2019 GMC Savana 2500 Cargo Van

[Ronbrink]

After several months of researching a suitable replacement TV, a van was decided to be our best choice based on perceived criterium, ie engine/drivetrain, cargo/tow capacity and tongue weight requirements for our OLEll and style of camping. The former 2012 Silverado 1500 4x4 was reaching ‘retirement age’ and I’ve been pushing its limits, regarding carrying capacity, for a couple of years. I will acknowledge up front that we are not minimalist! That said, this Explorer conversion van well exceeds my expectations in both spacial and towing considerations, as well as comfort and convenience. BTW, I told my wife “remind me to never buy another tow vehicle days before a planned trip!”

Although ‘well appointed’, the passenger seats had to go; at least when towing our Oliver. The two second row captain’s chairs are easily removed via a release mechanism from the floor mounting base for occasional use, as needed; the third row couch/reclining bed not so much and will go to storage.

 

By removing the passenger seats, I now have 10’ of open cargo space from the rear doors to the front seats; the Silverado’s bed only measured 5’8”, plus limited space in its back seat.

Having double doors on both side and rear of the van vastly improved access to the cargo area.

 

The two vehicles were positioned end-to-end to facilitate easy cargo transfer for organizational purposes. Ultimately, two storage boxes were acquired to safely stow much of the cargo; specifically, underbody tool boxes. Yep, delivered one day before our departure to the Texas Oliver Rally at Inks Lake SP, what was I thinking!

 

The boxes are serving their purpose by providing secured organization of supplies and gear, with ample room for our folding e-bikes, Dometic fridge/freezer, portable power station, generators, spare 30 lb. propane tank and a couple of small bins.

Camp R&B, Inks Lake SP, Site 227; Texas Oliver Rally, October 20-25, 2024.

Edited October 25 by Ronbrink

[Steph and Dud B]

Excellent choice.  We towed a 26' travel trailer coast to coast across the US with our son, dog, and cat using a full size Ford van as the tow vehicle back in 2005. It was a great travel vehicle and yours has the same 6.0 engine we have in our truck now. Plenty of power for an Oliver it's been a solid engine for us. 

[Ronbrink]

1 hour ago, Steph and Dud B said:

yours has the same 6.0 engine we have in our truck now.

I was really surprised on the trip over to get an average of 13.5 mpg from Clear Lake to Austin (with some city traffic), then 12.2 on rest of the trip to Inks Lake SP doing hills. That's better mileage than the 5.3L in the Silverado, especially since more power and  being a heavier vehicle. Liking the upgrade!

[Ronbrink]

Yesterday I installed new AIR LIFT LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Adjustable Air Springs on the Savana. I knew prior to departing for the Texas Oliver Rally that my receiver hitch was an inch shy of the recommended ball height with the trailer in tow, and that was after maxing out the pin hole height adjustment. As illustrated in the first picture of this post, the van and trailer were ‘well poised’, but once loaded with cargo for the trip there was a slight squat. Regardless, it was always my intent to install airbags for ease of adjustment in varying conditions. Today I will remove the AIR LIFT pump assembly from my former TV and reinstall on the Savana. Problem solved! As a side note, I really liked being able to inflate the airbags, via a remote, to tilt the Oliver upward when dumping the tanks and hopeful this new setup will provide like benefit.

Inks Lake SP did it right with their new dump station! At some facilities however, raising the trailer’s nose is a must to fully empty the tanks. Did someone say ‘airbags’?

Edited November 1 by Ronbrink

[Ronbrink]

Well, upon removal of the AIR LIFT pump assembly from the Silverado a few days ago, I realized that system would require a reconfiguration to better serve the selected Savana mounting position. Yesterday said pump and new airline hoses were installed. Today the wiring harness will be routed to the engine bay to complete this project. BTW, the original AIR LIFT air springs remain on the Silverado and can be individually inflated with the Schrader Valve terminated supply airlines left in place.

Driver’s side airbag at 0 psi; 5 psi minimum upon install completion, as recommended to prevent damage. 

AIR LIFT pump assembly readied for install.

Pump assembly with airlines, wiring harness and remote control.

Pump assembly securely mounted atop the trailer hitch receiver. Once the wiring harness is connected, care will be taken to further protect with wiring loom and mounting straps tidied up.

Potential location on backup fill ports in the event of a pump failure (screenshot taken from a YT video).

 

[Ronbrink]

A change in vehicle type, but not in looks; truck vs van.

2012 Chevrolet 1500 Silverado 4x4, 144” wheelbase.

2019 GMC  2500 Savana Cargo Van, 135” wheelbase. 

Edited November 4 by Ronbrink

[Ronbrink]

On 11/1/2024 at 9:34 AM, Ronbrink said:

Potential location on backup fill ports in the event of a pump failure (screenshot taken from a YT video).

Alternate mounting of said ports from the aforementioned screenshot. Holes drilled (3/8” front, 5/16” rear) through the hitch receiver tube were made for adequate securement of these Schrader Valves once exposed metal was painted and allowed to cure.