Could you actually live long-term in a van?

**101RRS** · 10th November 2018, 08:36 PM

Well my brother has decided to go a travelling - the first purchase is a new Lotus Trooper 22 - over $130K and 3.5 Tonnes later he decides his near new 35,000km Landcruiser 200 Sahara (another $125k new) does not have the power to tow the van, is overloaded and at over 25l/100km uses too much fuel.

So the Cruiser is getting the chop and has just ordered one of these

Silverado-Hero

A HSV Chev Silverado HSV / Chevrolet Silverado

So there is another $140K less what he gets for his 200 Series.

Now the issue is that the Silverado only has a load carry capacity of about 950KG (about the same as a hilux). It has a big tow capacity but when you deduct 350-400kg caravan ball weight, long range tank and fuel (150kg), Bro (160kg) Sis in law (120kg), bull bar and winch (say 100kg) this leaves only about 70kg for other gear like a boat and outboard etc.

So to go travelling my bro is going to be into it for over a $1/4 mil with a van that is overweight and a truck that can tow it but not carry much gear itself.

All this for 2 people no kids.

Garry

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 10th November 2018, 09:08 PM

sounds like its not really an issue,,

**Zeros** · 11th November 2018, 07:07 AM

So you and your bro see the world differently?

**dirvine** · 11th November 2018, 07:24 AM

When you have a van, there is no need for the truck to carry much. Also ball weight would be 350kg max unless he loads van up badly. Will be interesting to see what economy he gets with it.

**weeds** · 11th November 2018, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by dirvine

When you have a van, there is no need for the truck to carry much. Also ball weight would be 350kg max unless he loads van up badly. Will be interesting to see what economy he gets with it.

Is 350kg towball the max. Regardless of towing capacity?? Pretty sure the the Siverado can tow a lot more than 3.5T.

The 10% is just a guide.

**dirvine** · 11th November 2018, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by weeds

Is 350kg towball the max. Regardless of towing capacity?? Pretty sure the the Siverado can tow a lot more than 3.5T.

The 10% is just a guide.

My comment was based on the van he now owns. It is not over 3.5T so on the basis of the guide, 350kg would be the ball weight.(roughly) not 400kg unless he does not distribute weight in /on his current van

**LRJim** · 11th November 2018, 09:15 AM

It says 6t towing with pintle hook, 970kg payload but nothing about towbar weight not I've looked far. I like them compare to all the other modern truuks they don't have that wanbabee badass look compared to the rest.
Cheers Jim

A massive 9t for the 3500HDLTZ

**Zeros** · 11th November 2018, 10:47 AM

[QUOTE=LRJim;2856085 ...compare to all the other modern truuks they don't have that wanbabee badass look compared to the rest.[/QUOTE]

Huh?! Dat is one badass truck got me all unnecessary.

**LRJim** · 11th November 2018, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by Zeros

Huh?! Dat is one badass truck got me all unnecessary.

The 3500hd ltz looks really nice, yes it's a badass truck but it dosnt have that look like the Super dutys and the Rams. The midnight edition is a bit poofy but the top of the line one I quite like it's pretty swish.
I'd still prefer my old LWB f350 but that was like a 78, nothing modern compared to these.
Cheers Jim

**101RRS** · 11th November 2018, 11:39 AM

Like most vans - on the roas it weighs a lot more than it should - not weighed it yet but is probably closer to 4t with all the options that went into it - the 4.5 twin turbo 195kw TDV8 Landcruiser has problems towing it - yes the Chev has about 5 tonne tow capacity but for its size has a low load capacity and as I indicated that load capacity is taken up with necessities when towing.

I raised this just to highlight the nonsense of grey nomads these days - huge van and truck for just two poeple.

In the early 70s - my Dad hooked up a 16ft Franklin to the Valiant and our family of 5 were able to fit in comfortably in the 16 footer and the Valiant was able to tow it easily.

These MacMansions on wheels are becoming a bit of a joke in my view.

Garry

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