Hi ya'll,
For months I've been pondering what to get for a tow rig. This has to be a dual purpose vehicle for my company. Needs to be able to haul stuff during the day, keeping it dry and safe, and still tow on the weekends. I thought about suburbans a long time, but that idea ain't working out. A 250 powerstroke its a thing of beauty in my opinon, but that isnt' the best solution to moving the types of things around I need to. So, my next thought has been the econoline, and I can't find crap regarding them. I think something along these lines would be perfect for company use..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2428787803&category=6224

Lots of room for graphics down the side, lots of promotional possibilities. But I wanna tow on the weekends, so lets hear some pros/cons.

Oh yeah, I got this whole idea when an e-series passed me on the DC beltway last weekend with a V10 badge on the side...figured it ought to be able to tow something-PhattieD

My friend tows his YJ around on weekends with his company van, loaded with plumbing junk. GM has some good long wheelbase vans that tow freat, but the Ford v10 would handle the job just fine also.:D

I know of a few people towing with a van, no problems. I tow with a E350 motorhome chassis, 27' long, 460/C6/D70 and it does just fine as well. Pretty much a van on roids...

I've been contemplating the same thing. Because it will be my daily driver, I want some comfort and the ability to carry passengers. And fuel economy is important, too. I'm looking at E350 Club Wagons with the PowerStroke. More than enough power for towing, comfortable for several people, lot's of secure storage, and good fuel economy.

First tow rig was an 86 E-350. Carbed 460. The E350 used to net you a D70 rear, not sure anymore. Anyway, it handled a 73 IH Scout on 36's ok. Scout was a heavy bugger. The only thing to be cautious of is balancing the load on the trailer. I got the Scout alittle to far on the trailer once and unloaded the front wheels on the van. A panic stop was really scary! The only other comment on a van is if you live in snow country, they suck on slick roads.

the pstroke econoline vans are the way to go if you need enclosed space and towing capacity. sounds like a van is what you need for the company but the diesel will save you some $$ in fuel over gas & tows much better

must my 2¢

one other comment....Dodge and Ford vans don't relocate the rear axle on their superlong versions, GM does. Hence, a weight dist hitch is a near must to keep some front axle pressure for stopping/steering. $200-250 from JCWhitney, and get the 1000# spring bars.

I saw a cool E350 the other day. It was a 4X4 conversion (Quigley I think) with a Powerstroke and a D60 front. The guy said the only downside was they have to put in a small fuel tank to make room for the driveline. It was badass though, a very nice conversion - almost cool enough to make me consider a Ford.

thanks for the input, I'm sold on a van. probably going with something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2428311665&category=6158

Diesel....yummy.

Just an FYI, that Chevy linked to has the 6.5 TD, which is basically a POS compared to the Powerstroke.

Also, not positive on this one, but I think Chevy may now have a 4wd option on their full size vans. No idea whether or not they are available with the Duramax, though.

Pete

Originally posted by pcorssmit
Just an FYI, that Chevy linked to has the 6.5 TD, which is basically a POS compared to the Powerstroke.

Also, not positive on this one, but I think Chevy may now have a 4wd option on their full size vans. No idea whether or not they are available with the Duramax, though.

Pete

No diesel, but you are right, they are now or are soon going to offer AWD (not sure about low range).

I have found a mid 90's GMC 2500 Explorer Conversion that I wanna use as a tow rig. 3/4T chassis. Plenty off creature comforts when the kids get tired as well.