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Old 04-30-2010, 05:29 PM   #1
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1974 Argosy 24
Winston Salem , North Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 53
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Greetings everyone

i could use some of your valuable opinions
i am looking to trade in my Dodge 2/3 ton truck for a custom conversion van probably a Chevy G20 or a ford E250 older models will fit my budget
i need a TV that is more comfortable for kids and dogs on long trips

what is your opinion?will they tow a 74 argosy 24 foot long fully loaded comfortably in mountains etc

any advice is greatly appreciated

Michael
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Old 04-30-2010, 05:43 PM   #2
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1978 31' Sovereign
Madison , Mississippi
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Look at the GCWR (gross combined weight rating), it's a function of the weight rating of the TV and it's engine's pulling capacity. Usually a bigger engine or a diesel will give you a higher GCWR.
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Old 04-30-2010, 05:55 PM   #3
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1956 22' Flying Cloud
1953 32' Liner
1955 22' Safari
Valley View , Texas
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Personally....

I think I would opt for a 3/4 ton Ford diesel crew cab. Short bed with a camper shell. Put a plywood sheeting shelf on 2x6 boards....pockets are already in the bed....This gives you a two story bed area....put the nasty and wet stuff on the floor below....dogs on top. Kids in the rear seat area (that has folding seat split in two......give em a video if so inclined. Now you can keep the smelly wet dogs and stuff (excluding kids) in the rear...safe and comfortable. Kids up with you so you can teach and be together..but still give a separation. ..
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Old 04-30-2010, 06:15 PM   #4
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1968 17' Caravel
Battle Ground , Washington
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Our '95 E150 has been a very nice tow vehicle for us. It has a 6000lb towing capacity, and that's with a 351 v8. Our trailer is so small it doesn't even know it's there. We enjoy having room for us and the dogs, crates, coolers, whatever we take along.

One thing to watch out for on conversions vans is they can have quite a bit of their capacity used up by heavy oak trim and accessories inside. Our van originally had a seat that folded out into a bed that was VERY heavy. Many of the conversion vans we looked at had kitchenettes, overhead bins, extra shelves and heavy oak engine cover, plus they have fiberglass cap on top. Having rolled a car once, I prefer a solid roof overhead. So we skipped the conversion vans and went with a clubwagon.

Do you know how much your Argosy weighs?
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Old 04-30-2010, 07:52 PM   #5
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1974 31' Sovereign
1970 23' Safari
1956 26' Cruiser Overlander
Lambertville , Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2006
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My family has had vans my entire life, and I have owned a few also. I pull my '74 31' with a 2006 express (non-conversion) and it rocks! I had a Ford 1/2 ton high top conversion prior to this chevy that I am sure that it would have pulled my '74, but not sure it would handle it in hills. The chevy (pictured) is a 1/2 ton 5.3L 3:73 HD with 6 lug 16" wheels and I have been through the big stuff in West Virginia. I am positive that a 3/4 ton conversion would more than handle a 24 Argosy.

Oh with the two rear benches, we have moer than enough room for the 5 of us plus our gear, plus the two dogs. I have gotten as good as 16 MPG and as bad as 11 (up hill against the wind).
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Old 04-30-2010, 07:59 PM   #6
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1966 26' Overlander
Phoenix , Arizona
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My E 150 does well with the 5000 travel trailer load. Mine is rated for way more load than my Overlander. You have to understand that axle ratio can make this combo work well or suck badly.

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Old 04-30-2010, 08:58 PM   #7
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I was considering the same thing quite seriously until I realized that I go some places where I absolutely have to have 4wd.
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Old 04-30-2010, 10:42 PM   #8
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Someone makes an E150 converted to 4x4 - but it's not cheap! The Chevy vans have AWD, if that will do ya. I'm eying a chevy to replace our ford when the time comes because the ford doesn't even have limited slip - if it gets one wheel in the mud it will just sit & spin. It's completely useless in the snow. AWD would be nice.
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