Pickup vs. Van for TV

[FeatherFam]

Okay, what do you think? I am thinking seriously about the virtues of a van as a TV. There are some models with some impressive payload and pretty decent tow ratings. I am also interested in the idea of a van being much easier to load and unload. DW and I currently need a small ladder or step to get in a and out of the truck bed. We both have back issues; the risk of falling is a real consideration, too.

Anyone ever owned both or done some research? I also like the idea of dedicating a wall of the van to shelving system(s). What say, ye?

[Midnightmoon]

I have a 2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Passenger Van sitting here with a 2.1L Diesel mated to a 7-speed auto. I have pulled my 22BHM with it several times and it does quite well. Again, this is a 2500 series van on E rated tires. Here are some of my impressions.

On the positive, the van is much more comfortable to travel in than my truck. The ability to get up and move around, haul a ton of supplies in it in a weather protected environment is great.

On the negative, at least my travel trailer/van combo is VERY nervous in the wind. It's like driving a 40'+ rolling billboard down the road. Any gust of wind is magnified so much more than with the truck. Also, I don't really like keeping the generator, fuel, extra propane, etc in the van while traveling. I know that many people do it, but I'm just not comfortable with it.

[Midnightmoon]

Here's a picture of that combo when I first brought it home.

[repacs0103]

Get a Ford with the tailgate step and maybe a topper- problem solved.

[GrumpyDad]

Lots of folks used to tow with the Econoline vans back in the day and did really well with them. I'm not as familiar with the Transit vans for towing, but they sure seem good for bus-style use.

[Quantum]

I was going to suggest the Ford tailgate step as well.

When I bought my F150, I wasn't interested in getting the step, but when the dealer finally located a truck that met my needs, it also came with the step.

Now that I have the step....it's really really great. I would not buy another truck without one. The step and handle are a great addition and make access into the truck bed so simple.

[wabirch]

The bumper step is plenty for now, haven't tried the handle / step combo yet.

[FeatherFam]

Thanks, Guys!

Yes, I get the step and handle design, and I think it would be better than nothing at this point. However, as we age and with our existing injuries, we are concerned about any steps for elevated surfaces (with or without handles). Right now, we are managing our TT entry and the TV bed to a much lesser degree. That is what drew us to the van. The access is much lower and some of them come with handles and steps. We also like the idea of permanent non leaking cover for storage. Tonneau covers don't get it, and it is difficult to maneuver inside most shells.

I am concerned about the wind impact; that's a good point. I guess I would need to go beefy on the tow package and likely a dually. The dually models have huge payload capacities.

[jsallman1]

Originally Posted by GrumpyDad

Lots of folks used to tow with the Econoline vans back in the day and did really well with them. I'm not as familiar with the Transit vans for towing, but they sure seem good for bus-style use.

I think the tow capacity has really gone down when you compare transits to old E series. A few posts on here about that. Believe the transit is unibody as well. A nice later model E series would make a good option, not sure on the transit.


https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/compar...er_d1139_d2270





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[FeatherFam]

The payloads I am looking at are for Ram and Mercedes drivetrains and chassis. Like the Transit, the base model Ram and Mercedes won't get it, but the 2500 and 3500 models have impressive payloads, especially with dual wheels.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

snip....... Also, I don't really like keeping the generator, fuel, extra propane, etc in the van while traveling.....snip

X2

Also, a 2500/3500 van obviously rules out towing a 'future' 5th wheel and parking in standard garages. May require interior mods to increase travel comfort and reduce noise.

Bob

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

X2

Also, a 2500/3500 van obviously rules out towing a 'future' 5th wheel and parking in standard garages. May require interior mods to increase travel comfort and reduce noise.

Bob

My Mercedes is the "low roof" model and is just under 9' to the top of the roof AC. So close in fact, that I don't even risk going through a 9' drive through lane at a fast food joint.

We use our van for traveling quite a bit. We have to make sure that the location has surface lot parking available. It simply will not fit in to any parking structure.

[GrumpyDad]

I just looked up the transit and as long as you get the two seater cargo version it can be rated to tow 7000-7500 lbs.
I agree about the benefits of enclosed storage for some things.

[jsallman1]

Originally Posted by FeatherFam

The payloads I am looking at are for Ram and Mercedes drivetrains and chassis. Like the Transit, the base model Ram and Mercedes won't get it, but the 2500 and 3500 models have impressive payloads, especially with dual wheels.

Out of curiosity, I was just glancing at the RAM page, puzzled why the promaster 2500/3500s still quote 5100lbs tow capacity "when properly configured" with such large payloads. Are they front wheel drive? That would certainly make a difference. Appears it is on the Cargo/Window/Chassis models, tow capacity stays the same. Not sure from the images I am seeing a driveshaft to the rear axle.

[JFlightRisk]

We carry a lot of stuff, so our best solution was a PU with a (cab height) truck cap, and a Bedslide to make loading/unloading a breeze. We love the thing, and so many comment on it when they see it in action. No dog in this race, just my .02 worth.

[sailor]

I have this Amp Research step and like it as well or maybe better that the Ford step that is built into the tailgate.
BEDSTEP® | AMP Research

[repacs0103]

The pro master is in fact FWD.

The bedslide idea is great. I have a homemade one that I use in the winter- cost me less than $100 and a few hours. I plow snow commercially so with the tonneau cover and the sliding whole bed box I can access all my tools/fluids/etc.


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[curver900]

Originally Posted by repacs0103

Get a Ford with the tailgate step and maybe a topper- problem solved.

the step is NOT compatible with a topper... I know I had one...

[bankr63]

I think the one thing to keep in mind is that it is impressive payload OR impressive towing capacity, but generally not both. The problem with a van is that, with all that extra interior space, it is really tempting to load it up. But that takes away from what is available for the GCWR and the available tongue weight for the TT. My SUV has a CCC close to many standard PU's (1600lbs). but if I get anywhere near my 8 passenger capacity (or equivalent gear), then my towing is reduced to near zero.

If you don't plan to load the interior of the van too much, then it should easily handle a good sized TT and would be a pretty good option.

I'm currently pondering a Colorado for our small trailer because it has more overall towing capacity. But with a lower payload capacity than my SUV, I'm pretty sure it won't work. Not ready to spring for a HT or HD PU yet as I know that big trailer is still 5-10 years in the future.