Truck mount Question

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.

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

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.

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

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 !!!

I own two Chevy Astros and both have had the same problems they are simply weak overated . Hell I even beefed up the suspensions. I supposedly saved gas. Within the last month got 1 chevy 2500 and one 3500. I feel like the real deal. Atro looks like a little kid next these new vans and they are the extended. Dwarfed them. Whatever the weight is when you are running 80 90 % weight capacity you are looking for problems.

Found this Mr. Nightrider  which is one of your your posts (scaring me now)your quest should be simple. Get the Astro and you will also have a degree in Nightwalkin  

I AM JACK, A CERTIFIED TECHNICAL ADVISOR OF PRE AND POST AIR QUALITY CONTROL SUPERVISOR WITH A BACHLOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE, AN ENGINEERS DEGREE IN THE MANUFACTURING OF CARPET AND A IICRC TRUE BLUE ONE OF A KIND KING OF THE HILL BULLsh*tTER STORY TELLER AND PART TIME CARPET CLEANER...........WHERE EVERY CARPET CLEANER IS ANOTHER CARPET CLEANERS NIGHTMARE