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Old 07-17-2012, 09:16 AM   #1
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Van as a TV?

Anyone using a van as a Tow Vehicle?
I have been looking at diesel Fords, older 7.3 as a puller for my 22FB.
I have always liked vans, nice and roomy, seats for everyone, lots of covered storage.
Any drawbacks, overheating etc.?
Thanks!!
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Old 07-17-2012, 10:01 AM   #2
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I don't see why there would be any issues whatsoever. The critical components of a tow vehicle are primarily drive train. The body style has little if anything to do with it. Frankly, I'm surprised at how few vans are used as tow vehicles.
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Old 07-17-2012, 10:49 AM   #3
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Yes, many people use vans. I used to have a 15 passenger van before I had a TT. I recently searched the specs and it towed about 10K. Still wish I had that thing to tow with.
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Old 07-17-2012, 05:09 PM   #4
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I have a 2000 dodge ram 1500 conversion van I 'THOUGHT' was big enough to tow with......Its not!!!!!!!! Maybe one of the lighter trailers!!!!!!
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Old 07-20-2012, 06:38 AM   #5
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We tow our 22Fb with 2011 chev cargo van. 6 L gas, no problems with power in western U.S.
No sway with full water tanks, secure dry storage is nice.Click image for larger version

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Old 07-20-2012, 08:18 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hottotrot View Post
Looks like a SWEET spot!!
What do you get for milage? I have been getting 9-10 with my F150
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Old 07-20-2012, 08:21 AM   #7
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I used an Astro van to tow a 22BH with for many years. Just use the weight distributing hitch and sway controls and all was good for me.
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Old 07-20-2012, 09:06 PM   #8
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A van is like a truck. If it is rated to handle the overall weight and hitch weight you should be ok.
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Old 07-21-2012, 05:08 AM   #9
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Looks like a SWEET spot!!
What do you get for milage? I have been getting 9-10 with my F150
Valley Of Fire State Park, rear camping section no services. 7-8 mpg @ 70 mph, full water tank
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Old 07-21-2012, 07:03 PM   #10
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I use a Ford E-350 Chateau V-10 to pull my 17Z. I remove the rear bench seat and can carry everything I need and more! This works out well since the 17Z has limited cargo carrying capacity.

Used Econolines run cheaper than used pickups with similar towing capacities. The older 7.3 powerstroke vans make great tow vehicles but they are hard to find now and ones with lower mileage are high. Gas models a few years old with low mileage can be found easliy however you may have to travel to get one. (Check ebay)

I got a heck of a deal on my van when I bought it, that is the reason I have it.
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