jay_merrill
Vice Admiral
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2007
- Messages
- 5,653
Re: Considering a very high mileage tow vehicle.
I have a 2000 Chevy Astrovan with 180,000+ miles on it.
It has the tow package, so the trailer wiring is stock. It also has a lower than normal gear ratio, so I can tow up to 6,300 pounds. Like you, I regularly tow a boat/trailer combination that is about 2,000 pounds. The motor and tranny do just fine, even in southern heat and the brakes handle the load well. I also have anti-lock brakes and they do a great job in a panic stop, with the trailer attached.
I prefer this vehicle over Tahoe type vehciles for a couple of reasons. First, it has the GM 4.3L engine, which is both powerful and about as "bulletproof" a motor, as has ever been made. The fact that it is a V6, rather than a V8 is a plus too. Mostly though, I love, the convenience of being able to take the middle and rear bench seats completely out, resulting in a huge amount of low, flat floor, given the size of the vehicle. Having the lift hatch in combination with bumper height french doors in the back .... and a large sliding door on the side, makes hauling anything that will fit in the car, a snap to load/unload.
I have owned many different vehicles, foreign and domestic and the Astro is by far my favorite. For all-around versitility, it the best car I have ever owned. I do keep the vehicle well maintained, but I still have to say that I feel its reliability is every bit as good as any foreign vehicle that I have ever owned. The huge difference, however, is that parts for the Astro are a fraction of what they have been for the foreign cars.
I fully plan to drive this car to the 300,000 mile range or better.
???
I have a 2000 Chevy Astrovan with 180,000+ miles on it.
It has the tow package, so the trailer wiring is stock. It also has a lower than normal gear ratio, so I can tow up to 6,300 pounds. Like you, I regularly tow a boat/trailer combination that is about 2,000 pounds. The motor and tranny do just fine, even in southern heat and the brakes handle the load well. I also have anti-lock brakes and they do a great job in a panic stop, with the trailer attached.
I prefer this vehicle over Tahoe type vehciles for a couple of reasons. First, it has the GM 4.3L engine, which is both powerful and about as "bulletproof" a motor, as has ever been made. The fact that it is a V6, rather than a V8 is a plus too. Mostly though, I love, the convenience of being able to take the middle and rear bench seats completely out, resulting in a huge amount of low, flat floor, given the size of the vehicle. Having the lift hatch in combination with bumper height french doors in the back .... and a large sliding door on the side, makes hauling anything that will fit in the car, a snap to load/unload.
I have owned many different vehicles, foreign and domestic and the Astro is by far my favorite. For all-around versitility, it the best car I have ever owned. I do keep the vehicle well maintained, but I still have to say that I feel its reliability is every bit as good as any foreign vehicle that I have ever owned. The huge difference, however, is that parts for the Astro are a fraction of what they have been for the foreign cars.
I fully plan to drive this car to the 300,000 mile range or better.
???
