No truck??? - WATCH THIS VIDEO | Towing our camper with our 15 passenger van | PROs and CONs (S2E25)

[@adventures.and.activities]

Do you tow with a van? What's your tow vehicle? Leave a comment below. We'd love to see what you're driving.

[@Paiadakine]

I tow with a ford van, back in the day with a E350 extended and 460 V8, had a 28 ft toy hauler to fit my jeep, over 9000 full of water, gas, tools and spare parts. Did have some issues pulling Baker grade once, but the van was getting old. I upgraded to a 2004 E350 extended van with the V10 in 2018 (low milage 42K) and have had no issues at all pulling my jeep on a little car trailer (maybe 7000 lbs with tools spare parts. Made multiple trip to the Bay area pulling trailer with the jeep no problem. The van is so much nicer pulling the trailer than using the RV. The RV with the same V10 engine is slower and harder to park and maneuver in town. The only option upgrade I would like is the later year E350s had a tow haul auto tranny. The V10 van gets 13 mph no towing and 10 mph towing the RV get 10 mph not towing and 7 towing.

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching. We had an E350 passenger van some years ago and it was a great van! Moved to the Chevy Express a few years ago and we have been very happy with the pulling power. I would definitely consider moving to a V10 for more power in the future.

[@ericcoyote384]

We have a 2017 chevy express 3500 15passenger and tow a jayco 32foot double slide bunk house 9200 pound trailer with 7 kids. Most important is to have sway control bars and weight distribution set up for winds and safety!! nothing fancy or expensive , I just got the cheap ones from harbor freight. Driving in Kansas blows and Nebraska sucks as far as the wind goes, and it will blow you and suck you all over the road for sure!!! Just take it slow and steady, I just let them pass me if they in a hurry.

[@adventures.and.activities]

@@ericcoyote384 I completely agree about the sway bars. Not just for wind but for semi trucks passing you by!!

[@xx84gnxx]

Yeah trucks prices are out of control now a days. Nothing wrong with the van, extra storage space, a bonus.

[@adventures.and.activities]

The van works for us for now. Truck prices are so crazy; we will all just watch and see over the coming months.

[@mrlariata9290]

I have the same van. I tow 3 ATVS with a 20 foot trailer. The transmission downshifting is weak got to ride the brakes going down the mountains highway here in Colorado. Trailer weighs 2400 2 ATVs weigh 750 each and other 850lbs. Total of 4750 lbs. Add the 5 teens and adults. We are still under the weight. It tows great on flat land but horrible on mountain passes. Great video thanks for posting.

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! Safe travels!

[@michaelparks3106]

I tow a 32' Grand Design with a 2014 Chevy Express 2500 12-passenger van with the 6.0L engine. It's the standard length (just fits in the garage with inches to spare) so it's a little easier to drive and park than the long wheelbase model. I take out the two middle bench seats and keep the full-width rear benches in. There is enough room behind the bench for a tool bag, a 3kw propane generator and a 20lb propane bottle and some miscellaneous stuff. That opens up the middle so our two large German Shepherd Dogs have plenty of room, and whoever is not driving can lay down on the rear bench and nap. I'm really happy with the setup. With a pickup you're forced to sit in one spot for hours at a time, with a van whoever's not driving can get up and move around, get a drink or make a sandwich from the cooler, or even use the porta-potty. I've owned one pickup and four vans, so I'm definitely a van guy. The Chevy was the only one I found that had the payload and towing capacity for a good-sized trailer. I added a TrueTrac helical-gear limited slip for traction, and SumoSprings on both the van and trailer to smooth out the ride. With an Anderson WDHitch it tows like a dream. Also, it's dual-fuel so I can run E85 (I don't when I tow because of a small loss of hp) which is going for around $4/gal compared to $6/gal here in the SF Bay area.

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! Happy travels!

[@ocean_kin1922]

I’m saving up to get my first travel trailer in a few years, I was worried that I was gonna go way over budget with a truck but now I’m excited to get a van instead!! Vans are cheaper and it’ll give me more space for taking family on vacations and luggage and space for my pets!! Thank you!

[@adventures.and.activities]

Best of luck! Happy travels!

[@NinjaRN4731]

Working men drive trucks, smart working men drive vans. 🤣

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! We agree. The van just works best for us at this time. Maybe someday we will move to a truck but not today.

[@NinjaRN4731]

@@adventures.and.activities I had both and truck and van. I love my diesel dually for towing heavy campers, mine was 14000 pounds dry. I like vans because your tools are protected from the rain and slows down thieves. Thank you for posting and God Bless. Safe travels. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MrEastsidejamie]

Vans for life! I bought a van for work. Way cheaper, not to mention all my tools are safe from theft and rain. Great espeacially working downtown.

[@jennifermohrhaus2913]

Just bought a 36.5 foot trailer we pick up next week. I have a 9 passenger conversation van was originally a 15 passenger we planned on using. Also 6l pulls 10,000. Been getting more nervous and couldn’t find any one else towing something like that. Thanks for sharing you tow a 35 I should be ok!

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! The van tows our trailer very well. Our 30' trailer has a total length of about 34.5 feet. As long as the weight is within your van's tow capacity you should be OK.

[@spdkilz0]

Jennifer how has the Conversion van worked for you?

[@dennisreynolds6915]

How did it tow?

[@TheViewer01]

I’m new to all of this. I’m thinking about getting a travel trailer and pulling it with my Van. I’m looking to learn the whole run down. Everything from doing wide turns in areas that have high traffic, weight capacities, trailer hitches and more. I’m a safe driver and I like to avoid traffic as much as I can. I’d rather take the longer way than to drive in traffic if I can. I found your video to be very informative.

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! When towing our trailer, we very much follow the 'slow is pro' advice for taking your time. We stick to the right lane on the highway, and if a parking lot looks too tight to fit we just stay out of there.

[@jeanniebaker9929]

Hi I have no answers for you, as I am a newbie also. I am curious tho what type of van do you have?

[@johnharper2016]

We tow a 2019 Airstream 25' Flying cloud with a 2103 Ford E150 XLT Premium. Tows like a champ. 5.4 Engine, 3.73 Limited Slip Axle. Factory Tow Pkg, 8600 GVW (big number for a 150 series van), 2500 LBS Cargo/payload rating. Highly optioned with factory NAV, Back Up Cam, Leather seats (not a conversion, factory). Almost 50k miles towing in flat and mountainous conditions. Really like your van. We would go with shorter wheelbase as we do not need extra passenger room.

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! We had a Ford Econoline some years back. Great van but not tricked out like yours sounds.

[@cldiazinc]

Thanks for making this video. Just found your channel while looking for information on the chevy express. Love that you included everyone in your family's opinion including the dog, lol. We travel quite often with our food truck and family. This video confirmed our decision to buy a chevy express van. Safe travels!

[@adventures.and.activities]

Good luck with the Express!

[@Jontfs300]

best van ever!! I have the GMC Savana 2500 same thing, love it!!!

[@l.walter1280]

There is nothing safe on the road about pulling anything, you must be safe and never go over the speed limit while pulling tricycle or a 40ft trailer. Practice pulling it a few times tell you get the hang of it. I have a chevrolet express passenger van 3500 and it's going to work at the end of the year, pulling a 40ft trailer it is my Tiny house. Happy Trails 👣.

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! Happy travels!

[@my67falcon]

I tow a 33' Zinger with a 2011 F150, 5.0, and tow package. I get 7.5 towing and 20 highway; not all that far off the van. It's getting old, though, and newer trucks are crazy expensive. We are thinking about a van so we can use it to pull or just overnight in the van at times.

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! The van is a great option for tow vehicle, and you're right that it gives you the ability to overnight in it much more comfortably than in a truck!

[@XxN8iVeSc0uTxX]

Who cares who thinks it’s not cool that is a cool set up ❤😂

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching!

[@jude1268]

Thanks for the video. I have a 1 ton 2003 Ford passenger van with the 6.8 liter v10. I tow a 30ft travel trailer at about 7500 lbs loaded. The van does a good job towing with very little sway. Due to its age I have been thinking about replacing it with the Chevy 1 ton van with 6 liter and was wondering about its towing ability. I want to stay with a van if possible because I like the room a van offers and I have had good experiences with a van. Before the Ford I towed many years with a Chevy G20. 5.7 liter.

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! After going back and forth about switching to a truck, we chose to stick with the van. It works well for our needs at this time and I don't think we'll be changing any time soon.

[@jasonvanoss2217]

I tow a trailer with my 2016 express van and love it used to have a 8000 pound trailer loaded now just got a new trailer that’s 9500 loaded pulls well plus my wife uses it to move kids around but I took my back seat out to fit more stuff biggest thing is no 4wd but it’s not really worth the extra money to me to get a 3/4 truck as that’s what I whould compare it to

[@jasonvanoss2217]

Also should ask what hitch set up are you using I seem to be fighting bad sway on my new to me trailer

[@adventures.and.activities]

9500 lbs! Good for you! I don't see a whole lot of vans towing but there's a few of us out there.

[@adventures.and.activities]

We have the Blue Ox. Our travel trailer came with it, so I cannot compare without it. I find very little issues with sway, except very high winds or big semi trucks.

[@touchstone8271]

@@jasonvanoss2217 I just ordered the curt 7500 tru track hitch set up with weight distribution and anti sway. The sway is because of the camper sides acting as a huge sail. The set up is rated to 10k pounds and is on Amazon for 560$ for prime card and 662$ with out.

[@alpert711]

Sorry if you have discussed this already but I’m looking for a van now. I’m told longer wheelbase vans make it more difficult to maneuver the trailer when backing up. Have you noticed that?

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! Maybe some other folks here will chime in with their feedback. In our experience, the extended 15-passenger Chevy with the longer wheelbase did very well. But I never towed with the normal wheelbase van so I cannot compare.

[@AlyoshikMr]

Guys, it looks cool! At least for me. No matter what others think!

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching!

[@DronesForGodsGlory]

Hey...thanx y'all...been thinking about getting a 20-24 foot trailer and was wondering if my Ford E250 would tow it...your video gives me a bit more confidence in this idea...since ive never towed anything before im kinda chicken of the whole thing...lol... thanks for the great video and info and i pray God may bless your paths and flood your lovely family in His peace and safety...

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! God bless you and safe travels!

[@xtv007]

Hi, I have been driving Ford vans for over 25 years. All current model Econoline vans(150-350) are rated to pull right at 7500lbs . The exceptions are dually cutaways and standard length SRW E350's with the V10 or diesel option. They are rated for 10,000lbs. I would suggest using an anti-sway kit when towing near max. Ford standard length vans tow much nicer than the extended version due to rear overhang. It tends to be a little squirrelly at highway speeds because of it. Chevy extended vans push their rear axle further back which is inherently more stable hence the 9500lb rating. I hope this helps.

[@DronesForGodsGlory]

@xtv007 Aww...thanks my friend...that really helps a ton😁I truly appreciate the great info...may God bless your path I pray...

[@JavierBonillaC]

Brilliant!

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching

[@Nivasi]

I suggest you get a backup camera on amazon ! I have a short school bus, I just purchased a backup camera with 65' of cable.

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! We have considered a backup camera for the trailer. It might help, especially at the rare times when only one person is there to back the trailer.

[@jeironamobey8136]

Add an electrolisys machine to increasy the gas mileage.

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! It's a good idea for anyone with the know how.

[@michaelohara2161]

Good video. Can you point me to the tow mirror extensions for chevy express? My plan is to pull the plastic panels and add thinsolate for sound and temp.

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! We got our tow mirror extensions from AMAZON. They work well and can be removed when not towing. But we mostly just leave them on.

[@NaturalBornGriller]

man I have 4 kids and a 7100lb trailer and these vans are really hard to find. tons of 'cargo' vans but no bloody passenger vans

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! Yes. You gotta keep shopping until you find the right one.

[@JavierBonillaC]

Tom Hank's Brother recommends it then it's good for me.

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

Ever think about a locking rear differential ?

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! It's something we thought of but never tackled it

[@michaelparks3106]

@@adventures.and.activities I have a 2014 Chevy Express 2500 and had a Detroit TrueTrac installed in the rear axle. It's a helical-gear limited-slip instead of the traditional clutch-type, so there is no special gear lube or maintenance required and no having to manually engage/disengage it. When a wheel slips under load it automatically applies torque to both rear wheels equally, similar to what a locker would do. Most 4 wheel drive pickups without limited slip or lockers will only give you two driving wheels (one front and one rear), so in many situations the TrueTrac will have better traction.

[@carlostavaresjr958]

For your van they do make aftermarket AWD systems for it. Not sure if that is something your interested in but its available.

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! We have looked into the AWD kits and might do it someday.

[@spiritual_home_for_artists]

Wow 8 miles a gallon is intense!

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! Yeah. It's fun at the gas pump.

[@tommyreeve1120]

Hi, thanks for the video, we are thinking of buying a similar van to tow our trailer. Our trailer weighs about 6000 pounds. How did yours do towing on the freeway and how did that feel?

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! Our van has tow capacity for 10,000 lbs so it tows our trailer very well. I do recommend anti-sway bars too.

[@Ka_Gg]

17 hwy is pretty damn good for a vehicle like that.

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! Vans are pretty efficient; just not very cool!

[@Ka_Gg]

@@adventures.and.activities eh, I think they are cool!

[@mannycastineira4983]

I have a1994 G20 Chevy van.I pull a 25ft Starcraft camper with it. Sometimes I pull a 26ft Glasstron cuddy cabin.(When going fishing to the Florida's key).

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeanniebaker9929]

Looking for advise I can't seem to find online. Hoping you or one of your subscribers can help. I have a partially converted Ram ProMaster 1500 highroof van (no kitchen or bathroom) and I want to tow a travel trailer so that I have the option of a bathroom w/shower and kitchen plus extra sleeping when needed. Has anyone towed a travel trailer with the same or similear van as mine? If so, what did you tow and what was the weight of the trailer? How did the van perform? Would really appreciate some feedback as I am brand new to this towing idea.

[@adventures.and.activities]

I think you have a great idea to give you more options. I'm not familiar with the tow capacity of your van but hopefully someone else here can help out?

[@jeanniebaker9929]

2020 ProMaster 1500 High Roof Van with 136” wheel base and 3.6 liter V-6 engine trailer towing chart info: GVWR 8,550 Payload 3,760 Max trailer weight rating is 6700

[@britup1]

There are companies that convert vans to 4x4.

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! Yes. We are just about completed on our camper remodel; maybe some upgrades for the van are in order after that!!!

[@phatmeow7764]

hi suppose i get a cheap used van and do a few suspension and structural upgrades would that be a good idea for a tow van?

[@adventures.and.activities]

I would just make sure the van's oem tow capacity will cover the weight of your trailer. Happy camping!

[@ericcoyote384]

make sure you get a weight distribution system and anti sway bars-make a world of difference when towing. Several systems are expensive but I just got the cheap ones from harbor freight tools works just as well as expensive ones!!

[@hellohello8556]

Nice van. I like it. For your families situation its perfect.

[@adventures.and.activities]

We agree!

[@jeironamobey8136]

Gps for stolen cars. Dont need to call the police. Just show up ready

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching! It's a good idea!

[@MarS-dc2qx]

A van pulling a big trailer is not safe at all!

[@adventures.and.activities]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelparks3106]

Interesting comment. Since the vans usually have similar frames and the same running gear as pickup trucks, the only real difference is an enclosed rear like an SUV instead of an open pickup bed. If you're concerned about the small additional wind resistance to crosswinds, I guess pulling with an SUV would not be safe either? Regardless, I pull a 7,000lb, 32' trailer with my van with no problem.

[@shawnj3525]

Why do you believe a van is less safe than a pickup truck with a comparable towing capacity? Are you saying that vans are somehow inherently less safe than pickups? If so, why? Thanks!

[@AnakNi_Mina]

There’s always gotta be a negative nancy.

[@redneckcanuckdieseltech]

​@@shawnj3525I think he's getting at roll-over and understeer potential I'm in the process of figuring out what I can safely tow with my 96 dodge 3500 extended frame camper van the hitch on mine is an additional 2 feet back from the axle with the extended body and the weight is higher than a normal van I wouldn't be hooking up to anything longer than 16 feet with it where my 01 Ram 2500 has a higher GVWR about the same length but with a much wider stance a lower center of gravity and a longer wheelbase I'm rated to tow 13,500 with the truck compared to 7000 with the RV