Thanks and apologies in advance. I have joined as a new member before buying a travel trailer or tow vehicle so I could educate myself. I have pulled large (26 ft) and small (16 ft) sailboats (with pick-up trucks) but never a travel trailer. I no longer have a pick-up truck. As of now, my vague plan is to buy a TT in the 28-32 ft range and pull it with a Ford or Chevy 3500 commercial heavy duty van. I know there are many of you who have been at this a while and have seen it all. I would certainly appreciate any insights and experiences you are willing to share.Thanks for your help and apologies for rehashing an old subject.

While I am not up to speed on Vans, I do know that at some of them make excellent TVs.Welcome to the Forum

Payload, payload, payload.........Forget about ANY mfg. published MAX TOW RATINGS. Those numbers are magical marketing numbers using a base model, 150# driver and 20# cargo. REAL World.......you will run out of payload capacity or tow vehicle GVWR long before reaching those magical max tow rating.GVWR minus curb weight minus all passengers/stuff....payloadTrailers GVWR.....use 15% for trailer tongue weight.Is that number larger, close to, smaller than payload.Should be smaller or close to....not larger.Without actually weighing each for 'true weight' the above is best guesstimate for figuring 'CAN I tow this'

A 3500 van should easily pull the size TT you're thinking about. Just make sure you use a properly-rated weight distributing hitch with an anti-sway device. If you have a Class III hitch on the van you might have to upgrade it to a Class IV.

1-ton vans make great tow vehicles. They typically have have about double the payload of full-size SUVs. Skip the small V8's though.

You will have no problems towing a trailer in your range with a one-ton truck or van of any brand. Glad you are thinking with your head here and going right for the one-ton. You will not ever regret investing in a one-ton if you tow anything.

Different Tow Vehicle | Good Sam Community

carringb
Explorer
Dec 13, 2014
1-ton vans make great tow vehicles. They typically have have about double the payload of full-size SUVs. Skip the small V8's though.
phillyg
Explorer II
Dec 13, 2014
A 3500 van should easily pull the size TT you're thinking about. Just make sure you use a properly-rated weight distributing hitch with an anti-sway device. If you have a Class III hitch on the van you might have to upgrade it to a Class IV.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Dec 13, 2014
Payload, payload, payload.........

Forget about ANY mfg. published MAX TOW RATINGS.
Those numbers are magical marketing numbers using a base model, 150# driver and 20# cargo.
REAL World.......you will run out of payload capacity or tow vehicle GVWR long before reaching those magical max tow rating.

GVWR minus curb weight minus all passengers/stuff....payload

Trailers GVWR.....use 15% for trailer tongue weight.
Is that number larger, close to, smaller than payload.
Should be smaller or close to....not larger.

Without actually weighing each for 'true weight' the above is best guesstimate for figuring 'CAN I tow this'
Huntindog
Explorer
Dec 13, 2014
While I am not up to speed on Vans, I do know that at some of them make excellent TVs.

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