Considering a 2001 Dodge 3500 ram van, 5.9L with 115,000 miles. It was a medical transport van, so likely well maintained and not abused off-road, etc. We plan to build it into a camper van (extra length and height make this a great blank canvas), but also need it to tow a trailer of about 6000lbs. Towing capacity is listed at about 8000lbs, but is this true for a gas van? We will be doing plenty of highway miles so I'm hesitant to buy non-diesel...

Wondering if anyone has experience with this van, how long the engine is good for, and if I can expect that towing capacity to be realistic. I'd hate to invest in the camper build only for the block to die on me before 200,000 miles.

 

If taken care of, it'll hit 200K without a problem. Make sure your trans has more than adequate cooling though, that's gonna be the weak point. Towing 6K shouldn't be an issue at all, especially if you also have trailer brakes.

 

Buy a 1-ton for what you are planning on doing. Skip over the 3/4-tons as you'll end up being overweight. The Chevy vans will be the most stable as they have the rear wheels in the rear corners of the van instead of in the middle.