Would you tow with an Astro if you had the choice?

[MVMan]

Not on the 2005 Safari Jim, but I am thinking about spring over shocks as the shocks need to be replaced. On the old 1988 Astro I used a load equalizing hitch so there was no need for any kind of extra help. The hitch weight of this trailer is about 350 to 400 #'s so it is pushing the limit without load hitch or help in the shocks or springs.

[astroturf]

Thanks for the answer MVMan.

Please keep us posted as to how the shocks work out.

I am also in need of shocks on my 05. I just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Thanks again, Jim

[Looney Lenny]

We pulled a 1966 Chevy Corvair Corsa all over the country with a 1992 Astro Rwd. The engine is the rear of a Corvair + it was an open flat-bed so it wasn't that bad & pulled it no problem. If your pulling that much stuff, buy an old Suburban with a BB454! When you win @ the track tell everyone you sold all the good stuff to get into the races that night.

[astroturf]

Heck LL,

With the Suburban, You'll have to sell everything just to pay for the gas...

LOLz, Jim

[Tallchuck]

I tow a tent trailer up hills, in hot weather and off road. The trailer is loaded and the van sometimes has 6 adults. My Astro is a 2003 equipped with a two package and a locking rear end. Recently I transported 1000 lbs of cement 3 times and 900 lbs of rock. The van is a beast.

[tollbooth]

I bought My 01 new with the 373 rear gear and posi. It is rated to tow 6,000 lbs. I have towed a 4900 lb boat,(scale weight). for 10 years without an issue. 70 mph with A/C on all day any where. Hills are no problem. Passing trucks at highway speeds same. That 4.3 is not even breaking a sweat. The posi is because the launch ramps are slippery when wet. The 410 gear will cost you unnecessary gas mileage. The 373 is the happy medium between the 320,(stock), and the 410. The 2wd has a greater tow rating.
Tollbooth

[drmmhmd]

no real need to change gear ratios, just down shift, the shift lever on the column is to manually select gears. I would add a remote 2 canister oil filter setup, add a deep transmission pan, remote oil filter for same, upgrade the accumulator on the transmission,($75) (outside the case). put in a "tow and go" shift kit" ($100). I haul 3 yards of gravel in a dump trailer from my local quarry up a very steep drive to the top. first time they were not going to load me as they said my van would not make it up. turns out it is more difficult to go down the niagara escarpment than up. i would worry more about upgrading the brakes on the van and the trailer.