Did I miss something here!

Don't get me wrong one of my astros has close to 400 k odometer stopped working after 382,000 six months ago. I started out with a buffer (Dry Clean) and a portable. So that worked.

Pump.......................30 lbs

Vacuum Blower.........100 lbs

Hose Reel ...............  60 lbs

200 feet hoses......... 100 lbs

60g, Alum Waste....... 75 lbs

100 Alum Fresh......... 125 lbs

100 gallons water......1000 lbs ( ride empty if possible )

accessories total.......  200 lbs

total plumbing .........  150 lbs

TOTAL 840 LBS RUNNING DRY........ADD 1000 LBS WATER AND YOU'RE CLOSE TO THE BREAKING POINT.

Rating might be 1647 but that's their insurance limite, add 30% to failure weight.Thats brings it to over 2100 lbs

But that's too close for comfort, you guys are right Astro is out..........3/4 Ton min at best.

                                 Nightrider

According to the GM website Astro has a cargo capacity of 1647lbs.  That is not a lot of weight. 

Whats a heavy load ? The springs don't get affected unless all the weight is directed to the rear of the cabin.

All weight distribution should be front to center of cab.

Ball joints & Pittman arms are weak to begin with, that includes all Chevy products including the series 1500, 2500, 3500 heavy duty Trucks.

GM shouls take a lesson from Ford and use Kingpins.

The Vortec V6 4.3 is capable of towing over 5000 lbs

                                Nightrider

One of the problems with Astro Vans is they have graphite springs in the rear.  When you overload a regular steel leaf spring it still works ok. Overload a graphite spring and they bottom easier and are prone to snapping.  The other problem on Astros is they are prone to pitman and idler arm wear and heavy loads will only accelerate these problems. 

If you were to run the truck over its legal weight and you have a commercial registration on the vehicle it could be reasonably argued by the insurer of the van that it was not being operated correctly and that could cause your insurance to not pay a claim.

IMO, if you keep your foot out of the trottle on the 1 tons they are not all that bad on fuel.  If you want longevity on the unit (truck or cleaning unit) take care to service it.  Change oil and lube by the running hour not the ordometer.  Change trany fluid and coolant every year.

Got'ya beat ED.... lol !!!  My Astro went 358,000 miles before the intake gasket went out....  Also the usual repairs  alternator, starter....

The Chevy Astro van with Vortex 6 cyl. engine are some of the best made, IMHO.

We had two of them and they ran, ran, ran, each acummulating up to 240,000 miles without one major problem. Ofcourse, up to the day we sold them, they looked brand new. Always cleaned and waxed them.

Good Fortune to all;

Ed Valentine

77748 I checked the specs on the Chevy Astro and it said that the payload is capable for 1600 lbs

It has the Vortec 4.3 V6

250lbs,Torque @ 2800rpm.

Sounds good to me so far.

NOw if you ride empty and have only a waste tank and connect direct at the customers ( providing you do alot of commercial ) the Astro would be ideal.

If you do more residential, then have a 70-100 gallon fresh tank and a 40 gallon waste with an auto pump out.

Does any of this make sence............ or am I really out in left field and should stick to marketing.

                              Nightrider

Your alright Nightrider! Pretty cool sense of humor!

Thanks for not taking my responses in a negative way!

This forum is the best I have learned alot from it !!!

Told you I was full of crap, but do you listen........nooooooooooooooooo

                                Nightrider