1500, 2500, 3500?

BuckleBrown · Oct 29, 2019

I bought a 3500 without really thinking much about it. Actually I didn't think much about anything other than getting a functioning van. I am glad I have something that has the option to tow easily...(I guess) I have yet to determine if I will be happy with it. But as far as working on the interior build I would never buy a passenger version again with windows. The interior side panels when removed had huge spaces that were very very difficult to put insulation in. It was not fun.
imHo it would be much better to have a cargo van with nice "smooth" walls to insulate and panel up. I also now have to figure out some way to insulate the windows when it is coooollld. When you are in a cargo van you can still open up the back and side doors and have plenty of light and view. You also will have greater security and privacy.

Of course if I were in Hawaii.. I wouldnt be so worried about insulation and would want all those windows and it is definitely something I am looking at. A van would make Hawaii much more affordable!

crofter · Oct 29, 2019

I am happy in a 1500 (Promaster). Handling is great and so is the gas mileage (20) and turning radius (front wheel drive). At times I do miss not having 4 wheel drive, and the low clearance of the back axle can be a problem in deep snow. I do not want to carry a lot of stuff with me, and weight wise the heavy stuff is water and propane in my rig. I carry only 15 gallons of utility water plus about 5 gallons of drinking water, and two 15 pound propane bottles, a heater and some small propane bottles for that. I no longer carry a generator as I have not used it in over a year. I have a small solar setup and one house battery. Adding all my stuff and the build out made the ride a little smoother, and I have those great cargo brakes for stopping. If you plan to use your van someday to haul cargo for work, a newer 3500 extended high top is recommended. ~crofter

user 423 · Oct 30, 2019

I'm with Mr.Noodly as my 1/2-ton conversion van works fine for me. It was designed to safely transport 7-passengers and at 160 lbs. per passenger, that's about a half-ton. The payload capacity was increased by 200 lbs. when I removed the rear fold-down bench seat and the two captain's chairs in the middle.

My build isn't too elaborate with one 100 watt solar panel and one battery, a small fridge and a plywood platform bed. I do 90% of the repairs on it so I'm carrying more tools than most. Along with 8 gallons or so of water and all the other misc. stuff, it adds up to no more than 500 lbs. I'm also hauling a 275 lb. dual-sport motorcycle so the total is pretty close to the rated capacity. I've just completed a trip to Alaska and never felt like the van was overloaded.

crofter · Oct 30, 2019

slow2day said:
I'm also hauling a 275 lb. dual-sport motorcycle so the total is pretty close to the rated capacity.

How are you fitting in the motorcycle??? Do you have a back porch for it? ~crofter

user 423 · Oct 30, 2019

crofter said:
How are you fitting in the motorcycle??? Do you have a back porch for it? ~crofter

For the trip to AK I removed the wheels and hauled it inside to keep it out of the elements.The gas tank was removed also and stored in a bin on a rear-mount cargo carrier. I went to AK to work a seasonal job and planned to ride some up there and then sell it for a good price. The job didn't last that long, so the bike never came out of the van.

On the way back I reassembled it in MT and did some trail riding and used it for errands. It now rides on a hitch-mount bike carrier. It's a challenge loading the van so tools,etc. are accessible without taking the bike off the carrier. I was always able to enlist help at campgrounds with putting it on or taking it off the carrier.

chop480 · Dec 7, 2019

awilder said:
Any opinions on this vehicle?
“2013 GMC Savanna G2500 Extended Cargo VAN AWD V8 FFV CARGO 5.3L With 68200 Mils, ONE OWNER, CLEAN TITLE, NO ACCIDENT, NEW TIRES, NEW ENGINE OIL”
$9500

Did GM offer a G2500 AWD in 2013?

highdesertranger · Dec 7, 2019

I have never seen one but rumor has it that they did offer a 3/4 ton AWD for a couple of years. highdesertranger

chop480 · Dec 7, 2019

I believe they did in 2003 but I thought it was that year only. Don't know for sure. If it is a 13 AWD 3/4 ton for $9500, grab that one now!

craggers · Dec 7, 2019

i bought a contractor used 2002 : 1 Ton cargo van, the Chevrolet dealership had New Tires and a power train warranty for 90 days, @ 126,000 miles i gave them my old astro van and $5,000. It has been a Good Van with the 5.7 engine, the Transmission and rear Differential are Very Heavy Duty and Quite Large for my Standard size van.