haznavy

Looking for a list of potential engine, brake, suspension, and exhaust upgrades for full-time living and towing of a 30' Airstream (903lb tongue weight and 8,800 GVWR). If price was not an object, what upgrades would you do? TIA

ChevyVanMan

What is the Payload Cap ? Towing Specs for it now ?
Thank you
Ken

haznavy

Good morning Ken,

According to the GM spec sheet

WEIGHT AND TOWING RATIOS

G2500
G3500 Regular Length
G3500 Extended Length
Based curb weight (lb / kg):
5873 / 2663
6087 / 2761
6406 / 2906
Max. GVWR (lb / kg):
8600 / 3901
9600 / 4354 (6.0L)
9600 / 4354 (6.6L)
9600 / 4354 (6.0L)
9900 / 4491 (6.6L)
Max. payload (lb / kg):
2705 / 1226
3491 / 1583
3172 / 1438
Max. trailer towing
(lb / kg):
9800 / 4445
9700 / 4400 (6.0L)
10000 / 4536 (6.6L)
9300 / 4218 (6.0L)
9700 / 4400 (6.6L)
Maximum tongue weight:
Trailer tongue weight should be 10-15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight, up to 1,000 pounds (450 kg). Weight-carrying hitch limit on a 4,000-lb (1,814 kg) trailer is 400 pound (181 kg) tongue weight. Weight-distributing hitch and sway control required for greater than 4,000-pound (1,814 kg) trailer weight

I think I'm within the current abilities for the van towing-wise, perhaps add some air lifters to the back. I would like to look into upgrading engine, braking, and exhaust performance.

ChevyVanMan

Each unit is different, information will be on drivers door jam. Nothing aftermarket will help Payload or Towing rating. Mine is over 2900 payload and 9600 towing. There are a couple of van builds you might want to look at here for some great information.
Thank you
Ken

ChevyVanMan

There is also a youtube channel less junk more journey is the name They use a older Express with Airstream trailer pulling it all over the US. Don't think it is a gas burner. Should give you a few ideas on what you might could use.
Thank you
Kenny

haznavy

Ken,

Information very much appreciated, very familiar with the LJMJ family on YouTube. I will search out the van builds here on the site for the engine, brake, and exhaust ideas.

v/r

Tod

ChevyVanMan

le moose and canuckle or something is there van builds here
Thank you
Ken

StanVan

The best thing I did is shocks. Here's the link to where I got mine, but he doesn't have any more. But other people do, you may have to buy front and rear separately

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-2015-GM...d=322012334081

And then there's this concern The differential. Here's the thread I started on that;

https://chevroletforum.com/forum/exp...rential-88338/

As you'll see, I was very disappointed in buying a van known for towing, yet most don't have limited slip.

It would help if we knew what motor you have.

StanVan

And here's another build thread. It's a bit long, but he did the shocks as well.

https://chevroletforum.com/forum/exp...es-done-85622/

The link to mine is in my signature line.

haznavy

StanVan -

Thank you very much for the information. The van I purchased has the 3.54 rear but, the 4x4 conversion I am having done at Advanced 4WD System will have the 3.73 rear installed.

I will be towing an Airstream Flying Cloud 30
FB
Bunk model for full-timing with my wife and two boys when we retire from the Navy.

Interested in researching engine, brakes, and exhaust upgrades to get the maximum potential out of the 3500 Express with the 6.6L Duramax TD.

Thank you again for your time and information.

v/r

Tod