chevy express?

Janalee · 09-04-2008, 09:55 PM

We are negotiating on a 1999 Chevy Express 1500 conversion van (hi-top)
that is in excellent condition with 90,000 miles. The price is good but I just wish the mileage was lower..Anyway, our '94 G20 is needing some repairs and rust is developing (108,000 miles)..My question is this, has anyone here towed with a Chevy Express conversion van (5.7 L., 3:73 rear axle) and if so how does it do mileage wise..I have always had 3:55 and 3:42 rears and got from 8 to 9 mpg towing...and is the wheelbase longer on it?--looks to be--what significance would that have in towing? Thanks, Jan

Jason Z · 09-08-2008, 05:30 PM

I had a 2000 express 3500 cargo van. 350 with 3.73's. it towed beautifully. I averaged 10-12 towing. How muck weight will you be pulling? The 1500 springs can be soft.

Janalee · 09-08-2008, 06:37 PM

Well, we bought the '99 Express Van and it is really nice..getting the brake hooked up Wed. and then we will try it out. I hate to give up my '94 but guess it has to go. Downside-, the new one won't fit under our carport so it has to be in the weather--the upside is it will winter in Fl.! Our Sunny weighs 5800 lbs. loaded--hope they get along...

Al in PA · 09-08-2008, 06:38 PM

We had a 1996 Chevy Express 8 passenger van. It was the best TV we ever had: Good power plus plenty of room for people and equipment. We experienced the same towing mileage as Jason Z while pulling our 2051.

Janalee · 09-23-2008, 05:38 PM

Well,we will take our new "GypsyExpress" pulling our Sunny next week for a local camping trip--we found in our trial hookup that the springs were indeed "soft"..got them re-arched and an extra leaf added so she is sitting very nicely now. With the price of gas, I won't be filling her up for a tryout--so will have to wait for the surprise mpg's when we go to Fl. in Nov...will let you know what we find out....