I remember being a kid in the 70s. Prior to the SUV obsession, it was common to go for a bike ride in a campground, and notice that a pretty significant percentage of the tow vehicles were vans. I have owned, and driven a few with my business, and they can be pretty addictive to own. Once you get used to where all the corners are, you really appreciate the short nose, maneuverability, and a huge, dry, secure storage area.
Sadly, I think a whole lot of families are currently passing up on great tow vehicles, since they just are not "cool enough" for many fashion obsessed folks today. Better to be driving an Escalade or King Ranch, since it impressive, that a lightly used van, that costs a third as much, as does a better job. Last fall we hit a state park camground during a big gathering from one of the local mega- churches. There were 50-60 families there, most with at least four kids. The majority of the families had full sized window vans, and older pop-up campers. Many of the vans were from a local used truck dealer who specializes in window vans for churches, and big families. This is a place where you can get a nearly new tow vehicle for less that a small, new, stripped out mini-SUV. It looked a lot like how things were while camping in the 1970's. Not a single young family with a $40K 35' trailer they use a few times a year, Pulled by a $70K Diesel truck they should of never bought in the first place, since together, both of these choices come with a $1000+ a month mortgage, on depreciating, needless toys.
