so we're still discussing a new TV to replace our rather underpowered but otherwise great V6 dodge Dakotalooked at a few pickups, 1/2 ton size with small V8 or high powered V6(ecoboost for example)but why not a van? says my wife, a "small" full sized vanmuch larger inside than a pickup, more security inside than the bed of a PU, no topper or cover needed for the bedsurely a nicely appointed van with seats for 4 or 5 would make a far better vacation vehicle than a PUare we missing something? I use a van for work (carpenter) all the time, most trades people I know, love their work vans

We used a Chevy Express 3000 1 ton to pull a TT. No problems.

Used to have a 97 Dodge conv van with the 5.9 and 3.90 gears. It towed our 6500lb loaded TT with no issues. Just don't get a loaded, leather hightop conv van. That will eat up quite a bit of payload. Unless you get a passenger van, Stick with a basic standard height conv van.

stevemorris wrote:so we're still discussing a new TV to replace our rather underpowered but otherwise great V6 dodge Dakotalooked at a few pickups, 1/2 ton size with small V8 or high powered V6(ecoboost for example)but why not a van? says my wife, a "small" full sized vanmuch larger inside than a pickup, more security inside than the bed of a PU, no topper or cover needed for the bedsurely a nicely appointed van with seats for 4 or 5 would make a far better vacation vehicle than a PUare we missing something? I use a van for work (carpenter) all the time, most trades people I know, love their work vansVans can make excellent tow vehicles. In fact when I see someone wanting to load up a SUV with kids, dogs, kayaks, bicycles, etc and then hook on a TT I always think they would have been better served with a 2500-3500 series van.

Followed a guy in a Nissan NV van towing a 25'+/- Airstream. I passed him up a passing lane. When I looked in the rear side mirror you could see the NV and a small silhouette of the AS behind it. Looked like a perfect match.

Vans area great! If you're using a Dakota now, a Transit EcoBoost would probably be a god fit for what you're towing. It's not suitable for heavier trailers (max tailer 7,500 pounds) but is by far the best driving full size van, and is available in a short-wheelbase low-roof model, which is barely bigger than an Astro van.

Van as a TV | Good Sam Community

carringb
Explorer
Aug 21, 2017
Vans area great! If you're using a Dakota now, a Transit EcoBoost would probably be a god fit for what you're towing. It's not suitable for heavier trailers (max tailer 7,500 pounds) but is by far the best driving full size van, and is available in a short-wheelbase low-roof model, which is barely bigger than an Astro van.
goducks10
Explorer
Aug 21, 2017
Followed a guy in a Nissan NV van towing a 25'+/- Airstream. I passed him up a passing lane. When I looked in the rear side mirror you could see the NV and a small silhouette of the AS behind it. Looked like a perfect match.
DanNJanice
Explorer
Aug 21, 2017
stevemorris wrote:
so we're still discussing a new TV to replace our rather underpowered but otherwise great V6 dodge Dakota

looked at a few pickups, 1/2 ton size with small V8 or high powered V6(ecoboost for example)

but why not a van? says my wife, a "small" full sized van

much larger inside than a pickup, more security inside than the bed of a PU, no topper or cover needed for the bed

surely a nicely appointed van with seats for 4 or 5 would make a far better vacation vehicle than a PU

are we missing something? I use a van for work (carpenter) all the time, most trades people I know, love their work vans

Vans can make excellent tow vehicles. In fact when I see someone wanting to load up a SUV with kids, dogs, kayaks, bicycles, etc and then hook on a TT I always think they would have been better served with a 2500-3500 series van.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Aug 21, 2017
Used to have a 97 Dodge conv van with the 5.9 and 3.90 gears. It towed our 6500lb loaded TT with no issues. Just don't get a loaded, leather hightop conv van. That will eat up quite a bit of payload. Unless you get a passenger van, Stick with a basic standard height conv van.
dfletch
Explorer
Aug 21, 2017
We used a Chevy Express 3000 1 ton to pull a TT. No problems.

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