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) 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.