jhundley
SouthEast
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My family just bought a new Jayco 1007 popup. We have towed this with our 2006 Dodge Grand caravan locally. While taking the camper out last weekend I noticed the Van possibly searching for a gear or a littel hesitation. I spoke to the dealership and of course now they mention that maybe my TV is not strong enough. The van has a tow capicity or ~ 3500 lbs the jayco (when out this weekend ) weighed in at around 2250.
I was planning on adding a weight distribution hitch (even though the backend of the van only drops about 1 1/2 inch when the trailer is hooked up) as well as adding a prodigy P3 this spring all costing around 900.00 with installation. After this past weekend and not wanting to trash the transmission in the van I am considering getting a different tow vehicle.
I currently drive a 2006 PT cruiser that will be paid off in March, I am considering buying a used Chevy Trailblazer with factory hitch and wiring harness/ tow package - I have seen s few in my area and it appears most people do not want the V6 Trailblazer - looking for more fuel economy.
My plan would be to use the Trail blazer as the primary TV and ONLY use the Van in an emergency. We could not choose a different TV prior because of the size of our family (we have 6 - oldest Son is enlisting in June so one less passenger - second son will be getting a job so maybe even 1 more less) I really need an SUV in the V6 range for my family and regular driving to and from work.
Does that sound like a sound plan? Should I wait and see how the van handles on a few more trips ( I do not want to spend the money on the new hitch etc - especially if I am getting a new TV) What pros and cons does anyone see with this solution.
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kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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The Chrysler minivan's weak point is the transmission. You might check the owners manual to see if they suggest towing in 3rd gear (instead of D). We towed a smaller, lighter PUP with an older minivan (WITH towing package - sounds like yours may not have one) and it did ok, but struggled in mountains. We did have to service the tranny more often than would have been normal.
You said you weighed your trailer at 2250, loaded? Depending on how many passengers & how much stuff you had in the van, you might well have been running at or near its max tow capacity - you have to subtract the weight of passengers & cargo from the tow capacity, after all.
I wouldn't add the WD hitch unless you have a heavy tongue weight on the PUP - again, check the owners manual to see if they recommend getting one (or recommend against it). A good brake controller is a really good idea, assuming the trailer has its own brakes (also a good idea). You may be able to transfer the controller from one vehicle to another.
I'd suggest giving the minivan a few more tries before you finally decide - though I'm sure you'd be happier with the towing experience with the Tahoe than you are with the van. Good luck!
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jhundley
SouthEast
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Thanks, I was being coservative with my weights. The first thing I installed was the tranny cooler and the hitch. The Caravan has a tow rating of 3500 lbs. In the future the only ones going camping will be my younger ones.
Total weight for family camper with AC and Awning would be right at 2410
add in gear for around 2-300 pounds I would still be below 2800lbs (80% of the Caravans tow rating)
With that being said I may wait a bit to see how the Caravan handles on a couple of trips next spring ( none of our trips are more than 1 hour away, and nothing in the mountains)
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Quick trip
Cerritos, Ca.
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If the tranny is searching for a different gear - you need to downshift one gear!
When the tranny starts hunting that's when the tranny starts getting real hot!
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mpfireman
Cook County Il
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Chryslers new owner is ending production of the so called mini van in a year or two, along with a few Jeep models. Caught a blip of it on the radio, but did not get all of the details. So good by to the caravans. I think that they were good sellers, and will be hard to replace.
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Gman22
Burlington, Ontario
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Are you sure on that 3500 lbs? For the Caravan to achieve it's 3500 lb. rating it would have required the OEM tow group, without it, it's rating could have been as low as 2000 lbs. I think you'll also find in your Caravan owner's manual you may already be at a trailer weight and size that constitutes both weight distribution and sway control.
That all said, I owned both a Caravan (albeit 1999) and a 2003 Trailblazer. The TB is much better suited as a tow vehicle than your Caravan. However, you'll miss the interior space as the TB's was not great. And it was a thirsty vehicle.
If you're staying with your current trailer, the 5200 lbs. of tow rating is wasted on you for the poor gas mileage and crappy interior space you'll have. I agree with others, for your needs, there are better options to look at.
* This post was
edited 11/03/09 03:20pm by Gman22 *
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carringb
Corvallis, OR
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There are unibody vehicles that would tow that just fine, and get better fuel economy and drive better than a TrailBlazer. The Trailblazer chassis is a little rough compared to the competition.
A Freestar or Sienna minivan would have no problem (ditto with newer Honda minivan, and even the Kia/Hyundai minivans). For SUVs, you could look toward a Ford Freestyle/Taurus X/Flex, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9.
At least test drove some of the other offering before settling on a TrailBlazer. I think you will be disappointed with it after driving the others.
I would not wait to see what happens with your van. You will likely be left with a repair bill more than the value of the van.
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Road Ruler
Canada
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carringb wrote:There are unibody vehicles that would tow that just fine, and get better fuel economy and drive better than a TrailBlazer. The Trailblazer chassis is a little rough compared to the competition.
A Freestar or Sienna minivan would have no problem (ditto with newer Honda minivan, and even the Kia/Hyundai minivans). For SUVs, you could look toward a Ford Freestyle/Taurus X/Flex, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9.
At least test drove some of the other offering before settling on a TrailBlazer. I think you will be disappointed with it after driving the others.
I would not wait to see what happens with your van. You will likely be left with a repair bill more than the value of the van.
Agree!
Airstreams.... the best towing trailers on the planet!
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surveyorjp
Missouri
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mpfireman wrote:Chryslers new owner is ending production of the so called mini van in a year or two, along with a few Jeep models. Caught a blip of it on the radio, but did not get all of the details. So good by to the caravans. I think that they were good sellers, and will be hard to replace.
They are not stopping production of all minivans, simply will badge them all as Town and Country and will drop the Caravan name.
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jhundley
SouthEast
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Yes the 3500 lbs should be accurate, with Tranny cooler and hitch that I have. Called local Dodge dealer and I have everything that Dodge will put on the Van. They do not list a second radiator etc.
I have a friend who will take a ride with me later, just to get his opinion. I will take a look at the other vehicles listed.
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