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Trailer tow vehicle?
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And realistically, it will drastically shorten the life of the van's drivetrain. Especially if you do it oftenly.
Sincerely,
H
If you plan on starting a cement delivery business then no it is a completely bad idea. Whatever you choose I would suggest a decent brake controller.
Edit- It is always better to have to much truck for the load than not enough!
I used to pull a 21' waterski boat to tournaments with an S10 equipped with the 4.3 V6 and a transmission cooler on the uprated transmission and with a short rear axle.
Power-wise, the truck was fine for pulling. Where it fell down was in stopping and hill control.
I suspect the Astro would be the same way.
Its wheelbase. The bigger the trailer the more it yanks the truck around, especially in the wind.
Sway control bla bla bla doesnt matter. It helps, but its a band aid.
For example, a Tahoe towing a 8.5 x 27 foot enclosed, you have the power, you have the trailer brakes, but you know its there. Plus you're in the flats.
Same trailer with a crew cab 3/4 ton, you dont need sway control or anything and you dont know its there, mostly because of the long wheelbase.
That trailer isnt that big a deal, but if you go the Tahoe route get the XL/Suburban size. Longer wheelbase makes a huge difference.
I'd never buy anything with less wheelbase than a Excursion/Tahoe/Denali XL/CrewCab-Shortbed/ExtraCab w/Longbed.
Prodigy brake controller. You can thank me later.
true - and also suspension on that van wont be able to handle the tongue weight either and you'll bottom out on the slightest bump.
Just get yourself a Tahoe with a 5.3 and be done with it. I had an 05 GMC pickup with a 5.3 and I pulled Mustangs all around the country with it.
Pit Row
Another thing to consider, Leaf springs in the rear end is way more stable when towing.
Anything with coils feels spongy and bouncy.
4.8 isnt enough power, get a 5.3 or bigger.
if you ever get out west or in anything with hills you realize there is no such thing as too much power.
The 5.3 will get you by except in extreme areas with that trailer.
I can tell you this, that 4.8 would not pull that trailer over the passes in CA except in Low 1, AND you might need to go to LOW 4.
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