Can I increase the towing capacity of my 2011 Chev Express Van?

Asked by jimmywithavan Jul 27, 2013 at 09:30 PM about the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 LT AWD

Question type: General

My 2011 AWD Express Conversion (Explorer) Van has a towing capacity of 6500 lbs.  It has a transmission cooler and towing package.  We just bought a 6500 lb trailer camper, with plans to pull it with our older Ford pickup.  However, we thought it would be a lot nicer to be able to pull it with our Express Van, but I'm not comfortable towing a trailer at maximum weight.  The dealer that sold us the van said we could do it very simply with adding support to the back end, either with leaf springs, or air bags.  Has anyone had experience with this?  Did it work?  Has anyone you know made it work?  Thanks so much for your help?

1 Answer
18,695

Michael answered 10 years ago

My bet is that the weight of the trailer is where it is based on the weight of the van as it sits, as the normal Express has a higher capacity. In a word, when you are at your maximum CVWR, there is NOTHING you can do to keep it legal. That is the combined weight of the van, contents and trailer added together are the maximum the van is rated to weigh. Go in excess of that, and you are driving an illegal rig.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Shortcuts

Search Chevrolet Express Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Sarai Sanchez
    Reputation
    640
  • #2
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    590
  • #3
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    480
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Express Cargo
12 Great Deals out of 290 listings starting at $6,500
Used GMC Savana
21 listings starting at $13,900
Used Ford E-Series
3 Great Deals out of 168 listings starting at $6,900
Used Chevrolet Express Chassis
52 listings starting at $10,290
Used GMC Savana Cargo
17 Great Deals out of 338 listings starting at $7,949
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
177 Great Deals out of 7,375 listings starting at $6,995
Used Chevrolet Suburban
7 Great Deals out of 529 listings starting at $4,999
Used Ford F-150
319 Great Deals out of 13,512 listings starting at $3,888
Used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
39 listings starting at $18,500
Used Ford Transit Connect
17 Great Deals out of 230 listings starting at $3,990
Used Nissan NV Passenger
2 listings starting at $49,950

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.