Towing with GM 1 ton extended passenger van (Savana/Express)

Personally, if I were looking to get another truck in a year and half regardless, I'd put a cover/shell on the truck to solve the storage out of the elements problem and keep the existing truck provided it has been maintained well. If you check your local listings, you can probably find a good used one that is relatively inexpensive. If it is in good shape, no real reason it wouldn't make the trip just fine.