1 ton van versus Expedition

[Nathan48035]

Hello,

I'd like to get some input on what you all think would be a better option for a tow vehicle. We are looking at upgrading our trailer to a Jay Flight SLX8 294QBS (8250lb GVWR / 35' 7").

We need a vehicle that can seat 6 and are debating between an Expedition Max or Chevy Express 12 Pass van (3500 Extended Length). We would love the expedition as an all around vehicle, but it seems to me like the van should be a much better tow vehicle since it's on a one ton chassis.

What is really getting me though is when you compare the specs on paper the two vehicles don't really seem that different. Even looking at the GCWR, there really is not that much difference. I would rather get a bland featureless van if it is going to tow a lot better than the expedition, but if they really aren't going to tow that much different, I'd much rather get the Expedition. The one big difference is the wheelbase. The van is obviously much better in that regard.

I'm wondering if anyone has some real world experience towing with a van or Expedition that can weigh in for or against either. I would plan on getting a Pro Pride hitch (Hensley style) with either to try and help the situation as much as possible.

We had been planning on upgrading to a Diesel 3/4 or 1 ton truck for our next camper, but as always with life, plans our changing. We don't want to be sitting 3 across in the front row. We will plan on taking this all over the country .

The low axle ratio in the van is a little bit of a concern to me, but honestly I am more worried about stability than winning any races. I can take my time climbing hills. I want to make sure I'm not stressed the whole time I'm driving though.

Here is a spec summary of the two vehicles.


Express Van 3500 Extended / Expedition Max

Tow Capacity 9,200 / 9,000
Max Payload 3,320 / ?
GCWR 16,000 / 15,300
Rear Axle 3.42 / 3.73
Torque ft-lb 464 / 470
Wheelbase 155 / 375
Curb Weight (lb) 6,525 / 5794

These numbers are from the websites which I know are not exactly real for the final vehicle. If anyone is able to post actual payload and weight numbers for their vehicles that would be great as well.

Thanks for any feedback.

[NewBlackDak]

The Expedition has a payload capacity around 1700lbs. How much is your total human weight? That may very well be your deciding factor. A trailer big enough to be comfortable for that many people is probably going to have a 1000-1200lb tongue weight.

The Ecoboost will tow the weight better, but you don’t want to be driving cross country with overloaded axles.

[Jagiven]

I bet the issues is that rear axle ratio. In my quick look, it looks like the 3.42 ratio is the only option. Wonder why?

https://www.caranddriver.com/chevrol...ss_2021/415971

[Nathan48035]

Yea, I have no idea why they wouldn't offer a better axle ratio as an option. Granted that is something that could be changed.

[Nathan48035]

Just realized I fat fingered the wheelbase for the Expedition in my original post. It's obviously not 375". Would definitely have some drivability issues if that was the case. It has a wheelbase of 132".

Out people weight is probably around 400lb, but that will keep going up since growing kids make up part of that.