How do the full-size commercial vans perform when towing and hauling near their maximum GVWR and GCWR? How do they do in an extreme environment of the Ike Gauntlet? We are talking about going up the steepest allowed grade on an interstate highway for eight miles from 9,000 feet above sea level to over 11,000 feet above sea level!
The question is simple? Which is the best towing and hauling machine in the land? Can the fully loaded van maintain the 60 MPH speed limit up the Ike Gauntlet grade?
TFLtruck is looking to expand the Gold Hitch Awards to include the full-size vans. We would like to test are: Chevy Express, Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Nissan NV, and the Ram ProMaster.
We are working to get the vans to Colorado for testing. Here is look at how the heavy lifters full-size vans compare on paper, with published specifications.
| Configuration | Max Towing (lbs) | GVWR (lbs) | GCWR (lbs) | |
| Chevy Express | G3500 Cargo, Std Roof, Std | 10,000 | 9,600 | n/a |
| Ford Transit | 350HD, High Roof, Long | 6,900 | 10,360 | 13,500 |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 3500 Cargo, High Roof, Ext | 7,500 | 11,030 | 15,250 |
| Nissan NV | 3500 Cargo, High Rood, Std | 9,500 | 9,900 | n/a |
| Ram ProMaster | 3500 Cargo, High Roof, Ext | 5,100 | 9,350 | 12,500 |
Check out this cool Ike Gauntlet video, featuring the Ram 3500 Dually.
