Van used to tow

Question

Hey all,I recently bought a gmc chassis coachman van to use for short dirt bike trips. Love it. Works real well. So much so, I would like to get a bigger engined van to tow a small 26 ft toyhauler. That way I could have the van for short trips, and tow the toyhauler for longer trips with more equipment. Right now the longer trips are handled by my large motor home. Really want to downsize to fit into places better. Are any of these class b vans capable of towing 9000-10,000 lbs and about 900 lbs hitch weight? Most I've looked at cannot handle the hitch weight due to the conversion weight from the up fitter. Looks to me like the v10 is the way to go unless I get lucky with a 6.0 gas Chevy.  Like to avoid diesel if I can. I have that in the motor home. I do understand I will get about 8 towing. Get that now.Any suggestions?

retraite · Answer

I don't think you're gonna find a solution.

I'd suspect it would need to be either a dual wheel rear end (and otherwise properly equipped), or an empty vehicle single wheel rear - and at your weights, even that may be undoable.

Livable "B" AND 10,000 lbs. - I can't imagine that working.

You might call Sportsmobile and ask, as I'd bet they've had that, or a similar, question before.

Cheers.

handbasket · Answer

I very much doubt any full-house B will have the tow capacity. You may want to look at a small C, the Tiger Bengal CX & TX. They can be built on the 1-ton pickup chassis from any of the big 3, with any drivetrain offered, SRW or DRW. When I bought mine in '06, the max towable weight was 8,000 lbs on the Chevy 3500. They've since started offering the Dodge & Ford, and I think tow ratings are up for all 3. But they are pricey, and used ones are hard to find.

Jim, "I never finish anyth...."

1775 · Answer

The tow weight of a Roadtrek 190 is 8200 pounds and the hitch weight is 1000 pounds. This is a 6.0 3500 Chevy van. The tow weight is short of your 9000 to 10000 requirements. I don't think you will find a B with more capacity than this.

cbigham · Answer

Definitely looks like sports mobile is the way to go. 4x4 would be nice, but also will knock off weight from the tow.

Be hitting the used market, hope to find a 6.0 chev. Like the handling best.

Thanks.

handbasket · Answer

Also be sure to read the fine print on any tow ratings. Not sure it still applies, but some B makers used to rate towing capacity for an empty B... that is, without options (like generator or awning), supplies, or passengers, and with minimal fuel onboard.

Jim, "Vote early, and vote often!"

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