Can I tow this and how will it feel?

[crasster]

Okay here are the specs. I "think" I'm figuring this right.

2017 Chevy Express 15 passenger van. 1LT. 6.0L engine.
GCWR 16,000
GVWR 9,600
Van Weight 6,129

Passengers total weight: 920 Pounds
RV weight: 6,660 Pounds
Battery + Propane: 125 pounds

Weight Distribution Hitch: 100 pounds
1 Seat removed from van (extra space) = +80 pounds (gained)

Clothes, towels, blankets, pillows, fluff: 100 pounds
Food: 30 pounds
Extension cords, some hand tools, fix a flat, parts: 100 pounds
A few pots, pans, dishes, etc.: 50 pounds
Outdoors stuff like camp chairs, bug candles, etc: 50 pounds
Bathroom stuff, tooth brushes, etc.: 15 pounds
Misc whatever: 200 pounds

If fill 30 gals of freshwater 30 X 8 = 240 pounds

So I did the Math Subtracting everything (and adding one thing) from my GCWR.

I'd be left with:

+1361 pounds until I hit (what I understand??) to be my limit, or +1601 without a tank full of fresh water.

I also don't plan to travel much with full gray or black tanks.

So question time.


Am I missing something here?
If truly I still have 1361 Pounds left, should that be a "breeze" for my van to tow this trailer + all passengers & stuff?

What about grades? Will it struggle/white knuckle time (or will it handle it well) **note in mountains I will ABSOLUTELY not carry fresh water or gray/black water on mountains so +1601 until GCWR of 16000.


All opinions, suggestions, etc. appreciated. I just would like to know what I'm in for. Thanks!!

[Jayco-noslide]

The crucial spec you didn't mention is- what does the Van's owners manual say Re: towing capacity.

[rockhillmanor]

crasster wrote:
Okay here are the specs. I "think" I'm figuring this right.

2017 Chevy Express 15 passenger van. 1LT. 6.0L engine.
GCWR 16,000
GVWR 9,600
Van Weight 6,129

Passengers total weight: 920 Pounds
RV weight: 6,660 Pounds
Battery + Propane: 125 pounds

…. Thanks!!

Are you planning to tow this with the RV in your signature??

[crasster]

agwill wrote:
I have 2015 one ton 15 passenger van also and no problem with 9,000 pound trailer.

Any trouble on steep hills/mountains by chance?

[agwill]

I have 2015 one ton 15 passenger van also and no problem with 9,000 pound trailer.

[Lwiddis]

“without a tank full of fresh water.“

You’ll be unable to stay at bunches of beautiful dry campgrounds if you don’t have any fresh water. Why cut it so close? Barely within weight maximums? That’s not fun.