Towing with a Van?
 

Any one out there towing with or have experiance towing with a van? I am looking at a 2006 chevy 3/4 ton van with the duramax and allison. I tow a 22 foot inclosed trailer with a 3400 pound car and the needed goodies.

I know a truck would be better but I need some thing with a wheelchair lift.

Thanks John

Re: Towing with a Van?
 

For years I towed with a Ford lwb 3/4 ton van and had no problems at all, it was comfortable, lots of room for others and ran fine on the interstate.

Two things: get a good hitch, preferably an equalizer and get good HD tires.

Jim R

Re: Towing with a Van?
 

An old friend (Gary Ericksen) towed for years with an old Ford 3/4 ton van. His was a model without a lot of overhang over the rear axle, so it handled the towing very well. I once towed an electric race car on my trailer with a 9-passenger E350 van (lots of axle overhang) and it was a little unnerving in bumpy &/or windy conditions.

Regards,

Re: Towing with a Van?
 

Longbob,

Personally, I would stick with the white camper shell since the truck is white. To me, it just looks a lot better when the truck and shell match but that is only my opinion.

Re: Towing with a Van?
 

Hey NovaSS Dude, I'm with LongBob on this Duramax/Allison combo. I recall GM offering the toned down version of the Duramax (lower hp and torque) in a 3/4 van but it had the 4L80E tranny or something equivalent.

Check out the van and let us know if it is actually has the Allison tranny. I'd be interested in having a van if you could get the Allison in it.

Re: Towing with a Van?
 

I towed my wagon on an open trailer for ten years. It was a Dodge 1/2 ton with a 318 and towed just great. I put all my tools and such in the wagon, while I had my bicycle and full size matress along with other support equipment in the van. When I got to the track everything was unloaded and put under the trailer for rain protection. The matress fit perfectly between the wheel wells. Only problem is on hot humid nights you would need the windows open, but that would let in the mosquitos. Cold nights, no problem, more blankets. You have to park somewhat close to the port a johns for early morning dumpings.

In Atlanta, the wife and I would go to the truck stop down the road for showers. Everything was going along fine until the wife said at Atlanta several years ago, "That is, it no more van for me, either get a motorhome or go to the races by yourself." Well, I got an old motorhome, fixed it up some and had a great time since. Unfortunately, now it is not economical sensible as it gets horendous mileage, but it is still great for short trips. But a van is very feasible. Hope this helps.

By the way, with a van and an open trailer you get some great pit spots as you require very little room.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA

Re: Towing with a Van?
 

Thanks for the information. I will double check that it is the Allison transmission. A motor home would be great but it is just not in the cards right now.

Re: Towing with a Van?
 

You would need radial 10 ply tires on the rear (range E), a Reese type torsion bar & sway control.
For suspension, you should put in air bags with 30 lbs. air for stabilization. You should be able to go and
not have any problems. I've towed this way for 14 years without a problem. My van was a '85 Chevy
Diesel (3/4 ton) with a stick shift.
Joe Greek

Re: Towing with a Van?
 

Thanks guy's I did some checking and it has the 4L85E I believe is what they said. Any one have any experence with this tranny behind a diesel? Or experience with the toned down version of the deramax?

Re: Towing with a Van?
 

I have a 2006 1 ton GMC Savanna Van with a 6.0 L and a 4L80-E . It is excellent for towing. I have a Reese hitch with the lift bars. A 4L85-E has some upgrades in it, but the basic transmission is based on the tried and true THM 400 .