engine wont fire, then starts alright in the morning

First I noticed the van 'chugging' on O/D at high speed under load. I thought the transmission was skipping, but it turned out ok. The van seemed to start running a little rough, then finally wouldn't start; it just turned over and shuddered when the gas peddle was pumped. In the morning the van started ok. Does this sound like a fuel pump problem? Is there anything I should beware of before I replace the pump, filter, et? The van has 192000kms on it; is there anything else I should watch for?

DOu you have a Check Engine Light ON?
..this is a 1997...(from your profile)...however most of these symptoms - specially hard start - mimick the crank position sensor syndrome ( except at highway speed) or the EGR valve syndrome, well known in previous year models . These two items are all too common issues and should be ruled out before searching for anything else.
If you have a CEL, have a scan at one.
Fuel filter would not impair initial starting, but this is an inexpensive item, part of normal maintenance, would do it anyway if it was not replaced yet. I'd do a pressure test before attempting changing the fuel pump...an expensive item and so many have been changed just to prove it was something else, but I think a low pressure would trig a CEL anyway.

Thanks for the info. There is no check engine light on. The van quit on me completely today. I had to abandon it on the road. I released the fuel pressure, then tried to start the van again. When I checked the fuel pressure again, there was none. I did notice a lot of corrosion in the electrical connection to the fuel pump. Would this info suggest anything further to your post? (I am a newbie at this). I was thinking of taking a multimeter out and checking the electrical components. Thanks again.