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#1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Englewood, Florida
Posts: 989
Likes: 35
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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
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Ron Ortiz 2102 STK |
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#2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: usa
Posts: 752
Likes: 204
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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.
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#3 |
Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Elmwood Park, NJ
Posts: 139
Likes: 3
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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 |
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#4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: usa
Posts: 752
Likes: 204
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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?
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#5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Southeast Michigan
Posts: 909
Likes: 70
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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 .
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#6 |
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 852
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If you are puting tires on put 12ply on rear and and 2" wheel spacers (H&R makes a very high quality steel spacer that uses stock lug nuts) this will get the rear treadm with close to the from in production close to 5" narrower than front.
QUOTE=Joe Greek;115685]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[/QUOTE] |
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#7 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: sioux city
Posts: 134
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We actually towed a 66 chevelle with a 69 camaro ragtop back in the day, with a tow bar.
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#8 | |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Happy Valley, OR
Posts: 260
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Regards,
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Michael Pliska 643 S/G |
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#9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: usa
Posts: 752
Likes: 204
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One more question. I am looking at some Ford E350 vans now .One has the 7.3 the others have the 6.0. What advantages do either have over the other? What kind of milage can I expect? The 7.3 is in a 2002 the 6.0 vans are 2008 models.
Thanks |
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