I currently own a 95 astro van (extended) basic model.  No tow package. I
would like to head off to Baha Mexico this winter, it's a 10,000km
(6500mile) round trip from Vancouver BC.
The TT I am considering is a 13ft Trillium f/g travel trailer, it's GVRW is
1650lbs.
The van is in good mechanical condition, high KM's (300,000).  Does not burn
any oil (yet).
Do you think it's possible to make this trip without major amounts of
driving stress and strain on the van and myself.  I do understand that the
van would need a different differential, a TT cooler, a oil cooler, and a
hitch with a electric brake system.  Am I wasting my time here, or should I
try to find a full size truck or van to pull a trailer like this.  Oh and we
do plan on staying down there for a few
months, so I imagine that the van will be loaded with camping gear, sports
equip ect ect.

First, you don't say which engine you have.
If it's the 4 cylinder, you have a problem.
Then an Astro van is only a so-so towing vehicle and the extended van is
even worse.
If you were towing the trailer almost empty and the van was almost empty, I
would say you were probably OK.
But if you load up the TT and load up the van, you will be in trouble.
Changing a differential would be a waste of money in a 1995 vehicle with
300,000km on it.
Better off putting that money toward a better vehicle.
As far as buying another vehicle.....If you can buy a late model, series
2500, pickup truck you would be much better off.

I think you've got it pretty much covered. The Astro is work
truck based and makes a pretty good tow vehicle. For a trailer
that light I'd just go with a transmission cooler. Forget about
changing the differential. Even if it's the 3.08 it will still
pull fine. The V6 in the Astro is a 4.3L derived from the 5.7L V8.
The transmission is the same one used in the 1500 pickups.

Relax and have fun.
Hugh

don't do it.  A mini van is not a tow vehicle.

No.  I can't think of a better way to "finish off" 12-year-old minivan
with >186,000-miles on the clock.

The Trollometer<tm> is REALLY deflecting now.   <sigh>

The CO$T of the improvements you mention are worth more than the van itself.

Yes, and I suspect I am, too.

Without a more capable tow vehicle, your time will be spent either broken down
along the side of the road or working on the Astro instead of recreating.  You
would likely return home without the trailer OR the Astro.

No problem if the trip is on flat ground and all highway miles. Hills, dirt
roads, stop and go driving will kill the van. Your upgrades will cost more
than the van is worth. If you operate a high mileage vehicle outside of the
parameters it was operated to get to the high mileage it will die a quick
death.

JK

You should not have any trouble with that trailer beyond what you
might have with a vehicle with that much use.  Your tow rating is at
or above 5000 pounds.  I pulled 3500 trailers all over the rocky
mountain area with an 88 Safari.  Just to be safe it would be a good
idea to add a transmission cooler.