Should That number be stated in the owners manual some where? Because I couldn't find it.
I have been reading on here of people towing heavier trailers then me. I just heard from a guy with the same 3.3 litre w/tranny cooler that was pulling a 2500 lb pop up with no problems. He just took his time getting places. Mine has a dry weight of 1735 lbs.
The day before I get my hitch installed and pull away with the tent trailer I'm getting some TLC for my van. I booked an appointment to have the coolant flushed and changed, the transmission serviced, with new oil and filter and the engine oil changed. Also a tire rotation and brake inspection.
Any other suggestions for my tow vehicle? Other then replace it of course.
I think I just found this number in a table in my manual.
It says; Max combined weight of vehicle and trailer not to exceed 6,600 lbs (2993 kg).
It also says a load equalizing hitch is recommended for loaded trailer weights above 1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for weights above 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
I am sure my tent trailer will be over 2000 lbs once I put a bit of gear in it. I guess that seals the deal, go with the WD hitch.
Funny thing is, I've had some RV dealers tell me I don't need WD, just a plain old ball hitch will work.
Thanks to all those who replied and offered advice.
I ended up going with the RV dealer hitch installation. That included weight distribution, 7 pin wiring and a Prodigy brake control.
I'm glad I went with WD because it really lifts up the back of my van a couple of inches when I pull the lever into place. Plus, so far so good on the towing. The first time I hooked it up at the dealer I drove 12 hours (1100 kms).
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Looks good! Your trailer and van appear "level" which is what you are looking for. If any thing you want the trailer tongue a bit "down" to reduce the chances of sway. Your set up looks good.
Good luck and happy camping.....see ya down the road!
-Greg
1997 DODGE RAM 4x4, 2500 SERIES, , Reg. cab, 5.9L V8, AT, 4.10 gears. Prodigy Electric Brake Control
1995 BOOMER (Skyline) Model 2223
It does appear that the RV dealer 'took you to the cleaners' there, on the hitch/towing setup. But, thats all 'water under the bridge now', no use getting upset over it.
I'll give credit where its due: At least the dealer set you up with a good brake controller, the Prodigy. More often than not, dealers throw in cheap timing ramp-up type controllers, that IMO are so worthless, it oughta be illegal to sell/install them, haha. Glad to see your dealer didn't do that to you.
Anyway, as one that owns the same van you have (Grand Caravan, 3.3L), I will warn you about a few things:
The brakes on these Caravans....Simply put, are very cheap. I've already replaced one set of pads on mine, they were shot after only 30,000 miles. And I don't tow anything with it. Keep a very close eye on the brakes, go easy on them when towing, especially coming down long grades. Expect that you'll be replacing pads frequently. Not the end of the world, but definitely something to watch very closely.
I know you said your van came with a tranny cooler, but I strongly suggest you get an auxiliary tranny cooler installed as well. You know as well as I do the reputation Dodge has with the tranny in their vans. And, you don't know if the tranny cooler they put with the towing package, might be more substantial than what you have now. Get a tranny cooler, to be sure.
..Along the same lines as what I said above: Consider getting a transmission temperature gauge installed. That way, you can keep a close eye on how hot the tranny may be getting, and will know when to go easy on it if need be..
Will & Angela
2 wonderful children that love camping, Stephen & Allison
2003 Ford Excursion V10 4x4
2003 Thor Citation 33M, Hensley Arrow hitch, Brakesmart Brake Control
(wanna see? Here is a picture of it )
I know you said your van came with a tranny cooler, but I strongly suggest you get an auxiliary tranny cooler installed as well.
Rig looks great.
I agree with Will on the transmission cooler. I almost bought a new 3.8 Grand Caravan in 2004. I could not find one with the factory tow package (not that it would have really mattered that much, but that's what I wanted at the time). After several inquiries, Chrysler sent me a letter stating that the transmission cooler in the factory tow package was merely a slightly larger cooling area in the radiator, it was not a separate stand alone fluid cooler. So, yes, as Will said, it would be good to get an auxiliary cooler installed (Hayden or other).
2004 Ford Freestar 4.2 liter
2003 Jayco Qwest 12A
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