Towing with a Van?

[SCOTTinNJ]

Originally Posted by wildhorses

I have a Harley Ultra Classic cruiser and would love to take it along in the van if possible, has anyone tried to put a larger cruiser style motorcycle in their van while towing their AS?

That's about 900 lbs? I'd be looking at a 1-ton for sure. Would also try to get the rear wheel as close to the wheel wells as you can shove it.

[Rocinante]

One van caveat in case it hasn't already been discussed: Seems like it would be best to avoid an extended van if towing?

[jcanavera]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

One van caveat in case it hasn't already been discussed: Seems like it would be best to avoid an extended van if towing?

The older Ford and Dodge vans that had the extended body lengths were unstable. Those were readily noticeable since the body extended well beyond the rear wheels. A school that I worked at had a fleet of these and we limited occupants to minimize the bad handling tendencies.

GM vans didn't and still don't have this bad rap since their extended vans had longer drive trains that pushed their rear wheels back to a position that is similar to the standard vans.

Jack

[Sneakinup]

I purchased a 2006 Chevy Express 3500 extended with 6.0L less than 2 years ago for future pulling of my 77' 31' Sovereign. (Getting close) According to the specs, the towing capacity is 10,000 lbs. The van is stripped inside so I assume that adds to the cargo capacity. It's the sporty model with just 2 seats.

I haven't towed as of yet and since the attached picture was taken have added a Curt Class V hitch, aux. trans cooler, all necessary wiring, and Tekonsha brake controller, oh, and racks on top to put the kayaks up there rather than in the van. Before I purchased the van I rented numerous 2500 Express vans with the short wheelbase and found the ride to be satisfactory. Then I drove a bunch of extended vans and really found it to be quite comfortable with no noticeable difference. It is VERY steady on the road, solid, and the van has no rattles of any kind. The power is exceptional. I didn't think the added length would make much difference as I see so many people towing long Airstreams with huge Ford's of the same length. The interior cargo space is BIGLY!

It was a retired govt. prisoner transport van and has every option, which is rare for a cargo van. Cruise control, power windows, power driver seat, power mirrors, heated mirrors, rear air, tilt wheel... etc. Gas mileage is really pretty good. I get a steady 14.5 mpg in combined driving. I've gotten as high as 16 mpg on the highway, but I never have much of a load in the van. Towing will of course be different story. I love this van and find it so comfortable to drive. Parking lots need some finesse, but not a problem.

I've owned numerous GMC vans over the years. This era of the GM line is by far my favorite.

[AL4411]

Have you considered the Mercedes Sprinter? It will swallow the Hog with ease, tow any of the Bambi's and average almost 20 mpg doing it. My TV is the RAM Promaster 3.0 liter diesel. My ride is a Pedego tandem bicycle (and several other 10' long toys). It easily tows my 19' AS.

[wildhorses]

Originally Posted by AL4411

Have you considered the Mercedes Sprinter? It will swallow the Hog with ease, tow any of the Bambi's and average almost 20 mpg doing it. My TV is the RAM Promaster 3.0 liter diesel. My ride is a Pedego tandem bicycle (and several other 10' long toys). It easily tows my 19' AS.

I have, but we have a 31' Sovereign and it would be more than the Mercedes can tow, especially on steep grades.

[Wolf Alaska]

Originally Posted by wildhorses

My wife loved the Suburbans but we realized that there isn't quite enough space inside for my dirtbike, our mountain bikes and possibly kayaks. But a good sized Van could take all that with us when we go off roading (boondocking?) with the AS.

If only Airstream made a "toy hauler" version...

resized CH FTL in NM.jpg

I use a Coach House Type B motor coach to tow my Featherlite 28' SURV all aluminum, riveted trailer. The Trailer's rear ramp provides access to the 18'x8' load floor which has 10 tie downs and provision for a motorcycle front wheel chock that can be moved to one of two locations. There's 12' of clear load space + 6' of room between the galley and pantry cabinet that can handle a dirt bike and 2 bicycles. The Featherlite has a queen bed, 2 sofas that make into double beds, and 50 gallons of fresh water for the galley and bath.

The Coach House is built on a Ford E250 extended HD van.

BTW, a Featherlite trailer has more aluminum construction than an Airstream. The Featherlite has aluminum I beams constructing the floor, not a steel frame like an Airstream. The roof, the wall posts, and roof structure are all aluminum, too. The wall and roof panels are aluminum and riveted to the support structures.

If you can see the foto attached, it was made in NM on a trip to Glacier NP. A Type B makes a great tow vehicle, and its possible to overnight in it when on the move without even disturbing the trailer. Every stop, as a precaution, I go into the trailer and check the vehicles' tie downs for security. Only had 1 motorcycle fall over one time due to very rough interstate.

[10Smiles]

We have a bunch of kids and, as a result, have been towing with a van for many years. Our latest is a Chevrolet 2500 extended van. It has the 4.10 rear gears which helps a lot. I did add an additional transmission oil cooler with electric fan and an additional engine oil cooler these help keep things cool. One thing I like about the Chevrolet extended is that they actually increase the wheelbase instead of just tacking a piece on the back end.

Now that we do not have many (2) kids at home, we still like our van for towing. We can put a lot of stuff in the back (bikes, bar-b-q, firewood, ...) and it stays dry and out of sight.

Here's ours:

[wildhorses]

We pulled the trigger and bought a Chevy 3500 Extended Cargo. We plan to use it for multiple reasons so it fills out needs perfectly. It rides rough empty but we plan to fill it most of the time we use it. We joked that now we understand how people can turn the vans into tiny houses!

[Hittenstiehl]

Wild horses it will be interesting to hear your feedback. It looks very roomy.

[Dan_Rox]

No towing experience yet, but we picked up our van yesterday. 320 miles of interstate at 65-70 and we averaged 16.5 mpg. For an empty one ton van I was surprised how well it rode. The dealer had the rear tires over inflated to 85 psi. We lowered them to 70 rear and had 55 in the front.

Test fit the motorcycles and bicycles today. Not a lot of extra room but everything should fit.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Sneakinup

.. a 2006 Chevy Express 3500.
It was a retired govt. prisoner transport van and has every option, which is rare for a cargo van. Cruise control, power windows, power driver seat, power mirrors, heated mirrors, rear air, tilt wheel... etc.

My tax dollars at work.

[Sneakinup]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

My tax dollars at work.

Thanks for paying for the upgraded accessories in my van. Don't forget, I paid for them as well, twice!

[wildhorses]

Been towing for over a year with our van and love it! I installed E-Track last week and was able to load our toys in the back and still have room for more!

[Sneakinup]

Agreed! Having a van is like traveling with my shed from home. Kayaks, bicycles, tools, etc. Love it.