I've been towing with vans for 22? years. I don't particularly like pick-ups mainly becuse of having an unsecured bed. I currently use a Express 3500 passenger van with the rear seats removed. I carry bicyles, kayak, generator, boxes of spare clothes and even a small motorcycle fits (but not all at the same time !!). It's all out of sight and locked away.
The 3500 Van tows like a champ, gets 12mpg towing and it's okay as a long distance TV. If I'm only going for 1 night, I usually just take the Van and sleep in the back on an air mattress.
This is the 4th van I've had and my next one will be Transit EcoBoost.