Anyone with Duramax Van experience​?

[DOUG]

This seems like a cool dedicated tow pig the can be customized for very comfortable travel and camping. 

I'm told it's the same very desirable engine and 6 speed transmission that is in the 06 trucks.

Anyone know more?

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/6069469029.html

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[jc79]

On some of the RV forums, I've seen guys that had the Ford HD van with the venerable V10 towing pretty heavy.  One I think was even setup as a dually. 

The only drawback I see is having a dedicated tow rig... another engine that's only used once a month and some folks wouldn't have a place to park it.  But for $8k it seems like a pretty solid option especially if you built in a bunk or something.

[DOUG]

google says 9700lb tow limit so 6k Jeep, 3k trailer, just under the max.

That would be a concern. I'm right at that.  I towed double tags with similar ratings with no issues but the trailers must have good working brakes.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[DOUG]

On some of the RV forums, I've seen guys that had the Ford HD van with the venerable V10 towing pretty heavy.  One I think was even setup as a dually. 

The only drawback I see is having a dedicated tow rig... another engine that's only used once a month and some folks wouldn't have a place to park it.  But for $8k it seems like a pretty solid option especially if you built in a bunk or something.

Definitly make some comfort for on and off the road

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[jc79]

google says 9700lb tow limit so 6k Jeep, 3k trailer, just under the max.

This is one of those times where data sheets and common sense might not agree, though.  Regardless of what the specs are, I'm sure we'd all rather be towing with that van with 8-lug axles and a Duramax/Allison combo then a 5.3L half-ton Tahoe.....

Being lazy and not googling, but curious what the wheelbase is and how it compares to a Tahoe or Expedition...

[jc79]

And, if you customize the inside, throw some good tires on it, backup camera, etc... you'll make decent money on the deal when you inevitably sell in in four months!  //LOL//

[DOUG]

google says 9700lb tow limit so 6k Jeep, 3k trailer, just under the max.

This is one of those times where data sheets and common sense might not agree, though.  Regardless of what the specs are, I'm sure we'd all rather be towing with that van with 8-lug axles and a Duramax/Allison combo then a 5.3L half-ton Tahoe.....

Being lazy and not googling, but curious what the wheelbase is and how it compares to a Tahoe or Expedition...

135 it 155 extended model
Crew cab around 143

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[tcdawg]

I looked into this avenue a little.

Not exactly sure why the factory tow rating is lower than a standard Duramax but I figured it was good for 12k easy.

I thought it would be really cool to make it basically a mini RV.  There are some cool build threads out there. But for me, in the long run, it was a budget buster for me.  The van build would have been a tow rig only which means another DD. I couldn't find a way to make it work as cool as could have been.

[DOUG]

I looked into this avenue a little.

Not exactly sure why the factory tow rating is lower than a standard Duramax but I figured it was good for 12k easy.

I thought it would be really cool to make it basically a mini RV.  There are some cool build threads out there. But for me, in the long run, it was a budget buster for me.  The van build would have been a tow rig only which means another DD. I couldn't find a way to make it work as cool as could have been.

Thanks

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[Raisinhead]

I looked into this avenue a little.

Not exactly sure why the factory tow rating is lower than a standard Duramax but I figured it was good for 12k easy.

I thought it would be really cool to make it basically a mini RV.  There are some cool build threads out there. But for me, in the long run, it was a budget buster for me.  The van build would have been a tow rig only which means another DD. I couldn't find a way to make it work as cool as could have been.

Easy. 911 turbo

[DOUG]

Would definitely need a big comfy captains drivers chair,
futon secured w seatbelts,
queen pillow top in the back,
rv heat/ac,
Tunes,
And tow hooks on the front so y'all can get me up to the camp sites.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[tcdawg]

Would definitely need a big comfy captains drivers chair,
futon secured w seatbelts,
queen pillow top in the back,
rv heat/ac,
Tunes,
And tow hooks on the front so y'all can get me up to the camp sites.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Part of my rough build out for a van included 4x4 upgrade. Costly but doable.


If you just want a basic tow pig, the van is the cheapest way to get that solid motor and trans.  But the basic work vans don't have a lot of interior creature comforts.