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Old 06-08-2016, 03:52 PM   #21
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The long and short of it is that the van will tow the load. You aren't going to win any land speed records and will struggle on the hills.

You can change your rear axle ratio with a new set of gears to 3.73 or 4.10's and that will get you more pulling power for less than $1,000 installed.

So the question is how much do you tow vs how much driving do you do unloaded?

If you only tow 1% of the time and drive lots unloaded than you might want to keep your 3.42 highway gears. If it is closer to 50-50 if it were me I would change out the gears because $1,000 is cheaper than a new truck
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Old 06-08-2016, 04:02 PM   #22
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Not sure I understand what you're getting at ... Please explain


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#1. I was saying you're van is probably heavier than you think
#2. A lot of v6 engines now have more power than that v8, so you will be very under powered
#3. With that engine, trans, gear ratio you will most likely have an unpleasant towing experience and a very reduced service life of the vehicle.
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Old 06-08-2016, 04:09 PM   #23
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The 4L60E trans is a glorified TH 350.....If you decide to use van for towing, and need a trans, there are quite a few after market updates for that trans.....get 'em..
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Old 06-08-2016, 05:26 PM   #24
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So far I towed this trailer once and it was actually a breeze but it was only 150 miles and no hills. I'm starting to get a bit concerned. I only camp maybe 5 times a year max and usually a few hours away.


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Old 06-08-2016, 07:42 PM   #25
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5 times a year fairly close to home I wouldn't be too concerned. If you plan on having the van another 15 years then maybe.


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Old 06-08-2016, 08:04 PM   #26
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mrpep: Remember that GM's numbers are probably based on what they sent out the door at the factory - a stripped down van that someone is going to add a bunch of stuff to. That bunch of stuff is what's adding the weight.
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Old 06-08-2016, 08:05 PM   #27
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I called the weight station today and they're open 24 hours a day so plan on going Saturday early morning


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Old 06-08-2016, 08:59 PM   #28
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5 times a year fairly close to home I wouldn't be too concerned. If you plan on having the van another 15 years then maybe.


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Old 06-08-2016, 10:42 PM   #29
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I was thinking of going a good 900 miles away to black hills South Dakota but think I might pass now


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Old 06-18-2016, 11:33 PM   #30
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So I added a trans cooler and a gage so that I can observe my trans temps. If my temps are under lets say, 190 is it safe to say that I am ok ? I still have not had a chance to weigh my vehicle by the way.
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Old 06-19-2016, 05:48 AM   #31
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I would pull over and let it idle for a while if it gets over 220. 220 is no where close to damage.


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Old 06-19-2016, 06:23 AM   #32
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I agree, close to the limit. Keep the speed down and go easy on the hills. Flat open ground shouldn't be an issue but a shorter ratio would help. I will cost you 1.5-2.5 mpg more than likely. I'd scale the van and see what it weighs full of fuel. Add in the weight of people and stuff then subtract from the gvwr. Betting the conversion adds at least 1k to the van. If you are up on the limit weight wise (close) I'd rec changing the trans fluid every season. It's cheap and good for the transmission.
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Old 06-19-2016, 06:26 AM   #33
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Idle is ok, but driving ad a slow speed is better. Light load and air flow through the cooler will drop temps quickly.
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