'97 GMC Savanna with a 4.6L turbo deisel.

I've been looking for a tow vehicle for several months and have read through just about every thread here on H-T about tow vehicles.

I saw this one but it doesn't look like it's tow ready. How would the Savanna do as a tow vehicle and what would I need to get besides a tow hitch?

Thanks all.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...%3AIT

 

Looks like a full size van so it should have plenty of wheelbase. I think it'd do fine. 8-lug wheels = 2500 running gear, also good. Unsure which trans is bolted to that motor - if it's the 4L80 like in the old 454 burb I had, that transmission is basically indestructible. Same one they put in the school buses.

One downside - I don't have personal experience to back this up, but I've traditionally been told that the GM 6.5 turbodiesel isn't a very good motor.

 

4.6L Turbo Deisel? You mean 6.5L?

It should be fine to tow a typical IT-type car and trailer.

It isn't some goofy extended body, so it should be reasonable stable. And the engine and transmission are the same as the truck. It isn't a conversion van, so it's weight should still be reasonable.

 

Looks like you should be set with a hitch and several replacement bulbs for the the flashing yellow light on the roof!

 

If you get this you must drive around with that flashing light on. :D

 

add a hitch and a brake controller and you should be good to go for pretty much any trailer you can hook up to it.

 

I use a 2000 Chevy express VAN 3500 as my tow vehicle now. Its got the gas engine in it hauls like im not towing anything. Vary good vans. But i dont know about that diesel engine it may be a good choice maybe not.

 

Andrew,

My older brother has a late 90s 2500 4WD Surburban, with a newly built 6.5TD and water injection for sale. He just picked up an 2006 F250 PSD Crew Cab. He pulls a big camper and was at the limit with has GCWR. Hit me up if you want to talk with him. Or you can wait a year or so and pick up my truck. I'm waiting for the new 2007 SDs.

 

Thanks all. I'll probably let the van slide as it's will probably go for more than what I want to spend for a tow vehicle.

Dave, I'll probably have to pass on both yours and your brother's trucks. I'm looking for a real low budget tow vehicle as I will only be towing around 6 times a year. It's hard to justify spending thousands for something used only a couple times a year