Good evening! This is my first post, so I hope it's in the right place.
My family (wife, four kids ages 7 to 1, two large dogs) currently drive a 2004 Expedition to tow our trailer (1995 Layton -- max tow ration around 7400 lbs). We are a bit cramped in the Expedition, and are looking at a 2011 Chevy Express 3500 extended (towing capacity at 9300 lbs). While my family isn't doing true overlanding, I've been very impressed with the builds that I've seen and figured I could get the best advice here. We'll use this van primarily as the tow vehicle for our camper, but plan on using it for day trips with our bikes while camping, and possibly for overnight trips with tents and camping gear. I'm looking into the modifications that I'd like to make, and have a couple of questions.
Roof Rack
I will want to add a roof rack to our van, mainly to carry out bikes. But my wife and I thought it would be cool to put expanded steel on the floor so the family can sit up there to look at the stars while camping, and other similar uses. I can't find anywhere what the maximum roof weight of the 3500 express vans is, but I see them used as work vans with a ton of ladders and other gear on top. Is there anything I should think about if I want to use a roof rack like this?
Lights
Along with the roof rack, I want to add on some lights. Probably something like a light bar, and maybe some directional spot lights. Some areas we go will get very dark, so I'm thinking forward at various options. I know NOTHING about car lighting. What would be a good resource to start learning?
Other modifications for towing
Any other modifications for towing a trailer I should look into? Suspension? Mirrors? What have others done?
Thanks everyone!
My family (wife, four kids ages 7 to 1, two large dogs) currently drive a 2004 Expedition to tow our trailer (1995 Layton -- max tow ration around 7400 lbs). We are a bit cramped in the Expedition, and are looking at a 2011 Chevy Express 3500 extended (towing capacity at 9300 lbs). While my family isn't doing true overlanding, I've been very impressed with the builds that I've seen and figured I could get the best advice here. We'll use this van primarily as the tow vehicle for our camper, but plan on using it for day trips with our bikes while camping, and possibly for overnight trips with tents and camping gear. I'm looking into the modifications that I'd like to make, and have a couple of questions.
Roof Rack
I will want to add a roof rack to our van, mainly to carry out bikes. But my wife and I thought it would be cool to put expanded steel on the floor so the family can sit up there to look at the stars while camping, and other similar uses. I can't find anywhere what the maximum roof weight of the 3500 express vans is, but I see them used as work vans with a ton of ladders and other gear on top. Is there anything I should think about if I want to use a roof rack like this?
Lights
Along with the roof rack, I want to add on some lights. Probably something like a light bar, and maybe some directional spot lights. Some areas we go will get very dark, so I'm thinking forward at various options. I know NOTHING about car lighting. What would be a good resource to start learning?
Other modifications for towing
Any other modifications for towing a trailer I should look into? Suspension? Mirrors? What have others done?
Thanks everyone!