Dodge Grand Caravan

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Tim Cox - 28 Jun 2005 04:00 GMT

We have a 2003 DGC with a 3.8 liter engine. The vehicle did not come
equipped with a towing package. Does anyone know what items are included in
the towing package and if it is necessary to pull and stop a 2400 lb trailer
plus 1200 lbs of people and gear on relatively flat roads?

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Jim Redelfs - 28 Jun 2005 05:23 GMT

> We have a 2003 DGC with a 3.8 liter engine. The vehicle did not come
> equipped with a towing package.

That's unfortunate, especially if you would like to tow a trailer. ...ANY
trailer.

> Does anyone know what items are included in the towing package

A good dealership should be able to provide the specifics.

A towing package frequently includes, but is not limited to: A larger
capacity radiator and transmission cooler and heavier-duty shock
absorbers/struts.

> if it is necessary to pull and stop a 2400 lb trailer
> plus 1200 lbs of people and gear on relatively flat roads?

Yes. Absolutely. Without the factory tow package, the limit is probably
2000-lbs, perhaps 2500. Given your numbers (3600-lbs), you're WAY over the
max. If buying a new camping trailer, be sure to hold back (save) some money
for the replacement transmission. (no joke)

If the vehicle is still under warranty, you would do well to involve the
dealer in any trailer towing plan.

Be sure to consider ANY dry/unloaded weight listed in a trailer sales brochure
with extreme skepticism. They are NOTORIOUSLY low numbers and do NOT include
the weight of options such as air conditioner, awning, microwave, etc.

Good luck.
:)
JR

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2000 Skamper Ultra 249 TT
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Vortec 8100 - Allison 1000

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ltrib2001@yahoo.com - 28 Jun 2005 14:48 GMT

Towing is one thing, even on flat lands. Stopping is another.
Minivans do not have an adequate braking system for towing. Front
wheel drive vehicles make for poor towing. Even with a factory tow
package, you are at max capacity, but over the max for stopping.
You stated you wanted to tow a 2400 lb trailer. Is that the "factory
listed weight" ? or have you weighed it yourself? Jim is correct that
factory weights do not include a/c, awning, etc. nor propane tanks and
batteries which are considered "extras". Some manufacturers even
consider a spare tire to be extra and not included in the unit weight.

If you do go with the 2400 lb trailer and the Dodge Caravan, please
have the transmission oil changed regularly along with other
maintenance...And keep the tire pressure up to recommended standards.
Leon in Texas

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meldx - 30 Jun 2005 14:03 GMT

> A towing package frequently includes, but is not limited to: A larger
> capacity radiator and transmission cooler and heavier-duty shock
> absorbers/struts.

If I am not mistaking, the tow package (on my ram and previous
Silverado) also included, the class 3 hitch on GMC and 4 on Dodge, the 7
pin wiring, HD Alternator and battery and the wiring harness for the
brake controller. From looking at the Ram, it also has a PowerSteering
cooler... but I don't think it's part of the Tow Package.

Actually,if you tink of it, for 400$Can that the dealer charges for the
Tow Package, it's actually a great deal.

Mel

Jim Redelfs a écrit:

>>We have a 2003 DGC with a 3.8 liter engine. The vehicle did not come
>>equipped with a towing package.
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
> :)
> JR

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Rodney Brown - 29 Jun 2005 19:20 GMT

According to a list I have, the highest available tow capacity for the
caravan is 3800 with FWD and 3500 with AWD. Sound like you're pushing it
without the tow package, and maybe even with the tow package.

> We have a 2003 DGC with a 3.8 liter engine. The vehicle did not come
> equipped with a towing package. Does anyone know what items are included in
> the towing package and if it is necessary to pull and stop a 2400 lb trailer
> plus 1200 lbs of people and gear on relatively flat roads?

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