All ActivityMost RecentMost LikesSolutionsRe: Express/Savanna 3500Thanks for the input guys. I think I'm going to at least test drive them and see how they feel, but as long as there are viable solutions if we do find the ride rough, it's not a huge deal.Re: Express/Savanna 3500Thanks guys. I'm a bit concerned with ride when not towing after doing a bit of research. Kevin - I believe you were on one of he threads I was just reading. So, was the ride a factor in selling yours or were you fairly comfortable in it after upgrading the suspension? Btw, how do you like the Yukon XL? My wife drives one and talk about a smooth ride... Dadoffourgirls - how do you feel about the ride?Re: Express/Savanna 3500 Dadoffourgirls wrote: Yes, you did find the correct answer. I got the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class V XD - 2" hitch. This has a 2400lb tongue weight rating. I now feel comfortable taking the WD bars off to park when needed. I also installed a Prodigy P3 brake controller. The 3.42 is the only rear axle. There was no requirement for the G80 to achieve the tow rating. I focused my search on 2014s, as some of these had the backup assist and rear backup camera. My other requirement was to have power mirrors. Most of the rental vans come with LT trim. Some come with power driver seat. Hey Dadoffourgirls! You are one of the few that have me really considering this! I was just looking at the G80 option. Did you find one with the locking diff or did you find it not to be a big deal? I have heard it can be beneficial while towing, and on slick surfaces. I guess one could be added.Re: Express/Savanna 3500I apologize, as I have found my answer. I searched for quite a while prior to posting, but I finally found the answer in an archived Chevy Trailering Guide. The cooling equipment is all standard and the hitch & wire are all that are included with the HD Trailering package.Express/Savanna 3500i have been searching for a TV and started out looking at Excursions and 3/4 Burbs. Some members here have me seriously considering a full size van. I'd prefer the 2010-2015 Express/Savanna 3500 15-passenger after some research, and there seem to be plenty out there. My main question is, how can I tell if they have the maximum towing capacity (I believe 9300 on the 155" Wheelbase)? I know it has to have the 6.0., and I would assume (G80) locker, oil cooler and tranny cooler. If it does not have the hitch and wiring, and it appears most of them do not, its that likely all that is needed? The vans I see without the hitch all have the "tow mode" on the dash, but I'm not sure if anything else would be missing that is not easily added. It appears that the 3.42 is the only gearing on the 3500's. Any thoughts from experts on these models would be much appreciated!Re: Burb 2500 (2008-2013) Dadoffourgirls wrote: Knminton wrote: John - great response and I really appreciate it! We are a family of 7 already, so the trucks are out altogether unless we do two vehicles. We may really have to consider two vehicles. I appreciate the real world stories especially in your case where it is very similar to what my scenario may be. It's what I need to hear before I pull the trigger. I hear a lot of people talking about full size vans, but when I really dig into the specs, the payload is great, even on the 3/4 ton variety, but tow capacity maxes about 10K IF you can find the right gear/engine combo. It seems very difficult to find the right combo. Yes, the Express Van is maxed at 9500lbs. The 6.0 and 6spd do a great job. However, you can find many trailers that are in this range. I picked one up this June, and love the van for towing and family outings. If you look at Express, all you need is to ensure that it has the 6.0 engine. I chose the hitch that gives me 1500lb tonque weight without weight distribution (but use it for towing). It is nice to undo the wd bars for parking in tight spots. The Express Van is not as luxurious as the Suburban, but I found they are much cheaper. The other advantage is that you can get the 12 or 15 passenger, and take friends with you! Thank you, Dadoffourgirls. Have you ever been in a camp or situation where you needed 4WD? This is one of my other concerns. We have friends that live around Port Aransas, so once a year on the beach is a possibility.Re: Dutchmen Aerolite bid_time wrote: So have you had a chance to check one out? Still kicking the tires or what? Kinda interested in what you think of the quality when you get a chance to check one out in person. Not yet. The closest dealer is several hours, so it may be a few weeks before I get to check them out. Will definitely post an update.Re: Tow Vehicle krobbe wrote: Knminton wrote: The new Suburban 3500HD is already being sold fleet. It has a 4400 payload but some ridiculously low tow rating. The only engine option is the 6.0. Not sure what its intended use is. Starting as only $81,000. The Suburban HD is aimed at Gubment sales, ready for that heavy armor the politicians need to feel safe... Maybe if they hadn't divided this country in half to buy votes? But that's another topic. Haha. True! And that makes sense. With the platform there, it would have been really nice to see a stout tow rating and either a Duramax or big block. I wouldn't spend the money on it anyway, but there would be a good used market in a few years.Re: Burb 2500 (2008-2013)John - great response and I really appreciate it! We are a family of 7 already, so the trucks are out altogether unless we do two vehicles. We may really have to consider two vehicles. I appreciate the real world stories especially in your case where it is very similar to what my scenario may be. It's what I need to hear before I pull the trigger. I hear a lot of people talking about full size vans, but when I really dig into the specs, the payload is great, even on the 3/4 ton variety, but tow capacity maxes about 10K IF you can find the right gear/engine combo. It seems very difficult to find the right combo.Re: Burb 2500 (2008-2013) PAThwacker wrote: FYI my 04 K2500 weighs 6800lbs with passengers (3) When camping 8400 pounds when loaded to camp, 4400 on the trailer axles. Would you happen to know your curb weight with a full tank of gas? Documentation is hard to come by on the GMT800 stuff, and I know the big three have a history of questionable ratings.
GroupsTravel Trailer Group Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Feb 06, 202544,025 Posts