Towing with a Chevy G20 Van
John Hainsworth
Chevy G20 van? With the package, my 1989 G20 with 5.0L V8, is supposed
to tow 5000#. I don't have the package, so I called the Chevy Customer
service number. They told me without the package, I was limited to
2000#. Unfortunately the girl on the other end didn't know what it
contained either. Any help would be appreciated.
John
Gary L. Smith
I imagine the package includes more cooling capacity (radiator and
transmission), and maybe HD suspension components. Adding those elements to
a 13 year old vehicle is not cost effective. You can probably buy a towing
package equipped G20 of that vintage for less than the parts would cost you.
Gary
"John Hainsworth" <john-ha...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:3C50C576...@worldnet.att.net...
bobv
I used to know the answer to this, but it has been a while. I had a 78
Chev G20 and was also concerned. I do believe it is a lot less than
one would think. I just looked up what was included in a 2001 Chev
Express Cargo Van 3500, and this help my memory a bit. I think
perhaps though that my 78 required a larger radiator and a thermal
fan, although an external transmission cooler would probably satisfy
the bill.
(http://carpoint.msn.com/autopricer/tool.asp)
Platform trailer hitch
Heavy Duty Flasher
8 wire trailering harness
(additional cooling not required)
You can add these things for very little cost.
If I remember right the main thing was that in the older models a
Automatic Transmission was required for the 5000lbs. You probably
have this anyway.
Personally I would add a transmission cooler if I was going to push
the weight limit.
Hope this helps, Bob
O.J.essica Simpson
"John Hainsworth" <john-ha...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:3C50C576...@worldnet.att.net...
Unless it has under 100k miles, don't bother.
Will Sill
these words:
John, you are not gonna like this, but the typical late-80's/early
90's G20 is virtually worthless as a tow vehicle. They lack the
brakes, final drive ratio, and load capacity to handle anything more
than a pop-up. Even WITH a "tow package" they have a marginal tranny
that's easily cooked. I urge you to give up the idea of towing with
your rig, unless you are satisfied with a small pop-up.
BTW I recently owned one, so it's not like I am shooting from the hip.
Will KD3XR
O.J.essica Simpson
> 90's G20 is virtually worthless as a tow vehicle. They lack the
> brakes, final drive ratio, and load capacity to handle anything more
> than a pop-up. Even WITH a "tow package" they have a marginal tranny
> that's easily cooked. I urge you to give up the idea of towing with
> your rig, unless you are satisfied with a small pop-up.
>
> BTW I recently owned one, so it's not like I am shooting from the hip.
Me too, but it wasn't the tranny for me. It was the hole that blew in the
piston while pulling a 19' RV. It was around 2500#.
John Hainsworth
all the time I've had it, which is since new, and I've put 140,000 miles
on it. All interstate miles. However, they are all pulling a boat or
pop-up (about 1250#) at about 65-75mph. Last year I did have to
overhaul the transmission while on holiday, I was hoping that was not
common.
Right now I'm going to have to have a re-think. I had wanted to upgrade
to a travel trailer for a couple of years, then upgrade my towing
vehicle to a truck, and then finally go for a 5th wheel. It sounds like
I'm going to have to upgrade my towing vehicle first. If that's the
case I might as well go for a 5th wheel straight away.
Oh well thanks to everybody for the input.
John
Peter Linka
I'm using a 1989 Chev G30.. with a 350 engine. Its got about 250,000kms on
it with a rebuilt engine at 200,000kms. Transmission oil cooler, and load
levelling hitch.
I tow a 19' travel trailer which, when loaded weighs about 5000 lbs.
Since the engine rebuild, which cost me about $2,300.00 its been great and
I'm now gonna use it until it rusts from the frame. I've replaced a few
other parts... brake lines, rad, alternator, etc, but so far it seems to be
fine. I replace front brakes every year and probably next spring will need
new front brake discs, but it will still be worth that expense if there's
nothing else major to repair. If not, well...
The gas mileage is piss poor, but it tows up a hill fine. My next step will
probably be to a van with a diesel, and a slightly larger trailer. I need
the van for cargo carrying so it all works for me.
Take care
Peter
"John Hainsworth" <john-ha...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:3C521F2B...@worldnet.att.net...
Will Sill
>Just to add my 2 cents worth...
>
>I'm using a 1989 Chev G30.. with a 350 engine.
Allow me to point out that there are substantial differences between
the G20 and G30 vans. I own a '99 G30 too.
Will KD3XR
RR
"Peter Linka" <pe...@enchantment.ca> wrote in message
news:YwQ48.325$yi5....@news20.bellglobal.com...
> Just to add my 2 cents worth...
>
> I'm using a 1989 Chev G30.. with a 350 engine. Its got about 250,000kms on
> it with a rebuilt engine at 200,000kms. Transmission oil cooler, and load
> levelling hitch.
> I tow a 19' travel trailer which, when loaded weighs about 5000 lbs.
Big difference. The original poster has a G20 and a 302. A totally different
engine,drivetrain, and suspension. You do, however, have the same body.
Russell
"Will Sill" <wi...@epix.net> wrote
> I own a '99 G30 too.
I did not know they made G30's in 1999. Thought they were either G1500,
G2500 or G3500 in 1999.
Russell
Dallas TX
1999 Chevy G1500
Will Sill
>
>"Will Sill" <wi...@epix.net> wrote
>> I own a '99 G30 too.
>
>I did not know they made G30's in 1999. Thought they were either G1500,
>G2500 or G3500 in 1999.
You're absolutely right - my mistake. The G3500 replaced the G30.
Will KD3XR
