Need Van advise

[willy]

Any of you fellows got any real world experience with Chevy Express vans, in particular the 3500 6.0 liter 12 pass. Actual listing below. Looking at getting rid of my F250 and picking up something else along this line. I know the engine has been around since 2000, and the trans is the heavy duty model with additional cooling etc. 373 rear and locking diff there.
I can probably get it for around 20-21gs and I know it will tow my camper and boats great.
Wondering about real world fuel economy and overall reliabilty.


http://www.flemington.com/preowned/dsp_viewcar.cfm?vin=1GAHG35KX91171185

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Willy, did not have the van but i had a 2005 silverado 2500HD with 6.0 and 4.10 gears and i was getting better milage on the highway and same in the city as my current suburban 5.3 with 3.73 gears. I hope that helps.
FWIW, i was pulling a 7500 lbs boat without even know is there.

[willy]

Thanks NEM, any idea what kind of numbers we are talking about?
I would think the suburban if a 2500 4x4 would be heavier, no?

[lumberslinger178]

nice van willy.... mines an e350 utility body gets about 8 mpg but loaded with tools and equipment.

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

The 2500 was the one with the 8' bed so i was HEAVY. I used to get average 18-19 highway empty, 10-12 towing the boat and about 13-14 city.

[THEFERMANATOR]

That van most likely has 4.10 gears as I believe they only offer the 6.0L with 3.73's in the 1500HD pick-ups and VORTEC MAX. The 6.0L is one tough motor from what I have seen so far with little to no problems with them. Being an 09 that one probably has the new 6 speed tranny in it that came out in 07 and has proven itself to work nicely. I've never owned one, but realistically I would expect anywhere from 12-15 highway MPG's at 70 depending upon how it's loaded down. I know the 6 speed has helped the milage out on em quite a bit.

[willy]

I did check the tag, it has 3:73's in it, locking diffrential, I am considering it as a replacemnt for my F250 Super Duty 4x4. Truck is OK but I need a change, don't care for the ride at all and it is not comfortable with five in it even with the extended cab. The seating in the rear has room but no ability to adjust the back and combined with the ride makes long trips with the family tough.
This van will tow anything I will ever own with ease. I do wish I could have four wheel drive but even with my hunting I rarely need to use it. I think the locking rear would help a lot at boat ramps but not as good as the 4x4.
It has to get better mileage than my F250, especially on the highway.

[willy]

I just checked the specs, it comes with the 4 HD Auto trans with OD and the 3.73 rear was standard with the 4.10 as an option

[phatdaddy]

how bout a suburban?
good seating for 5
4wd
nicer interior
better mileage

[willy]

Too much money for them Phat, they want big bucks around here for high mileage vehicles, and the gas is not much better according to my friends that have them.
What have you experienced

[phatdaddy]

full size vans are a different market for sure. we bought an 02 tahoe in 06 & have been real pleased with it. it has the 5.3 w/ 4wd. real world numbers with e10 gas 13 city/ 17 hiway. it had 85000 miles on it when we got it and has 140000 now. i did a quick autotrader search are you are right, a van is about 7 to 10 grand cheaper for same year & mileage. everywhere you go people will think you are a church group or a load of prisoners..

[randlemanboater]

Just be sure to test drive it Willy, I am never confortable in a fullsize van with the engine hump in the way, unless someone else is driving and I'm in the back, then its great.

Thats why I bought a Class A RV instead of a Class C (van front), I always feel cramped in the drivers seat.

[willy]

I have had vans in the past and the hump does not bother me. I had a Ford conversion van I bought used and wish now I still had it.
I would prefer a four wheel drive Suburban type vehicle but they are so darned expensive even with high mileage used.