Thanks to those that answered. I already had an appt with the dealer for some other work, so I had them check this. It was a fuse as I had suspected. Not any that are listed in the owner's manual as protecting the rear lights, but some general fuse under the hood that is apparently used to protect the rear lights on the cutaway van until the builder gets it. So much for the owner's manual. Looks like Chevy's Owner's Manual for my unit is generic for all Express vans, and not necessarily specific to the cutaway chassis. Anyway, problem solved - only cost about $100.
Thanks again,
Dave