2017 Express with 2.8 Duramax?

[Rockman]

with numbers like that, it for sure it wont be a toy-hauler or anything like that

[MSD]

Personally I'd keep rocking the rig you have now and do some upgrades. But that's just me…

[Rockman]

Yep, that the current plan.. But Id like to keep my options open. Im lowering the current rig and putting softer springs on as soon as they come in, as well as these Sulastic dampeners Sulastic. Leaf Spring Shackle in hopes that it wont bounce everything of the shelves while driving on the highway.

Also, going to rebuild the interior (planning on making a rebuilding album here to keep track). New floor, better insulation, and hopfully a taller roof

[carringb]

Sulastic shackles are great, but they won't make the ride "plush". They remove harshness, and that's it. Probably won't help from launching stuff off the shelves but will greatly reduce the "bang" over bad expansion joints.

[Rockman]

Just that would be a great improvement. since the lift its downright dangerous at highway speeds over those joints, especially when the road is wet.

[Sheriffdoug]

Originally Posted by beaker

The 2017 trailer towing guide lists the 2.8L van as capable of towing anywhere from 5800# to 6800#, depending on window configuration and wheelbase. The big catch is that the GCVWR is 13,000#. This is a pretty dramatic drop from the 19,000# GCVWR of last year's 6.6L or the 20,000# of the most capable E350s, when they were still available.

Realistically, you are looking at a maximum trailer towing capacity of 3500#, if your 2.8L van is set up with a typical camper conversion.

Hello.

Generally, here in Australia, the motor size as a rule of thumb, equates to the towing capacity. Eg. 3.5 litre = 3.5 tons. 2.8 litre = 2.8 tons. Part of the rule is the weight of the tow vehicle. Then there is power to weight ratio.

You can't beat a big V8 diesel = Torque/Power/Economy. Not revving it's guts out. Not burnt out after 120,000 miles, like a compact 3/3.5 litre Mercedes diesel.

Only time will tell.

Cheer Doug

[Rockman]

Originally Posted by Sheriffdoug

Hello.

Generally, here in Australia, the motor size as a rule of thumb, equates to the towing capacity. Eg. 3.5 litre = 3.5 tons. 2.8 litre = 2.8 tons. Part of the rule is the weight of the tow vehicle. Then there is power to weight ratio.

You can't beat a big V8 diesel = Torque/Power/Economy. Not revving it's guts out. Not burnt out after 120,000 miles, like a compact 3/3.5 litre Mercedes diesel.

Only time will tell.

Cheer Doug

thanks doug,
I havent ever thought of it that way. Damn metric system... when will the rest of the world come to the dark side of the US Imperial system... its Imperial after all. </sarcasm>

My research for this van (the 2.8) is that im not running a fully loaded sportsmobile. Ill have a 11lb tank of propane, 7 gal of water, funiture, food, some tech for a mobile office, and some fairly basic solar setup -with frame rail battery. So, im not adding too much weight to the van in reality. But, as a born Redneck, I do love my big block V8s

[Rockman]

Got to test drive the new 2.8 rb, and I have to say I'm impressed. It's not a drag racer of the line, but really smooth takeoff and when the turbo hits, you can really tell. And the ride is about 100 times better than my econoline.


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[capnkurt]

My 98 Express 3500 with the 5.7 only has 250hp and 330lb-ft, so this 2.8 litre is pretty darn close in output to what I'm currently driving. I don't haul anything very heavy (dune buggy, motorcycle, bicycles) and the van currently weighs just a tad over 8000lbs when loaded up for a trip. It's got a full sportsmobile build-out with the pop-top. I have zero issues with my van's current power. Would it be nice to have some more? Of course, but I don't need it and it really makes me wonder how much better the fuel economy of this new diesel will compare to my measly 10mpg (around town) and 13mpg highway.

capn

[Rockman]

Thanks capn, that's good news for us that travel light and not a full smb.


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