Would you tow a car with this van?

So I recently posted about towing an old car across the country with another classic.

The debate can be seen here. https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...part=1&vc=1

We travel across country with 2 (soon to be 3) kids at least once a year. Usually we fly, but prices are creeping up and we are weighing our options. Besides, I know how much everyone thinks kids on planes are an absolute catastrophe.

So, my question. If we are moving one car across country like suggested in the previous post…..

Would you tow a car with something like this? What is honest real world mileage for towing a 3800 pound car on a trailer (with electric brakes), I am thinking 6-8 mpg?

I know I could resell something like this and get some of my initial cost back.

Your thoughts?

Eightlitermopar

I would. Depending on the engine in that thing you might get 12-13 on the highway.

does it have a towing package ?? if soo...I would..if not..I'd install an extra tranny cooler....6 miles per gallon would be about right

Is that based on the maxi-van? Is so, the rear bumper isn't to close to the rear axle. To much tongue weight with that long rear overhang wouldn't be a good combination. Unfortunately, I have NO idea how much tongue weight would be to much.

Another thing to consider is total vehicle weight. The RV conversion parts have added some weight. The stuff you take with you adds more weight. So it's possible to exceed the GVW of a rig like that. This is a fairly common problems with motor homes.

If weight is an issue, using a tow dolly instead of a trailer would cut the weight a bit.

Edit: Gas mileage would be hard to guess. I've heard of folks with Class B's getting anywhere from 10-16 mpg without towing anything. (half ton vans will get better mpg) How fast one drives will play a role with that much wind resistance. I'd guess it doesn't have an overdrive transmission.

With 3 kids, you might want to consider a Class C instead so you would have more interior room.

It's a lot better than this THIS van that I saw at the track a year or so ago. He was hauling a GTO that sort of looked like a 70s Nova. I don't know what route he takes to get to the track, but I know the route that I take to get there is quite a work out for my diesel dually.

Why not flat tow and not worry about the trailer?

Sure I would. That van is plenty heavy.

Use a light trailer....econotrailer out of Pa makes a nice one...make sure your hitch, trailer brakes and everything are up to snuff and you won't have any trouble.

Flat towing is one option, but that beats the crap out of the vehicle being towed.

Have you thought about a mid-late 90's Suburban perhaps?
A 3/4 ton one will have an injected 454, overdrive auto, big fuel tank, most seem to have front and rear a/c, etc

Can be had for under $2000 around here at least...(up to $3k maybe for a vortec 454 powered one I have seen)

What's the difference between driving and flat towing that will beat up anything? Use a dolly, disconect the driveshaft and tie it up out of the way, and everything golden.

I think it would do fine, but if it were me I would put FIrestone bags under it...

I bet it will pull better then this set up
he was heading for the freeway

If I remember right those extended B-350's don't really have a full frame rail to the rear bumper. You can get hitches for them, but I don't think they take anything heavier than a class III.

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If I remember right those extended B-350's don't really have a full frame real to the rear bumper. You can get hitches for them, but I don't think they take anything heavier than a class III.

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Hmmm....this is good to know. I was trying to do something that would be somewhat kid friendly (hence the camper idea). I do like the idea from OzHemi regarding the suburban though....

Something like that should be easy to resell after the trip, don't ya think?