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View Full Version : Work van as a tow rig?



OverkillZJ
01-15-2006, 03:33 PM
Here's my situation: I need a truck to tow my buggy. But, I also need a cargo van for my business.

At first I thought that I could get a truck with a cap, but I'm not comftorable with the concept of $15,000 of sensitive networking equipment sitting exposed to the elements temperature wise.

So... What about a cargo van that can tow? I was thinking about something like this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-GMC-2500-SAVANA-CARGO-VAN-6-5L-DIESEL-CLEAN-C569_W0QQitemZ4604776336QQcategoryZ80763QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem

I need a turbo diesel, 4000 lb buggy, 1500 lb trailer, and towing through the mountains. My question is, will a van do? Are there any that have a truck driveline, or are the tranny's a little weaker even though they have the big engine?

I'd appreciate any input, I'm looking at making a purchase in the next couple of months here, so I'll have it for work and of course, grand slam west:D

Krash80
01-15-2006, 03:42 PM
I know nothing about their drivelines, but what's the wheelbase of that van. Nice thing about a big pickup is that they're stable as hell at high speeds w/ a long wheelbase.

OverkillZJ
01-15-2006, 04:00 PM
The wheelbase for the base vehicle isn't listed (still looking) - but it looks like that van had an option for a 155" wheelbase if I was able to find one with it. You're right about the wheelbase, I've towed with short vehicles, used a WJ to tow a 5200 Audi A6 on a heavy trailer, at times I thougth the hitch was going to rip off.

Kraqa
01-15-2006, 04:15 PM
vans came with dana 60's and dana 70 as well as 14 bolts. they also had the same trannys as P/U's depending on the year. basicly it is my understanding that they took a P/U frame and slammed a van body on top.

ATL ZJ
01-15-2006, 04:15 PM
Here are some tow ratings:


I vote for the excursion though.. Way sexier than a van, and suitable for both of your purposes.

nate
01-15-2006, 09:10 PM
I dunno... I'd look at getting a small cargo trailer to haul the computer stuff before I'd even consider buying that thing.

OverkillZJ
01-15-2006, 09:18 PM
I dunno... I'd look at getting a small cargo trailer to haul the computer stuff before I'd even consider buying that thing.

The same reason I won't consider a truck with a cap: must be able to heat cargo area. Server hard drives don't like cold weather, then being powered up during installation. They heat up to fast causing premature failure. It's just not an option because of the temperature changes.

My first priority is business use, but if the van could happen to tow the buggy, so be it :smt112

BC98
01-15-2006, 09:22 PM
I don't think you'd have a problem. A guy I work with uses a long wheelbase dodge van to tow a Dakota that he dragraces. He says it's also handy because you can sleep in the back.

OverkillZJ
01-15-2006, 09:42 PM
He says it's also handy because you can sleep in the back.

That thought crossed my mind :)

I pretty much want to build a mobile lab in it, I'm sick of dragging equipment back here.

Looks like the longer wheelbase version is harder to find, but it can be had.... Guess I'll keep huting for one :drinkers:

nate
01-15-2006, 10:16 PM
Personally I think vans like that are gay and I hate driving them. They have real bad blind spots, noisy and cold on the inside cause they have shit for insulation, ride like ass and are gutless.

I have driven a few with the 6.5 and I wouldn't consider it to pull a decent sized trailer. Jeep and trailer would probably be ok, but you wouldn't be breaking any spead records.

I would consider an Excursion or Suburban though if your looking for it to be diesel.


I was saying cargo trailer so you'd be able to build some shelving, bins, bench, etc and you could lock it up and park it home when your done work. For heat, it would not be hard at all to put a small diesel, kerosene, propane, etc heater in there. You'd have a nice "mobile lab".. get one that's big enough to fit the Jeep even!

Then get yourself a nice Cummins pickup. :)

OverkillZJ
01-15-2006, 11:21 PM
Bang for the buck, I'll stick with the cargo van. It's not a truck, but first and foremost it's better for what I need for my business, and that's the whole reason I'm buying it. If it can pull a trailer even if it isn't ideal, it'll still do!

I looked into excursions and suburbans a great deal, it was my first idea: but the ROI just isn't as much as the various uses with the cargo van. The suburbans and the likes were really designed to transport people, not 6 foot server racks. Doesn't mean it couldn't, but I'd rather have bare metal to deal with instead of carpet. More so, the cost is 2x as much.

I'd love to have a pimp excursion though, but that's just pushing the bank on what I need :-D

nate
01-15-2006, 11:48 PM
Yeah I see what you mean.... oh... put a bubble window in the van and a waterbed :D

CurtP
01-16-2006, 12:50 AM
The Chevy 2500HD and 3500 Super Heavy Duty work vans with the Duramax Diesel engines are rated for 10,000lb maximum trailer weight and a 17,000 GCWR. I think they can handle what you need.

http://www.chevrolet.com/express/specifications (look under the "Trailering" tab).

Jim311
01-16-2006, 01:26 AM
We have several Ford/Chevy cargo vans at work, and those things haul balls. Shitty gas mileage, but even the gas ones will haul 6k without a problem. So one with a diesel will have no problems. They're basically a truck with a van body, I think all of them have 14B rears. I borrow the work van regularly to haul shit. There's so much room in the back.. it's awesome. Hauls all my Jeep parts, mountain bikes, camping gear, or whatever I need. I wish I owned one, but I just can't get over daily driving a big ass white van. Hard to pick up chicks in a white van. Unless you've got candy, that is.

OverkillZJ
01-16-2006, 01:39 AM
Hard to pick up chicks in a white van. Unless you've got candy, that is.


LMFAO, the little boy jokes are never gonna stop when i get the van, are they? :fart:

Krash80
01-16-2006, 06:25 AM
LMFAO, the little boy jokes are never gonna stop when i get the van, are they? :fart:

"Well, that's the price you pay for the sweet pleasure of van ownership!"

fr3db3ar
01-16-2006, 09:04 AM
You could always have the outside painted like a Grand......that would turn some heads :rolleyes:

Jim311
01-16-2006, 10:12 AM
You should get a sweet mural painted on the side. :rofl:

JeepinHank
01-16-2006, 11:37 AM
You should get a sweet mural painted on the side. :rofl:

Sounds like something out of a Cheech and Chong Movie.

For some reason I'm hearing Lowrider in my head right now.

Swamp boy
01-16-2006, 12:07 PM
I like the Idea of a Grand Painted on the side..

OverkillZJ
01-16-2006, 12:19 PM
YOu guys are missing the point: THIS IS FOR BUSINESS!

I might be involved with Jeeps, but it's definately not my business. Ya. Grand painted on the side? Don't think so.

Some fancy networking shit? Ya.

BigDaveZJ
01-16-2006, 01:06 PM
Cuz a bunch of computer geek crap on the side of the van will really increase the chick magnet factor!!

JeepinHank
01-16-2006, 02:50 PM
YOu guys are missing the point: THIS IS FOR BUSINESS!

I might be involved with Jeeps, but it's definately not my business. Ya. Grand painted on the side? Don't think so.

Some fancy networking shit? Ya.

Did you miss my Cheech & Chong comment? Just get you a big magnetic sign to cover up the ZJ mural when you're doing the business thing. :smt003

And you gotta have the quick disconnect curb feelers and a magnetic tear-drop window to put out back. :bling:

DCHZJ
01-16-2006, 04:14 PM
The Chevy/GMC Engine is Crap compared to the Ford.
when i was looking at a Diesel Truck i was looking at a Ford 7.3 L (the new 6.0 has lots of issues) and a Dodge (12 valve the 24 valve has problems with the Fuel Injection pump)
For a work Van you want to look at a E250 or E350 (the 150 is to small) for Chevy/GMC the 2500 or 3500 Ebay 3500 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GMC-Savana-3500-Diesel-Van-2-to-choose_W0QQitemZ4602972666QQcategoryZ6250QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem)

Both Auto trans are not the greatest, but with a HD trans cooler and maybe a shift kit you should be better. Do not be supprised if you see both with Rebuilt trannys though.

As for work, i use to haul ship spares ( and some big ass shit) and never had any problems. I drove a E350 Diesel.
155,000 miles is nothing for a well maintained Diesel and some have well over 400,000 miles on them.
As for a Fleet maintained or Lease, watch out as these can be very bad, (unless you know the daily driver) Most of the times they are not maintained word a damn.
For towing the E350 look lik it can have up to a 10000 lbs towing capacity
So i would figure the Dodge Ram 3500 to be close


You could just bit the bullet and go with this Sportsmobile (http://www.sportsmobile.com/4_4x4sports.html)

robselina
01-16-2006, 08:12 PM
I think the van is a good idea. I've seen them work great for your purpose, and they can have a lot of added functionality too. I know a guy who's a professional photgrapher who has one setup for cross-country camera trips, and he's got all kinds of room for all his gear, and place to sleep in that thing.

For the money and your application, you'll get more in a van than an SUV or truck so I say go for it.

As for transmissions, i'd prefer a manual but they're very hard to find. I think your best bet is to get one with a rebuilt auto and slap a pair of coolers and a shift kit in it. As for chevy, dodge, ford - stay away from the 6.0 ford of course, but aside from that you can pretty much make any one of them work with a little work. The 7.3L diesels seem a little better, but I recall the dodge powertrains to be the best option if you can find them. Might be worth looking into since I'm rusty on details....

BigDaveZJ
01-16-2006, 08:20 PM
I think Matt needs one of these so he can make some sweet moolah.

http://static.flickr.com/17/21365399_d847a9b1c0_m.jpg

Swamp boy
01-16-2006, 10:01 PM
I can see it now.. Cruising down the road...

http://www.geocities.com/phogenstein/van2.jpg

Crashing thru fences...

http://www.geocities.com/phogenstein/Van21.jpg

Powersliding around corners...

http://www.geocities.com/phogenstein/Van52.jpg

"I'm here to fix yo puter foo!!!"

http://www.geocities.com/phogenstein/ba2.jpg


Thats what I m talking about... Look at the bling you could be sporting ...

Imagine the business you would have with that baby....

Everybody loves sweet 70's looking vans.....:smt003

Here is a drawing in case you want to build your own....
http://www.geocities.com/phogenstein/Vandrawing.jpg


:smt046

Swamp boy
01-16-2006, 10:04 PM
On a serious note... (Yes I am capable...)

I think the van thing would be a good Idea.. Get a bare cargo van and insulate the walls then build your shelves .. That way you can heat and cool the whole thing... Those bare walls dont do much for keeping outside temps at bay...


And they are designed to haul stuff so I dont think you would have a problem pulling a trailer...

OverkillZJ
01-16-2006, 11:31 PM
OMG that's some funny crap!

nate
01-17-2006, 02:28 AM
You'll never hear the end :D

Krash80
01-17-2006, 08:15 AM
I was thinking more along the lines of the Mystery Machine.

BMRisko
01-17-2006, 01:12 PM
http://www.reddingbrothers.com/photos/mystery%20machine,%20small.jpg

BMRisko
01-17-2006, 01:15 PM
Hells yea you can score chicks w/ the Mystery Machine!

http://samus.ardvaark.net/media/photos/2002-09-14%20Ann%20Arbor%20Game%20Party/Mystery%20Machine%203.jpg

Jim311
01-17-2006, 09:02 PM
Like... we're in trouble, SCOOB!

JOE
01-17-2006, 09:49 PM
Hey Matt,

I think you have a great reason to get the van, and I'd go for it! BUT....whatever you do, do NOT get the 6.5L. That thing is a turd, and they just had alot of problems with those.

~Joe

Swamp boy
01-17-2006, 10:59 PM
Crap... My A-team pictures are gone...

That sucks....:confused:

Well here is another...
http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/images/a_team_van.jpg

Look how happy you could be If you had this van...

http://www.ateamshrine.co.uk/gallery/image38.jpg

And now..


" I said I am here to fix yo Puter foo......"
http://www.ateamshrine.co.uk/gallery/image66.jpg






Now >..... I am happy again....:D

OverkillZJ
01-17-2006, 11:13 PM
i hate you all

LMFAO

Mtn WJ
01-30-2006, 03:58 PM
Matt

I have a GMC 3500 at work that would make a decent tow rig. The only issue is it is a 350 SBC and not really enough power for the long hauls. I do not know if they come with a larger V8 or what the availability of Diesels are for them.

I have purchased some Ford E250s for the other offices with the V10 and they can definately tow what you are doing. There are so many Ford Econolines out there that you might get a sweet deal on a used white van. The idea of insulating it will work for limited camping and you can carry spare parts in your Van. They sell very external heater units that use hot water from your radiator like a normal heater that can keep the rear area pretty warm.

Then you can run around the parking lots selling cheap speakers and computer gear to dudes driving luxury cars. Use lines like I have some extra hard drives left over from a project and my boss told me to sell them off quickly.

OverkillZJ
01-30-2006, 06:09 PM
LOL, thanks Keith. I'm probably not buying for a couple of months, I want to be sure to have enough funds to BUILD the buggy before I buy something to tow it with. Hopefuly there's enough left over :)

Texas ZJ1
02-01-2006, 08:22 AM
anyone seen Matt?


Yeah, in his van down by the river!





Hunter

nate
02-04-2006, 10:42 PM
Little Duct tape and it'll be good as new.... :D




http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Gal4/3601-3700/gal3689_Van_Desautels/01.jpg

nate
02-04-2006, 10:42 PM
And remember Quando Omni Flunkis Moritati

ddoyle00
02-08-2006, 09:14 PM
http://www.beshoreandkoller.com/4x4fords//images/qvan1.jpg


Here's a four wheel drive van for you.

4x4 Conversion Specifications

Listed below are selected vehicle specifications after the four-wheel-drive conversion.
Towing Capacity:E-250 - 7,500 lbs
E-350 - 10,000 lbs Vehicle Curb Weight with 5.4 liter Engine: E-250 - 5,012 lbs
E-350 - 5,356 lbs Additional Weight: E-250 - 280 lbs
E-350 - 390 lbs Track:Front: 69.4 inches
Rear: 67.0 inches Width: 79.3 inches Height:E-250 - 84 inches
E-350 - 86 inches Laterial Accceleration: 75 g'sTurning Circle: 48.0 ft.Ground clearance:8 inches (from bottom of differential) Fuel Capacity: 27 gallons Suspension: live axle / front coil springsBrakes:E-250 - front: disc / rear: drum
E-350 - 4 wheel disc Tires: E-250 - LT225 / 75R-16 steel-belted radials
E-350 - LT245 / 75R-16 steel-belted radials

Snowman
02-08-2006, 10:02 PM
I gotta send in my f*ckin' $20 so I can post photos.


Go to this site:
http://www.4x4offroads.com/south-pole-expedition-getting-there.html
That's what you need!

nate
02-08-2006, 10:41 PM
Well I thought my Possum Lodge van post was pretty funny. No one has seen the Red Green show :confused:

OverkillZJ
02-08-2006, 11:09 PM
ya'll nuts

Kraqa
02-11-2006, 10:35 PM
Matt don;t feel bad. my work is moving to a new location and it is across a river frm abotu 50% of the current employees. You cannot drive across the rivver unless you want to take a bridge abotu 1 hour away, so youhave to take a ferrry. What were goign to do is buy a vehicle that they can car pool in that also doubles as a deliver vehicle or to pick up steel. We were lookign for a crew cab long box 1 ton but there freekin expensive. I'v got my boss convinced on a cargo van and a 18' x 8' tandem axle trailer. it woudl save us abotu 4,000.00. i'v already got there permision to borrow it for GSW so if all go's well it looks liek i'l be driving a van to GSW.

DCHZJ
02-11-2006, 10:56 PM
Well I thought my Possum Lodge van post was pretty funny. No one has seen the Red Green show :confused:

I missed thate one Nate.

That show was great to watch.

Kraqa
02-11-2006, 11:03 PM
i grew up with redgreen. fuckign hilariouse.