trucks vs. vans

[TddWil@aol.com]

In light of the recent standard vs. automatic conversation, are there vans 
out there that are suitable tow vehicles? My husband has a 1 ton ford van 
with a auto w/ overdrive transmission and a 5 liter motor. The overdrive can 
be switched off. The van does good here in "flatland" but labors a bit in Old 
Dominion country - keeps shifting. Do any manufacturers make a van with nice 
towing options - like 4 WD, deisel, and stick shift? Are these cheaper than a 
comparable truck? Our van is pretty nice to sleep in (we use a stock trailer 
- strictly low budget here). 

                                  Shelly in DE