Tow Vehicle
 

Is a Chevy Or GMC 3500 Ext. Passenger Van OK to tow with.

Are their any Cons to using one of these vehicles ???

It's RWD, Has a 6.0 motor, 10,000 lbs. towing capacity.
Trans Cooler, ect.
I'm guessing it should be just as good as a Suburban right ??

Thanks

Re: Tow Vehicle
 

We towed with a friend's 1 ton van once and it had the brakes and suspension to be safe. It was not nearly as easy to drive as a burban! No way would I choose a van if I could have a suburban. Short trips, maybe no biggie, but on a real long trip, the van was a chore to drive and ride in compared to a suburban. Maybe it is the wheelbase?

Re: Tow Vehicle
 

Pete, I imagine some of what James is describing could be contributed to how stiff they spring the 3500 Vans to accommodate the high cargo loading they are designed for. Combined with the Highway Rib tires you see on them...no doubt they need the 10-12 ply tires but imagine Michelins are other quality radials would improve their road manners. I would; however, be concerned with visibility out of them, making changing lanes and backing a trailer without a spotter a bit more challenging.

Re: Tow Vehicle
 

No, I'm talking about a Van with windows, like the 12 passenger kind, not a cargo type van. The Passenger kind should have nice tires on them.

Any thoughts & reply's are Greatly Appreciated.

Why i'm asking, my YukonXL 2500 has 207,000 miles, wondering if it's worth putting
a New Crate Motor in it or sell it to buy the Van.

Re: Tow Vehicle
 

1 ton GM van with the longer wheelbase , worked great . It's all about the rear overhang ---Trevor

Re: Tow Vehicle
 

try them all you will find one you like

Re: Tow Vehicle
 

I'm guessing a 3500 is a 1 ton chassis on a Van ????

Re: Tow Vehicle
 

!990 GM introduced an extended van we bought one new . Unlike the Dodge extended van where thy added 2' behind the rear wheels GM extended the wheelbase. On further recollection ours was rated as a 3/4 ton 2500. The first thing I did was remove 2 leaves from each side so it sat level. Never changed anything else in the suspension. I liked it better than the Suburban we had used but missed the 454. There is the theory that you need a full frame to tow but I was happy . Really wanted the interior room without stepping up to a motor home. This was a bare bones van 350 air am radio , it was 1/2 the price of a new suburban at the time. I wouldn't hesitate to go with the newer 3500 6.0 van , like I said it's all about the rear overhang ---Trevor

Re: Tow Vehicle
 

Thanks for enlightening me on these vans. Yes, i like them too, little cheaper than a motorhome.
Just wondering if they were good for towing is all.
It sounds like they are as long as you get the 155" wheelbase one.

Re: Tow Vehicle
 

Pete,

Check on what a GM crate motor cost & have it put in ... Is the Sub. in good shape, if it is you can get another 5-8 years out of it, for not much more than 3-4 K !!! Plus you know what you have in the Sub. they make great tow trucks ... ( I have had 14 of them ) Good Luck....