First, you are doing the right thing, thinking this through and asking the questions. Much better that than winging it.
I have yet to be convinced that a late model mini-van is not able to tow a small TT or HTT. Granted, towing with a decent SUV or truck is going to be a bit nicer, but no one on this forum has ever been able to show how FWD or uni-body contruction cannot be used for towing a small TT. Its all just opinion and outdated thinking. That said, I also don't advocate towing 25 ft trailers with one either. Understand the limitations, stay within range and you'll be fine. We towed the trailer in my sig with a Pontiac Montana for a while without issues. Keep in mind that our grand parents used to tow big trailers with vehicles that were not even half the vehicle that a mini-van is. And given the price of gas, you're going to see a lot more people wanting to do this.
However, if you're concerned, a really good option to consider is a small Hi-Lo. We were looking at these in February with a friend who has a mini-van. I was very impressed. The 15ft model that I linked to has a GVWR of just under 3000 lbs. And a suprisingly decent amount of room in the trailer. The best part is that it has no more frontal area than most PUPs.
I have to say something about those HP calculators and "the numbers" game some people like to play. Numbers don't tell the whole story. You can take two tow vehicles with similar numbers and one will tow lousy, and the other pretty decently. Still, even that can be a matter of opinion. I just love when people try to tell me that the Trailblazer with an I6 can't tow good because they had bad experiences with a V6 Explorer. Similar numbers, but very different handling and towing characteristics. No comparison. Most TB owners that tow love its abilities. And I know a lot of Explorer owners that love it for its towing ability. I'm not bashing either one. What we're talking about is both opinion and expectations. If you buy the trailer you're looking at, spend a few bucks on setting up your van. Take it on a few short trips. If you don't like the setup, you haven't lost much. You can still use the W/D and sway control on another TV. I wish you the best.
Chuck D.
'03 Jayco Kiwi 17a, '03 Chevy Trailblazer EXT, Garmin Nuvi 200 GPS
Photography is my obsession: http://coldwater.smugmug.com/
“Adventure is just bad planning.” - Roald Amundsen
My buddy tows a 2007 Dakota 180xp HTT with a dry weight of just over 2000lbs with his Honda Odyssey minivan with no problems. Before he bought he took the trailer/van to the scales to make sure all was within specs.
The absolute best case is 3500 pounds, the maximum towing capacity. It's called maximum for a reason. It's computed with an empty vehicle. If it was computed with a full vehicle it'd be a minimum towing capacity you could exceed by many pounds. But it isn't.
It's 3500 pounds if, and only if, it has the factory HD towing package.
Towing is purely up to you. I could tow my 3500 pound popup with my lawn tractor...
Hello there, first off good idea to research as much as you can before buying. Very important.
Take your Van to a Ford Dealership, tell them what you want to do and ask them their advice.
I did that with my Explorer.
The Dealership mechanic told me with the Ford Explorer I have, Im good at 5500#, that's loaded weight. He gave me some trips for larger hills and suggested I stay clear of mountains due to the steep grades.
The RV I own is 2750 dry weight, I opted to not have the microwave, the A/C or any of the "frills" associated with that.
I tow with very little water in my unit (a little fresh and a little in the black tank).
It also depends on where you plan on camping, long trips will be harded on your mini-van than shorter trips. If you are heading across Canada or into the Mountains, you may have issues with your vehicle.
Also, I only plan on keeping my Trailer for about 2 years before trading in for a Motorhome. Don't get me wrong, I love my hybrid, just not ready to invest in a new TV so I can hit the mountains and for my family a Motorhome in 2 years will work out better for us.
So do lots of research, ask alot of questions and take notes.
Good luck on your hunt and see you around the campfire!!
Mommy , Skyler , Sammy...the wonder dog
TV: 2000 Ford Explorer Sport 2dr 4WD
HTT: 2004 Jayco JayFeather 18ft Hybrid; Prodigy brake control (with Eaz-lift WD hitch)
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, Skyler 
, Sammy...the wonder dog 
