Sounds to me the auto needs some attention ?

Thanks. Just spent $$900.00 getting everything serviced including auto.so many cowboy mechanics out there 

If transm ok.
Maybe a Torque Converter lock up switch could help.
Stops the plates slipping which causes the overheating
and over running downhill
plus will hold in whatever gear you choose to retard
going up and down steepies.

My 4 spd is fine. Lockup stops it jumping up\down the gears, over revving engine
when near crests of hills. and can retard going down if I select a gear to suit.

Plus Auto's (normally) have higher O\Drive cog than manuals.
Plate slippage is always the problem with loads on.

Ford Petrol 2 ltr will be thirsty with that load and flat front.
They designed as town delivery veh's basically.

Park up on windy days is best Advice I can give you.
Enjoy the view or go fishing, watch movies.

Otherwise they . Generally.
Have very good reviews for reliability (just reading)
and access to parts.

One of the best things you can get for those smaller rigs.
is a Roll out shade on side, with side mossie netting or tent,
to expand covered area.
Standing UP space is the thing most lacking in those rigs.
These give you that. Covered and private, and cheap.
$4\500 plus rack.
That Roof rack on top with flat water tank painted matt black and shower hose down.
Small elect pump to fill with. heaven on sticky days (and cold)

Even a coupla 20\25ltr water plastics painted will do job.

A hot shower is worth a zillion at end of the day.
Just check temp's b4 stepping under OK.
Solar. spare, chairs\table.
Give heaps more room inside.
And always have highest items at REAR of rack
for airflow. with a tarp to smooth it.
20\25ltrs on side not standing.

I made up a rack for mate yrs ago.
Solar panels at front.x 2 with 2 x more set in Ally angles.
that slid out and propped at bonnet.
. to double input when parked.
Table\chairs etc strapped down in middle. Spare x 2 at near rear
and coupla 25ltr plastics. water and fuel at back.
Also made a tilt up short arm boom that locked up and swiveled.

You then clipped a set of main sheet self jamming blocks on it.
to raise and lower, then swing in. all the heavy stuff..
Made up similar for my Outboards on corner of boat loader
on Patrols.
Works VERY well. and I have the blocks etc even now.

Have fun.

thanks, lots to think about. The zip on awning is as good as knew so will try that first. Trying to keep costs down and need something easy for me to handle on my own. will ask mechanic about torque converter. Haven't had the van long, doing weekend trips with family to get the hang of it all

Don't think your auto is electronically controlled so no lockup clutch and no overdrive, just 3 speeds old school. The slower you cruise the less fuel you will use - probably find about 80 kph is best.

Good Luck.

Thanks a lot . Clarified the issue for me. Noticed today with overdrive button in it stays on 3 RPM otherwise 4