Express 3500 12 passenger van ? Towing experience?

2010 was the first year for the 6 speed in the vans and I am pretty sure they all come with the 3.42 axle. However, my 2011 Express with the 6L/6A/3.42 did a much better job of towing than our 2004 3/4 ton Suburban with the 6L/4A/3.73. Towing the same trailer the Suburban had to be locked into 3rd and in the van I could use 5th most of the time. It would even tow in 6th but would downshift on every hill.

Unless it’s a really great deal, I would really look for one with the 6 speed.