Transit towing Hybrid Bullet

[flybouy]

A lot of people want to "eat cake and have it to". The folks I know have just ended up with cake on their face. Good luck in your search and stay safe.

[Old_Stevenick]

Thanks guys. I know I'm asking too much of one vehicle.
For now the van is still running, so my years long research and getting ready for the inevitable continues.

Current thinking:Cake and eat it too might work for a couple of years of not doing too much towing.

That said, I'm not jumping into anything yet.

[rlh1957]

Originally Posted by Old_Stevenick

Our 2002 Ford V10 E350 van is still running, but replacing it is an upcoming reality.

The Ford Transit Crew vans are rated to tow 4,600. My Bullet is rated at 4,700 full, so if I didn't fill the water tank before traveling I would just make it into the rating.

I know the general consensus is to go larger, but would this configuration work OK, albeit a bit underpowered?

Even without the water you’re over weight… are you carrying food, clothes, more batteries than it came with it stock, tools, chairs, easy up tent or umbrella, anything the bare from the lot rig didn’t come with increases weight.

[Old_Stevenick]

Dry weight is 3,400, so 4,700 is "full."

But I don't think it's a good idea either, although I think it would work short term.

[Max23]

Just remember. It only takes once, and sometimes no do overs.

[Old_Stevenick]

True words.

[mjsibe]

Not all wheel drive but,
The Chevy Express , GMC Savana 3500 full size vans
Have exceptional payload & towing ability. Property equipped.
My 2014 6.0 Chevy Passenger Van

9800 lb. Towing
3342 lb. Payload [yellow/ white sticker)
Easily handles our 2013 Passport rk 3100.
I went with the van vs pickup
Vans are less $
Advantage also no Truck tags. Passenger car tags
Yet all the ability of a pickup truck.
More seats ect.
Something to consider.

[Old_Stevenick]

I love our van. I'd love to replace it with a van. Front Wheel or AWD preferred though as we'd use it all year round in New England as our second car.

[Old_Stevenick]

Those 2023 Vans look pretty good. How would that RWD be with snow tires in New England? Not for towing, but for driving to the ski hill, or just driving around town.

[jimborokz]

I've had many vans over the years in northern NY, similar to New England in winter conditions, FWD, RWD, but none AWD and all have done well for road driving (never go off road), though the VW microbus was the best. These were all mini vans and only the Asto van towed a pop up so this is only about winter driving. I think the extra weight of the van body helps. I've also had many p/u's most full size and most AWD. With a p/u basically 4WD is a must.

You may find a 350 or 3500 size van will be heavy enough to meet your needs even if only RWD.

[Old_Stevenick]

A RWD van with snow tires might do it for me, particularly a modern one with traction control.

[mjsibe]

My 2014 Express 3500 6.0 has the traction & stability control. Locking rear.
BFG ALL TERAIN tires
I goes fine in the snow.

[Ramtop]

Many plumbers and electricians use full size rear wheel drive vans around here. Many have locking rear ends and they run snow tires in the winter. You see a lot of them out on the road in some pretty nasty weather conditions. Of most have quite a bit of weight inside which helps.