Vehicles to pull freight

You can pull any trailer with whatever power unit you like, but only if it is legal in terms of GCWR and all the rest of the regulations, like DOT,FMCSA, state length regulations, etc.
.I suspect you are going to want a more expansive answer, but for that, you are going to need to know the specifics of the van, trailer, and freight that you are pulling.

 

Simply need to find the ratings on the van and see if it can pull the weight required.
Remember the van weighs more, so less product can be pulled. Even then most vans are made with engines, transmissions, and (most important) rear ends that are not designed with towing in mind.

Tht said, if the weights of what you want to tow are good, go for it!

 

Main issue I see is that a van is bumper pull only, which will significantly lower your max payload. Main benefit to a dually pickup is the ability to use a gooseneck and fifth wheel.

 

UPS package delivery vans [in rural areas and with unusual package counts] do this all the time.

 

Seen plenty of hitches one can put on a van. Doesn't need to be bumper only.
As an example of one... 2017 Ford Transit T150 Trailer Hitch | etrailer.com

 

Jarrod on Shipping Wars alsays used vans. And you can put a hitch on a van so it can tow just as much a pick up can