Chevy Express 2.8L Duramax Tow Test | How Will It Tow?

[@WeldtecDesigns]

Would you consider owning a 2.8l Duramax Chevy Express?!

[@mattnunes5617]

Yes, planning to ... I want the (at least potentially) longer range of diesel (I don't tow). I also have an idea to retro-fit a Titan rear end tank to it (that they only offer for Duramax trucks) that could double the fuel capacity. I would sacrifice both of those options with gas.... I already drive an E-350 Quigley with the 7.3 and a Transfer Flow tank so I'm kinda spoiled...

[@RadicalPersonalFinance]

@@mattnunes5617 Is it not possible to add an extra tank on the gasoline model?

[@landlockedviking]

@@mattnunes5617 I haven't heard of that swap, sounds like a great idea

[@78547563]

Yes. I currently have the Ford E350 but my next van will be a new Express with the 2.8L Duramax and a WeldTec Design 4x4 conversion.

[@shanemulligan3571]

I've got one. 700-750 miles on a tank no problem (not towing). Got 800 once!

[@PolishJoe1000]

The build looks killer, as usual. Thank you for producing these videos. It's great information. I can't find anyone else providing anything nearly as comprehensive.

[@WeldtecDesigns]

Thanks for watching and your positive comments. We appreciate you comments and support.

[@ricnick0680]

I own a 2017 Chevrolet Express with the 2.8L diesel, 135" WB... wish I had gone with the 155" WB. I bought it new and have rolled 235,000 hwy km's on to it so far with no problems whatsoever except that the thing is still rear wheel drive & is absolutely useless in the winter where my short haul route takes me (5 minutes from the far southeast corner of Alaska!). Other than that, love the thing. Gets amazing fuel economy even when towing. The thing tows like there isn't even a trailer there. My current plan is to get it converted to 4x4 before next winter so I can still get the amazing fuel economy and NOT have to rely on my thirsty hemi pickup again like I have most of this winter.

[@WeldtecDesigns]

That's great info that will help tons of others! I appreciate your feedback brother! Thank you 🤘

[@ricnick0680]

@@WeldtecDesigns check out my page facebook.com/SBEDmax I've been posting updates, pics and videos there since I got the van in July 2018. I started the page because the dealer I got it from (Coast Mountain GM in Smithers, BC Canada) was curious to see how far the thing will go... as am I!! :-)

[@WeldtecDesigns]

@@ricnick0680 Awesome I'll Check it out!

[@RadicalPersonalFinance]

What kind of fuel economy do you get?

[@spiritbearexpress4308]

​@@RadicalPersonalFinance On my daily 410 mile short haul route I get a consistent 23 - 25 MPG on the hwy & that's loaded down with lots of hills. Not bad for a full size van :-)

[@chrisludwig9783]

10k lbs towing. Travel trailer that's what we need

[@WeldtecDesigns]

I tow that with my 6.0 gas.

[@chrisludwig9783]

@@WeldtecDesigns awesome how does it tow

[@groofromtheup5719]

Not with the 2.8. You'd need an older 6.6

[@GamerBoy-ye2op]

@@chrisludwig9783 the 6.0 vortec should tow it okay my mad towed our 10k camper well besides for swaying all over the road

[@danielcorb6786]

I did not driven an 2.8 diesel yet .. but I head 2012 GMC Sierra 3500 2015 GMC Sierra denali dually new loved it now I have the express 2007 6.6 and has 422000km and it strong going :)

[@HorsepowerHeaven]

120km is what everyone cruises at on the hwy over here in Canada 🇨🇦 ehhhhh even when I’m towing my 5 ton dump trailer. Keep it up, thanks looking for a new diesel van for the crew

[@tomposti6361]

Any problems with the 8speed auto tranny ?

[@WAYOFTHEROADBAND]

I'm a big van of your vids Thanks for the info Cheers from Canada

[@WeldtecDesigns]

Glad you like them! and for commenting. I really appreciate it.

[@jamesrobbins2708]

Hey Jeremy - now that the 2.8 diesel is no longer available, how about a V6 towing test?

[@bennyconas6556]

Outstanding video broham. So many thanks'z. ☮

[@shanemulligan3571]

How was the engine temp going up the hill???

[@mattnunes5617]

Thanks Jeremy.... What gearing is in that van? Stock 3.42 or lower? And did you already post the similar video with the 6.6, I don't see it here yet... Ultimately, I want to know how it ranks against your 6.0 gas as well (which you said was coming later). I figure we won't be able to get tuners for this motor in the vans for a while (unlike they already offer for the Canyon/Colorado) so I want to know if it putts-around like a minivan or is better than that....

[@WeldtecDesigns]

Stock gearing and we will be posting the 6.6 sometime next week then our 6.0 gas!

[@ryanhall6898]

Great video! What radio are you rocking in that thing?

[@danielcorb6786]

Hi u guys ... I have 2 Chevy 3500 one 6.6 and one 6.0 ... and I want to covert the 6.0 in 6.6 and 4x4 ... the question is can I take a Chevy truck diesel and move all mechanical on the van !? It same chassis... thanks

[@flawful_dude]

On a express i would. Now I'm thinking.. (since my 4.3Vtc blew a gasket) could i fit a 2.8 on my lifted astro. Hmm?

[@WeldtecDesigns]

I would love to hear if you do it!

[@godzilla6490]

What yeah is this van?

[@roddycreswell8613]

I drove 4 hours to a dealership to get my 2016 6.6 3500. I wouldn't walk across the street for that 4 banger.

[@shaunfrey7800]

With what it is rated to tow, I'd probably lean towards the transit 350. Only because of the updated design and features. I needed more towing capacity and none of the newer vans can compete with a good old 3500 with the 6.0 in that regard.

[@WeldtecDesigns]

Yeah the 6.0 gas is killer, its what i have in our chevy express. As for transits, they're cool but just not as capable as the econolines were especially now they are unibodys, which probably isn't the best idea if you want to do some real off roading. Just my opinion though, im all bout the functionality of my build.

[@shaunfrey7800]

That unibody is why the tow rating is so low. I drive a t250 cargo for hvac service at least a hundred miles everyday. Everything on it feels light weight. But it rides and drives like a dream. I'd always go E series or gm for an offroad build or tow vehicle.

[@jasontaylor9871]

Yeh I was suckered into buy a fleet of Transit 350's for my hvac company nothing like having to pull the rear axles just to swap pads, then there's the recall on the complete rear brake setup from the factory that the dealer won't honor, nothing like replacing the pads every 20k at a cost of 800 to 1k per vehicle

[@shaunfrey7800]

@@jasontaylor9871 the maintenance and repairs on my transit in 130k has been ridiculous. However the drivability and ease of working out of it may even it out. I don't mind my express at all but I really only drive it once a week now. If I had to drive it everyday, I may hate it hahahaha

[@groofromtheup5719]

The 6.6 gasser is the van that gives a high tow rating.

[@H20-Water-Pro-LLC]

Boats are easy to pull. Very little wind resistance. Would of liked to see a maxed out travel trailer.

[@j.crandom2077]

I need one Soo bad just fits my life style lol

[@WeldtecDesigns]

Right?!!! Everyone needs a bad ass van in their life!! 🤘

[@j.crandom2077]

You ever get the fuel economy on the baby Duramax

[@michacahan]

Why get a 2.8 when you can have a 6.6? 🚑 Haha, Canada represents, see y'all in February 🇨🇦

[@lanaliong3712]

When did they stop duramax 6.6 express production ?

[@michacahan]

@@lanaliong3712 2016 apparently.

[@mattnunes5617]

@@lanaliong3712 I want to say 2014 or 2016... not sure. Either way, seems like finding one of those is about as hard as finding a 7.3 in an E350...

[@lanaliong3712]

@@mattnunes5617 well they are around, but timing is everything I needed a van so I had to go 4.8 vortec But my mechanic consoled me, and said maintenance on a 4.8 gas is way better just go for it, so I did. It's a nice van my 2500 express 4.8L

[@taranveersingh9071]

I have a chevy express but with a 5.3 V8 it sounds better

[@jokerstoner4102]

The 6.0 v8 sound good too

[@lanaliong3712]

4.8 2500 express here, enough power without the gas detriment of a 6.0, only way to fly

[@WeldtecDesigns]

Bring it in and lets do a tow video with it

[@taranveersingh9071]

@@WeldtecDesigns are you dead ass😱

[@morisventura674]

Great fuel economy, worst oil economy. Wind up spending more on oil than diesel.

[@WeldtecDesigns]

That always something to consider...

[@rmccain99]

Why those idiots at GM/Chevy didn't make the 2.8 an option for the 1500 series pickups an option! I don't know.

[@southhillfarm2795]

Big problem with these GM Vans is that the design in almost 30 years old. GM has kept up with engine and transmission a but almost everything is from 1992 when GM first introduced this can for sale. I passed on GM Vans because at almost 30 years old there is no price advantage to the competitors which are only a few years old in design.

[@WeldtecDesigns]

Just because it's old doesn't mean it's a problem, the new fords such as the transit or even the Mercedes sprinters are unibodys. Id really like to see a van like that fully suited with 4x4 or whatever you think is needed to make it the best and im willing to bet that my 2wd GM van will go farther and be more capable of heavier off roading with no problems especially with our kits on it. So im curious as to what the problem is with it being "old" . Could you give me some reasons that make GM Vans a 'big problem" ?

[@shaunfrey7800]

I like the fact that there is still something made "like they used too!"

[@southhillfarm2795]

@@WeldtecDesigns the practicality of the unibody vans are noticeable when they are in use. Yes you have a lift kit and that takes away the main practicality of the unibody which is lower, easier access height. There is also the overhaul working height of the unibody Van's. The ceiling height for example is much taller on a sprinter and Promaster and possibly the Transit without too much increase overall height which is a benefit when in daily use. It depends on the use of the van as well. I don't think those factors play into your use.

[@WeldtecDesigns]

@@southhillfarm2795 Yeah okay I see where you're coming from, then yes the new designs would be great if you want that stand up clearance especially if you're trying to live out of it or do an interior build out! Probably why they just keep growing in popularity. I think more people are trying to live comfortably in their van now a days! Thanks for your feedback, appreciate it!

[@mattnunes5617]

The fact that the design is 30 years old is the ONLY reason I'm getting an Express, because it's the only one left that still looks halfway decent, since the E-series vans are gone. It doesn't matter how new it is, it's pretty hard to make a euro-delivery van look cool...

[@aae7725]

your hat's not on straight mate.

[@WeldtecDesigns]

No it's my head that's not on straight! Half nuts.....

[@veenieyourmom912]

325 talking about doing a hundred note passengers no luggage know anything

[@peterallen1099]

No

[@gaarasama1719]

He talks too much

[@WeldtecDesigns]

Way too much!

[@scottdurkee9162]

You know whet else is super kool, not you. You’re “style” . Just give the information. Stop trying so hard to sell

[@WeldtecDesigns]

If we were trying to sell you, we would be talking prices all the time for our products, but...we don't. This is a tow test reviewing a 2.8L, didn't know we were sales men for chevy lol

[@Onimun]

Less talking next time damn

[@raullopez2587]

TOWING ANYTHING ABOVE60MPH IS IRRESPONSIBLE REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE TOWING CAPABILITIES, SORRY TO POINT OUT.

[@WeldtecDesigns]

Yeah haha pointed it out in the video, but just like everyone else on the road, yes we were being irresponsible, just like talking on the phone, texting, speeding etc...we all do it, we all act like we don't/ sometimes don't even know you do it and give others a hard time for it lol and its only irresponsible in the lovely state of California, Arizona just next door will let you go up to 65 with tipple trailers lol

[@christophercraig84]

Change tire size and not correct speedometer. What kind of garbage work is that? To miss such a small detail doesn’t instill confidence in the quality of work.

[@WeldtecDesigns]

What are you talking about dude? Garbage because the speedometer is in Kmh and not MPH (why it said 100KMH but we were going 60). You have no clue what you're talking about, trying to be a keyboard worrier. Take that pissy attitude somewhere else, garbage is a place to start.