I have purchased a used coleman niagra popup and I am looking to tow it with my wife's 2001 seinna. I am worried about the rear end of the van getting to low. What's the best way to keep the rear end up. Would it be something for the van or a weight distribution bar for the camper.
Quote from: FredSI have purchased a used coleman niagra popup and I am looking to tow it with my wife's 2001 seinna. I am worried about the rear end of the van getting to low. What's the best way to keep the rear end up. Would it be something for the van or a weight distribution bar for the camper.
The answer is, it depends. If the Sienna can take a WDH, then that is the best way to go. But more and more vehichles can be damaged when used with a WDH, and so they recommend against them. You will need to open the Sienna's owner's manual and find out what it says about towing. The Niagara's tongue weight can reach 350 lbs, so that is the thing to watch for when looking for WDH information.
If you are not allowed to use a WDH, then air bags are probably the second best choice (if they are available for your vehicle). Do not use air shocks under any circumstances.
Austin
Hey Fred, I would go with the Air Lift Bags that go in the coil springs. This way even if you're not towing and you want to carry some extra weight (i.e. firewood from the firewood guy at Colonial Woods) you still have the option of adjusting the bags to the desired pressure. I'm sure your wonderful neigbor would help you install them! Ha!Ha!Ha!
I had an ' add a leaf ' done to the rear end of my jeep cherokee and it not only lifted up, but also stiffened things up quite nicely. It costs about $100 per side.
I have an 02 Niagara and that I tow with an 99 Gmc ext cab Sierra. I believe that the total towing capacity of the toyota van is below the unloaded weight of the camper. After you load that camper up and you will and than add the weight into your van your really stressing the van. I'm not an expert and there are many that follow this site but don't think that an wdh will work with the van. I also have an 04 honda odessey and when we got it I looked at the possibility of towing and found that it wasn't feasable. You can tow some of the lighter smaller campers. I find that at times towing with my Sierra the truck is being over worked. my 2 cents. Ken
Quote from: FredSI have purchased a used coleman niagra popup and I am looking to tow it with my wife's 2001 seinna. I am worried about the rear end of the van getting to low. What's the best way to keep the rear end up. Would it be something for the van or a weight distribution bar for the camper.
Does the '01 Seinna have rear leaf springs?
Fly