GM 5.3 engine
After towing for 26 years with a 1965 Chevy Van (w/292-TH350), DW and I are getting too old to put up with 100 degree temps in it cause it has no air. So we bought a pristine '04 Envoy 4.2 to tow o...
Forum Discussion
rjstractor wrote:
The 5.3 should tow as well as or better than a 350 despite being slightly smaller. If you could find a van with a 6.0 that would be much better yet. I've towed a couple of times with the old Dodge 360 and I don't think they would pull much better than your 4.2 inline six.
FishOnOne wrote:
absolutely stay away from a dodge van of any year/engine
I`de like to know where you (Fishy) received your 20th hand info?!!!:h
I towed 6500lbs with a 97 Dodge conv. van with the 5.9L and 3.90 gears. it will run circles around the 5.3 and even the 6.0L! you would be very happy with some type of basic conv van (no leather lined loaded hightop). you will want a nice basic conv van with captains chairs and the large windows. having all that space on a trip is great!
That said, the 5.3 with the proper gearing (3.73) with the 4 speed auto) will tow your trailer just fine.
Here was my 97 Dodge conv. van. nothing more than captains chairs and windows and nice carpeting/interior.
Good luck!
