So I did my research before we bought a trailer to be sure we would get a trailer that was towable. Then after purchasing a 30ft trailer we found out we were expecting our 6th child! Our 2 bunk trailer we just bought would be just impossible with a toddler, a baby and a special needs child( along with 3 other kiddos). We had to go bigger which totally screwed all my calculations as to what could tow the TT. I have been trying to go back and refigure but pregnancy brain is too strong and I can't figure it all up like I did last time! HELP!We are looking at 1 ton 15 passenger vans(maybe 12 passenger??). 350/3500 seriesAnd before I even put it on here, I know, I know- our trailer is a monster-Salem 36BHBS. Gulp. Did I mention that we will be full timing it for a year across the country as soon as our house sells?? Yep-we are crazy. So let's just state that as fact now and get it out of the way lol Now we just need to move forward ;)Here are our #'s that I have figured out:TT GVWR:10880TT Dry: 7990Weight we need at hitch: 1415Weight of driver and passengers:710 lbsWe don't plan on having any added cargo in the van but I have been throwing in an extra 100 pounds just in case and 100 pounds for hitch weight.I need to work backwards and figure out what we need to have in a vehicle for sure. We've been looking at some older models of vans but not sure some are up the challenge.We will be getting a WDS when we get our new TV. So I know we need that. Any help would be very much appreciated!( we currently borrow a 1 ton truck from my husband's uncle to take the trailer out on weekends every now and then.)~Jen

A new 1 ton passenger van but payload may still be an issue

You need a Ford E350 with the v10. payload is over 3,000 pounds. GCWR with 4.10 gears is 18,500. You will need to upgrade to a class 5 receiver however, since the stock is only a class 4. A diesel would work too but those come with additional maintenance headaches, and it's quite a bit less powerful than the v10.The Chevy Express will have enoug payload but not enough GCWR.

If you are looking used look at the Excursion (V10 or diesel)

Please take it from me. We had a Chevy Express a few years back (brand new) we towed a 29 foot ultra light Terry. Can not remember how much it weighed. Regardless the Express Didn't even make it to 60,000 miles before the van died. Mechanic said it was from towing. The engine literally blew up. It was only 5 years old. Just my own personal experience with a large passenger van. They just don,t seem like good tow vehicles.

I second the suggestion to consider an Excursion. They were built on the F250 running gear and are a good tow rig. If you can find a 7.3l diesel(early 2003 was the last year for that engine) it has about 100ft lbs more torque than the V10 of the same year.

This is our TT, what the heck can tow it?? | Good Sam Community

fla-gypsy
Explorer
Aug 20, 2014
A new 1 ton passenger van but payload may still be an issue
carringb
Explorer
Aug 20, 2014
You need a Ford E350 with the v10. payload is over 3,000 pounds. GCWR with 4.10 gears is 18,500. You will need to upgrade to a class 5 receiver however, since the stock is only a class 4. A diesel would work too but those come with additional maintenance headaches, and it's quite a bit less powerful than the v10.

The Chevy Express will have enoug payload but not enough GCWR.
fx2tom
Explorer
Aug 20, 2014
If you are looking used look at the Excursion (V10 or diesel)
Wagonqueen_Truc
Explorer
Aug 20, 2014
Please take it from me. We had a Chevy Express a few years back (brand new) we towed a 29 foot ultra light Terry. Can not remember how much it weighed. Regardless the Express Didn't even make it to 60,000 miles before the van died. Mechanic said it was from towing. The engine literally blew up. It was only 5 years old. Just my own personal experience with a large passenger van. They just don,t seem like good tow vehicles.
gme3470
Explorer
Aug 20, 2014
I second the suggestion to consider an Excursion. They were built on the F250 running gear and are a good tow rig. If you can find a 7.3l diesel(early 2003 was the last year for that engine) it has about 100ft lbs more torque than the V10 of the same year.
Merrykalia
Explorer
Aug 20, 2014
jlfought wrote:
Then after purchasing a 30ft trailer we found out we were expecting our 6th child! Our 2 bunk trailer we just bought would be just impossible with a toddler, a baby and a special needs child( along with 3 other kiddos).
~Jen

Well, first let me offer my congratulations (I think!!) I know that traveling with 2 kids can be troublesome, but we do have a blast. We have traveled all over the east coast and seen and done lots of things.

We spend over 100 days per year each and every year in our RV and space can become an issue after a couple of months. Make sure you have plenty or make plenty on the outside using tents, hammocks, craft areas, etc. They will be invaluable when anyone just needs a place to get away.

I hope you find a vehicle that suits your needs.
emaav
Explorer
Aug 20, 2014
What about a small bus? Like the ones that day cares use. you can get it with diesel and I know that they will hold your family.. Just a thought..
Captain_Obvious
Explorer
Aug 20, 2014
Wagonqueen Truckster wrote:
Please take it from me. We had a Chevy Express a few years back (brand new) we towed a 29 foot ultra light Terry. Can not remember how much it weighed. Regardless the Express Didn't even make it to 60,000 miles before the van died. Mechanic said it was from towing. The engine literally blew up. It was only 5 years old. Just my own personal experience with a large passenger van. They just don,t seem like good tow vehicles.

There are lots of engine & drivetrain choices available, and some are more powerful than others. If you were towing a 30ft trailer with the 4.8L V8 in a Express 1500 (half-ton with small engine), then yeah, no surprise it blew up. I have a much harder time believing that an Express 3500 (one-ton) with a 6.0L engine blew up because of towing.

Many times the same engines/transmissions from the trucks are derated when used in the vans.

Do you remember what engine you had? 1500/2500/3500? I'm curious since you mentioned it died an early death.
blt2ski
Moderator
Aug 20, 2014
One, at this time today your family of 7-8 is 710 lbs......I'm laughing here........wait a few years, you will be like me, a family of 6 when my 4 were adult sized kids at 1200-1300 lbs betweenus. I can see at least this number for the family add in 1200-1500 lbs of hitch at.....as mentioned, a DUAL tired passenger van/bus will be my first choice. There is NOT an SUV or as van that will truly have the pay load for your total needs.

Have phun with the kiddo's!!

Marty
Wagonqueen_Truc
Explorer
Aug 21, 2014
Let me see... That van was 6 vehicles ago, when all 6 of my kids were still at home and none of them could drive yet. I believe it was a 2500. I should have had an extra tow package put on it, but never got around to it. The head expanded and antifreeze got into the block . The lower bearings were replaced in hopes of saving or fixing the problem, but alas the uppers were bad too and it would have been just as much to replace the uppers as it would have been to replace the entire engine. We rode her for another year until the engine just bought the farm. Replaced it with a Suburban... The suburban has almost 200,000 miles now. Great tow vehicle.