For towing a 6000 lb. 22-26 ft Airstream trailer, are there significant difference in handling between a Chev 2500 Express, short or extended chassis?

 

Generally, the longer the wheelbase the better for trailering. So the extended is a good choice. However the 3/4 ton chassis might not be. I would consider a 1 ton as my 2500 only tows a max 5800 lbs. Better to not tow at your max all the time. Especially since the max tow rating includes weight you put inside the van.
Check out the gcvw rating, ( gross combined )..which includes the van, trailer and all your gear....

 

I too have an Airstream trailer. 1977 31' Sovereign that is also around 6,000 lbs. I currently have an old 92 GMC Suburban 1500 with a 5.7 liter engine. A bit under powered, and old at 240,000 miles. I have decided that my new/newer tow vehicle will be a Chevy Express or GMC Savana, 2500 or 3500, extended, and with the 6.0 liter engine. No less. From all my fellow Airstreamers that I have contacted with the extended tow combination, the longer wheel base is more stable and tows better. I don't want any less than the 6.0 liter for power and torque, and there is nothing like having lots of storage space. Many of the 6.0L 2500's and 3500's have a 10,000 lb. tow rating.

Barry

 

This thread disappoints me because I could have had a diesel 1 ton extended for the same money. It was 3 years old, but still brand new with only 400Km's on it, less bells and whistles... but in reality, I probably won't be towing much so it's ok, I just like to have covered bases.

Interesting thread, thanks for posting it.

 

It also depends upon what year vans you are looking at. The newer vans have a much better suspension. Older 90s and early 2000s I would say definitely a 3500. Newer 2500 with 6.0 might be ok, but do the maths to be sure. And I agree with above, extended is better... GM is the only traditional style van that actually moves the axle rearward on extended vans., providing more stabilization.

 

In the past years we a pulled a 28' Argosy to Quebec City we also pulled a 32' with a 95 Dodge B3500 van to Texas no problems. I can not see a 2500/3500 (with a 350) having issues pulling what your proposing. Old Dodge vans are good tow vehicles but Chevrolet vans are far better to pull with.