One aspect of the labour, the wiring, did take a long time to complete.
I needed the WD hitch, 7 pin wiring harness and the brake controller. None of those were part of the Dodge dealers estimate.
Another factor is the price comparison between the US and Canada. With most pups I was looking at the difference was around $2K.
Anyway, I'm over it. I operate in pretty remote areas with little or no service available, certainly no rv dealers. I wanted to get it right the first time and didn't mind spending extra for top end and peace of mind.
NWTmagic wrote: My van does have a transmission cooler, but I think that's about it as far as a towing package goes.
Good, that's all you really need. The towing package from Chrysler includes a lot of seriously unrelated stuff.
NWTmagic wrote: I was really thinking about the WD hitch because my rear suspension does seem soft. Do you think I can go with the dodge dealer hitch receiver and wiring and then add the WD hitch to that installation?
Yes, and that is exactly what I would do. All you need to make sure is that the receiver Dodge wants to sell you is a real class III hitch WITH Weight Distribution capability. A lot of places will install a class II hitch, and then you can never upgrade to a WD hitch. The Dodge minivan DOES have a soft rear suspension and adding the WD hitch system is definitely the way to go. I use one on my minivan/popup combo as well.
NWTmagic wrote: I'm worried that with out the WD hitch I won't have good enough control of the front wheel drive van and my head lights will be pointing up in the air.
That's a good thing to worry about, because it's very likely to happen.
NWTmagic wrote: Living where we are, I expect we'll take our unit to BC and the Yukon. So that means mountains. I think I'll get the towing package added to the engine (coolers)by the Dodge dealer.
Try getting by with just the minimum first. You really only need the tranny cooler to keep the transmission safe. I've never bought a vehicle yet with a factory tow package, always preferred to retrofit items as needed and save money. I have NEVER overheated a vehicle even in the mountains. I suspect you would not be in danger of overheating your minivan unless you were pulling an actual travel trailer.
NWTmagic wrote: One of the challenges we face is both the RV dealer and the Dodge dealer are an 11 hour drive away in Edmonton. I'm sure you can appreciate that I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row before we go.
Wise thinking. Again, I would have the Dodge dealer install the class III hitch and 7-pin trailer wiring. Get the WD hitch system from the RV dealer and probably the brake controller as well.
NWTmagic wrote: I looks like I'll be waiting until June 10th to be driving back north with my new unit. Can't wait, two more weekends with out and going to be tough.
If you outfit the van as you intend too, you camping and towing experiences will go smoothly. If you cut corners like many do, you will end up one of the sour pusses that claim minivans can't tow anything.
NWTmagic wrote: One more thing, I believe the Fleetwood Sea Pine come with electric brakes and they will be wired up through the hitch wiring right?
Yes, for electric brakes you need to get the Dodge dealer to install 7-pin trailer wiring on your van, and then have the RV dealer install a brake control unit under your dashboard.
'04 Ford Freestar (Primary tow vehicle) '05 Subaru Forester (Backup tow vehicle) '65 Bethany popup (best popups ever made!) Looking for a tow vehicle Minivan towing
I've already put over 3000 kms on my van pulling my new Sea Pine. No troubles so far. It just takes a little longer then usual to get where we're going.
I've already put over 3000 kms on my van pulling my new Sea Pine. No troubles so far. It just takes a little longer then usual to get where we're going.
The WD makes a huge difference.
When I first replied I didn't see the end of the thread where you stated you had already done all the right things.
Glad you found the right way and are happy with the combo. Good luck and happy camping!
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