Towing with 2000 Dodge 3500 Great West Classic RV (MaxiVan)

Hi everyone back again looking for opinions,

I found another RV van that I feel is better suited that then the 1985 B250 that was deemed not adequate in my previous post I will sell the 1985 later.

This is a B van motorhome conversion that I am looking at to use to pull my open trailer, single axle brakes (could upgrade to 2 axle brakes) with 3000lb race car to the track for the week end and have some creature comforts. It has 360 motor, 4 speed OD trans, 4:10 rear gears, Firestone rear air ride with on board comperssor, has electric trailer brake, 70,000 miles.

Will this be a safe towing rig? Does anyone have real life experiences in this type of combination area?
Thanks John

The only thing I can suggest is to make sure there is sufficient frame to the rear for a good strong trailer hitch. And check the rear structure for damage if it has been used to trailer in the past. I think typically they don't have much back there frame wise?

The 2" receiver hitch mounts at the very back and also mounts further forward (4 point attachement). he frame rails show no rust or corrosion or prior damage.

I forgot to mention I will be using a Reese weight distributing hitch with the dual cam sway control.

Taking it in tomorrow to get checked to find out what it needs for safety and get mechanics opinion on the condition as he has RV experience.

I think the 360/4.10 combo is much better than the 318/2.xx combo you were considering. Should do OK with open trailer and good hitch. Just go a little easy on the hills to preserve the engine and make sure you have a good trans cooler.

Hi ahy, thanks this unit seem to have more thing going for it than the last one, waiting to get it in the shop to be checked out. Gears are steeper than I would have liked, but will see how it it tows. I will check if it has a cooler and make sure it has a good one before towing.

Those gears aren't steep enough when you're towing.
The OD transmission will drop them back down to an effective ratio similar to the last one you looked at.

On most autos OD should be locked out anyhow while towing... 4.10's will help a lot.

You should be fine with that 1 ton. Don't forget E rated tires!

feets I will be won't be using OD when towing as ahy has mentioned. I likely will add a transmission temp guage too.

Barnstorm it has 4 new E rated 10 ply with 3042 pound load rating, so I will have just get one for the spare as it has cracks in the side wall.

Wasn't able to get it into the shop today but re-scheduled for Wednesday morning. If it checks out ok, I will buy it. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks guys.

If it's not hunting in/out of OD, I'd use it while towing. But a 1 ton van, open trailer plus car is going to still be pretty doggy with that 5.9 so I would expect any little hill and it'll want to drop out of OD. I wouldn't be afraid to tow with that combo though.

Well it's all over now, I am not getting this van.

It has something to do with when we were looking at it on Saturday, my wife was entering the side door when the owner slammed the front door on her right hand across the knuckles, my wife is medical dicta transcriptionist and now is still unable to do her work, her boss is pissed too. Luckily nothing was broken.

Thanks for your input and opinions.