[MagicRat]

Is fuel economy a big issue? I suggest pick up trucks, even one with a cap are out of the question. I would not want to leave any instrument in the unheated pick up truck bed in winter. Too much risk of thermal damage imho.

So, that leaves you with SUV's and vans.

I think the trailer rules out most minivans, which are almost all front wheel drive and relatively lightly-built, and are not up for serious towing. I think something truck-based like your Astro is better. A full size passenger or conversion van is an alternative, but these are huge, cumbersome to drive and get terrible mileage. However, they could take the bass and 5 people at the same time.

Five seats allows you to consider most mid-size and full size SUV's. If you need 6 seats, you will end up with a full-size SUV with a third-row seat. These will do a better towing job than the Astro, but get worse fuel economy.

A final alternative is another Astro. These things do not hold their value will, so used ones are cheap. $6000 will allow you to get the best used one out there. The problem is there simply may not be any good ones in your area.