I am looking at a 2013 Experss passenger van with a 4.8L and 3.42 rear axle with a tow package. Chart says it can tow up 8900 pounds. My boat is 6500 lbs. Looking for anyones input on this motor and towing cablities. I have a 2003 with a 6 L but it is done. Please help.

 

Personally, I'd stick with a 6.0 L. There is little to no difference in mileage. The 4.8L engine will have to work harder.

 

i towed with a 4.8 and 6.0 in trucks. the 4.8 can barely move itself let alone tow 6000lbs. The 6.0 can haul what ever you need.

empty the 4.8 will get 4mpg better highway...towing you;ll get the same mileage.

 

And taking into account that the 6.0L you have is spent after 15 years(rounding), how long do you think a 4.8L will last?

I think we're convincing him, Tech.

 

Performance and Fuel Economy
Standard power is provided by a Vortec 4.8-liter V8, delivering 280 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Bolted to the Hydra-matic 4-speed automatic transmission, the 2500 with the 4.8-liter V8 can tow up to 7,400 pounds as a cargo van and 6,700 pounds as a passenger van (allowing for the higher weight of a fully equipped interior). Bump up to the 6.0-liter gasoline engine rated at 324 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, and the Express can tow 10,000 pounds in cargo form and up to 9,800 pounds as a passenger van. As for fuel economy, expect roughly 11-12 mpg city/15-17 mpg hwy.

 

If you're talking 50 miles to the nearby lake a few times a year, the 4.8 will do it.
If you're talking larger distances over hilly terrain, get the 6.0. There are other options such as 8.1 and Duramax, but they are very rare and for very heavy duty towing needs.

 

I don't know, Artie. He didn't say it was the motor that was "done", but if he killed a 6.0 in 15 years, I don't think the 4.8 will do.

And not to hijack the thread, but why the different hp ratings for the 6.0L engine? I found a list of anywhere from 322hp to 360hp, depending on what vehicle it's in.

GM 6.0 Liter V8 Vortec L96 Engine Info, Power, Specs, Wiki | GM Authority

 

Thanks guys. My van has been on lots of trips, hauled my boat since we got it. Not terribly far but most every summer weekend. The motor in my van is pretty much all that is still good. It van has developed a lot of electrical problems. The fuse box is held by two small plastic connectors on an angle and one broke. Have had wires fixed twice and its zip tied down. The rear heat and a/c quit. The third ac compressor died. The ABS light came on with the brake light and the alarm sounds constantly. I also replaced the upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends and still sounds like the front end is coming apart. Then finally the rocker panels under both front doors have rusted away. Other than the rust, which is the least of the issue, all of these issues happened almost at the same time this past summer. Simply just to many issues to fix. Might as well just get something newer.

 

For a heavy tow I would aim for a 2500 and 3.73 gears.

 

If your boat and trailer weigh 6500 lbs, that is one huge boat. My 28 ft travel trailer weighs 6300 lbs. My 6 liter engine in my 3/4 ton Burb has 383 ft lbs of torque. With my 3.73 rear gear, I still tow it with the manual controller in fourth instead of 6th. ( the owners manual says this is not a problem). My engine is at 3500 rpm at highway speed. Would I want to use a 4.8 liter with 90 ft lb less? No way.

SD