2019 GMC Savana 2500 Cargo Van

[Geronimo John]

On 4/15/2025 at 6:14 AM, Ronbrink said:

Current fuse taps include the solenoid trigger wire, as well as one for the alternator and Air Lift power.

For sure you are not a light weight camper!  Great installs and planning.

What size fuse taps did you use for the three additional loads?

GJ

[Ronbrink]

9 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

What size fuse taps did you use for the three additional loads?

The fuse taps are rated at 15 amps and came with 15A mini blade fuses. The additional loads required 10A fuses. 

[Ronbrink]

Yesterday I finished welding on the two primary swing out carrier hinges and fitment of the locking pins to secure them.

Carrier hinge assemblies mocked up on the previously modified receiver hitch.

Locking pin fitment for securement, underside view.

Locking pin, rear view. 

[Ronbrink]

This is a slow progression, but my design-as-I-go method of doing things usually works to my favor. Each of the swing racks will have dual articulation to provide adequate clearance to enable the rear cargo doors to fully open. Here are some pics of the two primary pivot and arm assemblies. Awaiting delivery of additional supplies to further fabrication of secondary components. Standby!

 

To anybody having the patience or curiosity to continue tracking this build, you are appreciated. I’m aware this may be beyond scope of the forum, and even though such tow vehicle mods are oftentimes of personal and individual importance, they should be shared in interest of others. 

 

Edited July 6 by Ronbrink

[jd1923]

9 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

... my design-as-I-go method of doing things usually works to my favor.

Very well said, my friend Ron. Me too, that's our style! It creates the best final outcomes when doing a personal one-off design.

You have laid out so much great information in this thread to which many of us can learn.

I had a Dodge Van 2500 Series back in the 90s. No way the Van-life thing, but we took it on great family trips to Florida and Colorado (from IL). We had so much fun and a 2500 series van drives well down the road!

When we met at the Texas Rally, I looked at your hoist and I didn't see that I would not need one. Not anymore! I'm thinking of a truck mounted crane-hoist, mine got to be 12VDC vs. the piston hand crank. Mounted in the back of the truck bed, I would use it to lift the 30# LP tanks and also the HD fire ring I have constructed.

First I added 10# of egg-shaped lava rocks that truly hold heat, not the cr@p that comes with these products. Then I added a fire-rated surround that focuses the heat and protects again the Winds of the West. Love this great campsite tool (see pic) and with the low grate pictured, and a taller stand for slow-cooking, using skillet or Lodge Dutch Oven, you can cook almost anything that does not splatter grease. Needless to say, this thing is heavy! On our recent 5-week trip, it was a bee-ach to lift out of the basket!

Looking for your advice. Looking at products on Amazon which seem to be overkill, but maybe not. Perhaps this is right product as-is or with some modification in height and arm length. Let me know what you think. 😂 

https://www.amazon.com/Folding-Truck-Mounted-Wireless-Electric-Painted/dp/B0899QCBP7/?th=1

Edited July 7 by jd1923

[Ronbrink]

On 7/6/2025 at 8:08 PM, jd1923 said:

Looking for your advice. Looking at products on Amazon which seem to be overkill, but maybe not. Perhaps this is right product as-is or with some modification in height and arm length. Let me know what you think. 😂 

My hoist is a basic Ultra-Tow 1000# capacity hydraulic truck crane from Northern Tool, to which I added a strap hand crank winch and modified the arm end with rollers for ease of lifting. I think a strap, rather than wire rope, would serve you better; less abrasive and more user friendly. Whether looping around the handles on my 75L Dometic DZ cooler fully loaded, frames of our expensive ebikes, handle/valve guards on 30# propane tanks or the plastic molded generator handles; worry of marring is completely eliminated. However, lifting straps could be used in conjunction with a wire rope setup, and that product you linked may meet needs you have other than just camping. Proper reach from the truck bed to a point directly over the propane tank housing is important, but the post height could definitely be reduced, as you eluded. No regrets installing my hoist within months after Oliver ownership, its been a real back saver! And now it is proving to be even more useful in lifting the cargo boxes in and out of the Savana van. Here’s a few pics to ponder:

 

Edited July 8 by Ronbrink

[jd1923]

10 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

Proper reach from the truck bed to a point directly over the propane tank housing is important, but the post height could definitely be reduced, as you eluded.

I would need to mount it in the bed over a frame segment so it can be properly secured. Agreed, thinking of distance to the LP tanks, it would require good arm reach which this product has. Yes, truck mounted I can use this for other needs and the strap you suggested would help for some cargo. Got this on my later this summer list (I got D52 axles and Alcan springs coming soon which is a first priority)! 

 

[Ronbrink]

Mock up of secondary pivot components using a modified receiver hitch and spindle bearing hinge. A swing out carrier arm will be welded to these sleeves and span the width of each rear door. Drivers side shown where the jerry can carrier rack will be mounted.

As a side note, electric fuel transport pump; stowed in a small Pelican case. I should be able to swing the mounted jerry cans completely out and refuel without removing them from the carrier rack. However, the fill hose would need to be extended a couple feet.