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Old 04-16-2009, 04:05 PM   #1
Ron Ortiz
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Default 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.

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Old 04-16-2009, 05:52 PM   #2
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Default 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.
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Old 04-16-2009, 08:49 PM   #3
Joe Greek
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Thumbs up 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.
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Old 04-21-2009, 07:28 AM   #4
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Default 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?
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Old 04-21-2009, 08:07 AM   #5
ss3011
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Default 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 .
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Old 04-21-2009, 08:10 AM   #6
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Default Re: Towing with a Van?

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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Old 04-21-2009, 10:09 AM   #7
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Default Re: Towing with a Van?

We actually towed a 66 chevelle with a 69 camaro ragtop back in the day, with a tow bar.
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Old 04-23-2009, 11:31 AM   #8
Michael Pliska
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Default Re: Towing with a Van?

Quote:
Originally Posted by rayfin View Post
We actually towed a 66 chevelle with a 69 camaro ragtop back in the day, with a tow bar.
Back in 1986, a friend and I (Bob Kelly, one of the first bracket "national champions" and father of 2008 Pro Bracket National Champion Steve Kelly) did something similar. We were both tight on money but wanted to race the Boise Bracketeer race. Bob had a low 13-second '67 Chevelle, and just finished an identical-appearing pro-bracket '67 Chevelle which ran mid 10's. Both were gorgeous, show-quality cars. I offered to split gas money, so we welded a hitch onto the street Chevelle and towed the race car with it (from Portland area out to Boise). It was quite a sight. Wish I had taken pictures.

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Old 04-25-2009, 10:29 AM   #9
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Default Re: Towing with a Van?

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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