Thinking of getting a 3500 Express van for carrying dogs to dog shows. looking at 2019, 2020 year models. Would like so input as what engine you would recommend. I will be also traveling from Texas to my place in Colorado sometimes pulling a 16 foot flat bed trailer Curious about mileage on the highway and what mechanical issues you have had. Any other thoughts and /or advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

A 3500 is overkill for hauling dogs isn't it?

 

Not really if you have 3 or 4 dogs in crates and people. I also stated I would be traveling to Colorado. I have a 2500 Suburban diesel and a K3500 Crew cab but think the van would be better for traveling with the dogs..
So anything on the good and bad with these vans?
Regards

 

Aside from the usual poor GM build quality, they're ok. Try to get the Allison transmission . The 8 & 10 speed ones are duds.

 

I have had two 3500’s (‘05&’15), both with the Vortex 6.0, plenty of power for hauling over mountains.

 

I just got a used factory certified 3500 extended 15 passenger van in December. I got the 6.0L and we just hit 20K Miles today (only about 3K from us).

We have primarily been using it to haul around our three kids. With all of the benches, kids, 1 dog, coats, etc... we get almost 14 MPG.

We bought the van to tow a 36' travel trailer and we just took delivery of it today. We got about 6 mpg coming home in moderate winds going up and down hills from Philadelphia PA to Northeast PA. My friend just got done with a trip from PA to Florida and averaged 8 mpg.

As long as you are OK with the color white, there are some great deals to be had on vans coming out of the rental market. The sweet spot is right at 2 model years old. You will have to get a trailer hitch and wiring but that is easy stuff to add on this van.

The suspension is very stiff on these, but other than that I think the dogs will love it.

 

I've gone to a few cat shows and the Chevy Express is the main vehicle at them too.

I would go for the 6.6 V8 gas engine but you may want to research the little diesel to see if it suits your needs. They have been making the same van for over 20 years now so I would say they have the major bugs worked out of them.