Anyone towing with a Chevy 3500 Express ext. 6.0

[Cousinvinney]

Lookin for some insight into the towing capabilities of a Chev 3500 Express extended passenger van. 6.0 and 3.41 rear end.
I would like to purchase a 338, however they are heavy right at the towing limit of the van 9500 lb.


I welcome comments and insight into this tow vehicle and the 338.

[Nighthawk 96]

That trailer will be substantially over you tow rating when loaded

You will be much happier with a trailer in the 7500 lb range.

Check out the info in the towing section of the forum

Welcome to the JOF!

[oldmanAZ]

Do you mean a 2015 Jayco Eagle 338RETS? Jayco has the loaded weight of that unit at 10,950lbs. 15% of that would be 1,575lbs tongue weight.

I believe the figure you provided for the van (9,500lbs) would be the maximum for the fully loaded trailer PLUS what (and who) you have IN the van.

Seems like much too much.

[SouthCo]

Doesn't sound like a great combo... That's a lot of weight.

[Cousinvinney]

I think you all are correct, too much trailer. My circumstances dictate that my tow vehicle is an extended van. I do however prefer the 338 for a trailer. It doesnt seem like a van can pull one. It must require a dually? Oh well, back to the drawing board.

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by Cousinvinney

I think you all are correct, too much trailer. My circumstances dictate that my tow vehicle is an extended van. I do however prefer the 338 for a trailer. It doesnt seem like a van can pull one. It must require a dually? Oh well, back to the drawing board.

If you must pull a trailer with an extended van, does it have to be a 'factory stock' van? There are companies ('Sportsmobile' is the one I am familiar with) that modify vans to YOUR specifications. They may have towing options that will help you. Look at their website and give them a call.

A dually isn't required to tow the trailer you have in mind. I have a single rear wheel F-350 and have hauled many TT of that size... and larger. Lot of folks do like dually trucks, especially for 5th wheels, but in most cases the towing capacity single rear wheel trucks is sufficient.