Differences Between Chevy Vans

You will most certainly find that the 1/2, 3/4 & 1 ton refers to carrying capacity (how much load you can take) & the bodies are most likely to be the same structurally.

This means that the suspension, tyres & most importantly brakes are built to safely accomodate such a load.

Sorry can't help re the interior dimensions.

Tony

They all share the same sheet metal body panels, but that is where the similarities stop. The axles, suspensions and brakes are all different. Springs, shocks and even the frame rails are different. Each heavier model has larger and heavier parts so that the truck can live up to it's rating. Need I say more?

At one time, these designations did refer to cargo weight capacity, but no longer. Typically, the gross vehicle weight (cargo+passengers+empty vehicle weight) will indicate, through some simple math that the carrying capacity is far greater.

What year(s) model(s) are you looking at? There are some chassis/suspension differences within the models, and these differences can vary from year to year.

You'll find that the higher the tonnage, the beefier (but not always) the chassis and suspension are.

You may need to make friends with a parts/service guy at a GM dealer and look at the service/parts manuals; dimensions are listed in some of these.

For interior dimensions I'd suggest a tape measure. There are literally millions of these vans around -- why not just measure one? That way you can get the dimensions you are really interested in, rather than the published dimensions (which don't necessarily show little bumps and intrusions that would (for example) prevent you from carrying a 4x8 sheet of plywood flat on the floor.

My son still has my old Daihatsu Charade (three-cylinder... almost a micro-car) and the published interior dimensions do not quickly and immediately show that one can easily carry 2x4 boards in it with the back hatch closed... but you can. The boards go through the car in 3D space, through areas that might or might not be available, depending upon the adjustability of seats, etc. Doing the calculations and getting the data on seat back angles, etc would be far more difficult than just sticking a board in and seeing if it fits.

everything said so far is valid, but it is mainly rated to braking power

Good info, guys. Maybe if I tell you what I'm planning, you could point me to the best model, year, etc. I am going to rebuild the interior and live in the van while I roam the country.

Well depending upon how much stuff and equipment you plan to carry or build into the van will determine which model you will need to use. Very basic rule to go by:

1/2 ton if you plan to carry 1500 ponds or less

3/4 ton if the number is between 1500 and 2500 pounds

1 ton if you are planing to take over 2500 pounds of stuff with you

These number are for things carried inside the van, not for things being towed in a trailer. Remember you can have the same interior volume regardless of weight capacity, but towing capacities are larger for the 3/4 and 1 ton vans. Economy is better on the 1/2 ton units if similarly equipped engine and transmission wise!

1/2, 3/4, and 1 ton names are from long gone days.

From a 2006 spec book, all Chevy vans are designated as G models.

G-15 7,200 Lbs. GVWR 135" WB

G-25 8,600 Lbs. GVWR 135 and 155" WB

G-35 9,600 Lbs. GVWR 135 and 155" WB

I can help with other dimensions and specifications also if you would like.

I have a question for you? What is the difference between a G35 and a G35 with dual wheels, besides the fact that the dually has 4 wheels in the rear ?

thanks

my dually

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I thought that I had sent a detailed reply last night. I will send again Tues AM Sorry

A duel wheel G35 is only produced in a cutaway design. They have different WB and always have flat frames behind the front wheels. Easier to mount aftermarket bodies on them.

The 139" WB is rated at 9,600 GVWR with single rear wheels.

The 159" WB is rated at 10,000 GVWR with duels.

The 177"WB is rated at 12,000 GVWB with duels.

There is also a RV package available on both 177 and 159" BW rated at 12,300 GVWR.

As mentioned before, the entire truck is beefed up to accommodate the extra weight.

There is also a rare H-10 model that is four wheel drive. It is 300 LBS heavier than a G-10, with 300 LBS lower payload. Sorry for the delay.

Bob, thanks for the great info. Would you know the empty weight of the g25 and g35 vans? I would go for the long WB, and I'm guessing either one would be sufficient for my use.

I will look them up first thing Tues AM and post them.

G-25 5,892 passenger van 5,338 short cargo 5,547 long cargo

G-35 SRW 6,009 short passenger 6,330 long passenger 5,453 short cargo 5,642 long

G-35 SRW 4,528 cutaway short

G-35 DRW ????? cutaway short

G-35 DRW 4,848 cutaway medium

G-35 DRW 4,895 cutaway long

There was no data for the G-35 DRW short cutaway, but it must be between 4,528 and 4,848.

For what it is worth, the GMC versions are about 150 to 200 LBS lighter than the Chevys. Don"t forget that any options will add weight to the above figures. Sorry for the delay.