Towing with Express 3500 15 pass

[NCMODELA]

Hi everyone. We have been looking for a new tow vehicle. With 4 young kids we were looking at a suburban 2500 but recently drove a 15 passenger express 3500 and it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. The nice thing about the van is we can remove the rear seat or two and still have enough room for kids and plenty of cargo room. They come pretty inexpensive too compared to sub 2500's.

The only thing that is bothering me is the previous reports of van rollover rates when fully loaded or towing a trailer. I noticed that the express has an exteneded wheelbase with the same overhang as the 12 passenger model. Unlike the fords or dodges which tack the extra back behind the axle. Does this make a difference? Has anyone towed with one of these?

Thanks

[Mike_E_]

fla-gypsy wrote:

rjstractor wrote:
The rollover potential of 15 passenger vans was quite a media sensation for a while. Taking a closer at the factors involved, most accidents involved a combination of high speed, heavy loads, underinflated tires and inexperienced drivers. So, if you tow or haul heavy, drive the speed limit, check your tires and don't let your daughter who just got her license last week drive. I think they make a great alternative to an SUV or pickup for a large tow vehicle.

As is the case with most over hyped media reports with just about anything when you peel back the sound bytes and look at real data.

And I believe most of the rollover issues were with the Ford E series vans....much higher center of gravity than the GMs.

I tried to convince my wife and sons (3 of em', 13, 15, 17 at the time) that a van would be a great tow vehicle but they all balked at the idea...."so dorky Dad" We found a Burb 2500 which served us well, but at a CG we came across a family of 6 with a GM van, and when we were walking the dog I pointed out to the family, "see, look at all the room in there," as the doors were open. Out popped a cute 16 year old girl who said to the boys, "yeah, come check it out." They did, with close scrutiny from both Dads on scene, and they climbed out saying, "wow, we'd each have our own row!" Yup, too bad fella's.

Have fun shopping for one,

Mike

[fla-gypsy]

rjstractor wrote:
The rollover potential of 15 passenger vans was quite a media sensation for a while. Taking a closer at the factors involved, most accidents involved a combination of high speed, heavy loads, underinflated tires and inexperienced drivers. So, if you tow or haul heavy, drive the speed limit, check your tires and don't let your daughter who just got her license last week drive. I think they make a great alternative to an SUV or pickup for a large tow vehicle.

As is the case with most over hyped media reports with just about anything when you peel back the sound bytes and look at real data.

[rjstractor]

The rollover potential of 15 passenger vans was quite a media sensation for a while. Taking a closer at the factors involved, most accidents involved a combination of high speed, heavy loads, underinflated tires and inexperienced drivers. So, if you tow or haul heavy, drive the speed limit, check your tires and don't let your daughter who just got her license last week drive. I think they make a great alternative to an SUV or pickup for a large tow vehicle.

[BB_TX]

We have 4 Chevy Express 15 passenger vans for our business, a 2009, two 2010, and a 2013. Do not use them for towing, but they are great vans.
EXCEPT.
Paint. Chevy Express vans have a big problem with paint peeling. The paint on the 2009 started peeling on the sides above the windows and below the rain gutter two years ago. Chevrolet repainted the sides under warranty after a long delay and several rejections. Last week the paint peeled from the hood.
Both 2010s have started peeling on the sides now. New fight will start to get them repainted.
I hope they have corrected the problem for the 2013 model.
Before you buy watch for white Express vans on the road and see how much peeled paint you see. Or google express peeling paint. Wish I had known before we purchased these.

[the_bear_II]

My dad towed for many years with both Chevy and Dodge 15 passenger vans. He had two complaints. The hitch rattle seems to magnify due to the hollowness of the van

And the front passenger footwell would get hot when towing up long grades or against headwinds.

There are certain techniques when towing, or braking while towing, which can reduce the possibility of roll overs. Go to an RV driving school to learn how to control the setup.

[APT]

People that own and tow with full sized vans love them. They cost about half as much as a 3/4 ton SUV for the same miles/condition and use less fuel. There just aren't many people that like them. Go for it! I recommend the GM vans with 6.0L and 6spd trans.

[skipnchar]

Large overhangs DO make it a little more unstable but GM SHOULD be taking that into account when they set tow ratings for the van. Just be SURE you take all factors into your consideration. Loading the van with LOTS of cargo could easily overload the GVWR once you place the heavy tongue of your trailer on there also. Tow ratings are almost always figured with an EMPTY vehicle not fully loaded so make this adjustment to brochure figures.
Good luck / Skip