Thinking About Upgrading to a Full Size V8 from the Astro/Need Opin

[ShineTimeDetail]

So I pull a lot with my van, enclosed 4x6(Looking to upgrade to a possible 5x10) 100 gallon water tank, 5k Gen, 4500 PSI Pressure washer, 33 gal Air compressor, 10x15 canopy, 4 cinder blocks, around 100 Micro Fibers(Those right there is most of my weight:xyxthumbs:) a 72 Gallon container full of products, my steam cleaner, hopefully I'll have my new mytee hp60 tomrrow, me and a co worker sometimes! So when I have the ac on(I like the ac!) a lot of times I have to shut the ac off while going up a hill, she just won't take it.

So I figure I get around 15 MPG loaded down with maybe a half tank of water(50 Gal)
If I got a full size with a V8 could I still pull 15 out of it? I just figure it would make sense cause it wouldn't be putting stress on the motor as much going up hill. Up hill is the only time it struggles.

What do you think?

[Dubbin1]

A full size van? Loaded down like that I would have to say you're not going to get 15mpg from it.

[catfish07]

I have a 14' trailer with large generator, pressure washer, 225gal tank, 20gal compressor, other tools and cleaners. I pull it with an F150 5.4 v8. I get giddy like a school girl if I can get 11mpg

[ShineTimeDetail]

Lol ouch!

[RTexasF]

15? Sure........without the trailer.

[ShineTimeDetail]

So do you think my van could handle a 5x10? This wouldn't be a heavy duty trailer. It would be a 3k axle weight, I have a 4x6 heavy duty now

[Dubbin1]

So do you think my van could handle a 5x10? This wouldn't be a heavy duty trailer. It would be a 3k axle weight, I have a 4x6 heavy duty now

Whats the towing capacity?

[XLNTShine]

Find yourself a nice one ton diesel van. You can find both Fords and GM's at a good price. Shoot I have even looked at the Dodge Sprinter with the Merc. diesel in them.

I have a 1998 GMC Savanna diesel and it gets 14MPG loaded down or empty.

[ShineTimeDetail]

I'm considering a diesel but I know when something goes wrong on a diesel it cost!!

My van I believe is rated at 5600 lbs or so. The deal is it can't stop 5600 lbs! All the trailers I keep seeing are rated at 2990 axle weight because 3000 axle weight requires brakes- I plan on installing brakes on the next trailer I get!

[Sinbad]

If you want that kind of mileage out of towing you will need a diesel. Gives you a lot more options for towing, mileage, durability, etc.

It will depend on what diesel you get on how much repair costs will be.The older Cummins (early 98 and back) are mostly mechanical and very few electronics. The GM 6.5 is the same way. Most diesels are very reliable and keeping on with maintenance just like a gas vehicle is always important.
Good luck with your choice.

[ShineTimeDetail]

Aren't you compromising the money your saving on gas with the money your loosing on oil changes? Plus when things break on diesels its expensive.

[Sinbad]

I do my own oil changes using a Cummins or Dodge filter and Rotella T 15w-40. Takes 12 quarts and I change it every 7500 miles or 6 months.
The oil is usually around $15.00 to $17.00 a gal at Wal Mart. So usually around $60.00 total for the oil change.

Yeah it is a little more expensive for an oil change but you don't have to worry about being ubnderpowered and the brakes are better suited for stopping those loads.

The diesel engine are very reliable. Yes, the items on a diesel, when they break are more expensive, but not many mechanical things break in/on the engine.

In my experince, gas engine break more than diesels. Plus, most diesels don't need a rebuild until the 400,000 to 500,000 range.
Let me know if I can be of help in any other way.

[ShineTimeDetail]

Well there's a guy selling a 3500 Chevy van for around 2k. 160k miles. Claims it runs with no problems. I may check it out. Has a tow package too.

[Sinbad]

Gas or diesel? Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against a gas truck/van. A good gas vehicle, correctly setup, including the trailer brakes as you mentioned previously will work. Just make sure the vehicle carries more weight than the trailer. You don't want all that extra weight pushing you from behind.

If you do find a vehicle that you would be interested in buying, ask around and find a good mechanic, if you do not have one. Have an inspection done and spend the $100 or so just to make sure things are the way they should be. I have seen so many people get taken and buty a vehicle that needed more repairs than what is was worth.

Also, ask the owner for maintenance records, or any type of paper work. Anything to help the tech with the inspection.

[ShineTimeDetail]

It's a diesel

I also have a buddy selling a 2000 chevy 3500 with a 350. New ball joins tie rods new michelin E rated tires runs really good with 210K He wants around 3500.