i have been searching for a TV and started out looking at Excursions and 3/4 Burbs. Some members here have me seriously considering a full size van. I'd prefer the 2010-2015 Express/Savanna 3500 15-passenger after some research, and there seem to be plenty out there. My main question is, how can I tell if they have the maximum towing capacity (I believe 9300 on the 155" Wheelbase)? I know it has to have the 6.0., and I would assume (G80) locker, oil cooler and tranny cooler. If it does not have the hitch and wiring, and it appears most of them do not, its that likely all that is needed? The vans I see without the hitch all have the "tow mode" on the dash, but I'm not sure if anything else would be missing that is not easily added. It appears that the 3.42 is the only gearing on the 3500's. Any thoughts from experts on these models would be much appreciated!

I apologize, as I have found my answer. I searched for quite a while prior to posting, but I finally found the answer in an archived Chevy Trailering Guide. The cooling equipment is all standard and the hitch & wire are all that are included with the HD Trailering package.

Yes, you did find the correct answer. I got the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class V XD - 2" hitch. This has a 2400lb tongue weight rating. I now feel comfortable taking the WD bars off to park when needed. I also installed a Prodigy P3 brake controller. The 3.42 is the only rear axle. There was no requirement for the G80 to achieve the tow rating. I focused my search on 2014s, as some of these had the backup assist and rear backup camera. My other requirement was to have power mirrors. Most of the rental vans come with LT trim. Some come with power driver seat.

Dadoffourgirls wrote:Yes, you did find the correct answer. I got the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class V XD - 2" hitch. This has a 2400lb tongue weight rating. I now feel comfortable taking the WD bars off to park when needed. I also installed a Prodigy P3 brake controller. The 3.42 is the only rear axle. There was no requirement for the G80 to achieve the tow rating. I focused my search on 2014s, as some of these had the backup assist and rear backup camera. My other requirement was to have power mirrors. Most of the rental vans come with LT trim. Some come with power driver seat.Hey Dadoffourgirls! You are one of the few that have me really considering this! I was just looking at the G80 option. Did you find one with the locking diff or did you find it not to be a big deal? I have heard it can be beneficial while towing, and on slick surfaces. I guess one could be added.

StabilTrak includes electronic traction control, which should be adequate on wet or even snowy roads. In some ways, its safer than a locker simply because when the axle locks abruptly on ice or snow, often that simply makes the rear end go sideways. Electronic traction control just doesn't do as well in mud, or in situations where one wheel has no traction

Knminton, what is your concern with needing the G80 locker? In three Michigan winters (two of them the worst in the past 15-20 years?) I never wished for having the G80. I was adding between 240 and 400# of water softener salt to the van though. I actually felt the van was better in snow than my Chevy Cruze I had at the same time. As carringb stated, the stability control and traction control is what helped me in the winter. There were times two tracking on a dirt road that I know having the G80 would have been beneficial, but I was just smart about how far into the woods I would venture. Good luck with your search and decision.

Express/Savanna 3500 | Good Sam Community

carringb
Explorer
Dec 29, 2015
StabilTrak includes electronic traction control, which should be adequate on wet or even snowy roads. In some ways, its safer than a locker simply because when the axle locks abruptly on ice or snow, often that simply makes the rear end go sideways. Electronic traction control just doesn't do as well in mud, or in situations where one wheel has no traction
Knminton
Explorer
Dec 29, 2015
Dadoffourgirls wrote:
Yes, you did find the correct answer. I got the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class V XD - 2" hitch. This has a 2400lb tongue weight rating. I now feel comfortable taking the WD bars off to park when needed. I also installed a Prodigy P3 brake controller.

The 3.42 is the only rear axle. There was no requirement for the G80 to achieve the tow rating.

I focused my search on 2014s, as some of these had the backup assist and rear backup camera. My other requirement was to have power mirrors. Most of the rental vans come with LT trim. Some come with power driver seat.

Hey Dadoffourgirls! You are one of the few that have me really considering this! I was just looking at the G80 option. Did you find one with the locking diff or did you find it not to be a big deal? I have heard it can be beneficial while towing, and on slick surfaces. I guess one could be added.
Dadoffourgirls
Explorer
Dec 29, 2015
Yes, you did find the correct answer. I got the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class V XD - 2" hitch. This has a 2400lb tongue weight rating. I now feel comfortable taking the WD bars off to park when needed. I also installed a Prodigy P3 brake controller.

The 3.42 is the only rear axle. There was no requirement for the G80 to achieve the tow rating.

I focused my search on 2014s, as some of these had the backup assist and rear backup camera. My other requirement was to have power mirrors. Most of the rental vans come with LT trim. Some come with power driver seat.
Knminton
Explorer
Dec 29, 2015
I apologize, as I have found my answer. I searched for quite a while prior to posting, but I finally found the answer in an archived Chevy Trailering Guide. The cooling equipment is all standard and the hitch & wire are all that are included with the HD Trailering package.

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