Anyone tow with minivans?

[nursekaren]

We have a 21' Roo and we currently tow with a pick-up truck but our family is quickly outgrowing the truck and we are looking into a minivan.  Most minivans that I have checked on websites say maximum tow load is 3500lbs.  I think our camper is more than that.  Just wandering if anyone else has had success towing with a minivan.  I would hate to have to have one vehicle to tow the camper and another to haul the family!  And my husband is dead set against a full sized van!  Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks, Karen

[CAPEd CODger]

Welcome!
When looking into buying our ROO, we were trying to figure out what we needed to drag it around.
We had been using a Ford Aerostar when we had the CAPE COD. There was no way that van would survive pulling that trailer!

Most mini-vans aren't capable of towing larger trailers.

Personally, I'd opt for a "Crew-Cab" style pick up. Also, if you can afford the difference in price, go for a heavier chassis. (Instead of a "150" series, get a "250" series) You'll be able to tow a larger trailer in the future.
I wish I could've gotten a larger truck.

If you have more than six people to pack along with the trailer, a full-size van may be your best alternative. Same rules apply to chassis. Go for a 250 or 350 type. (3/4 or 1 ton chassis)

Good luck

Bob

[GeneF]

Karen

Keep the truck and get a people hauler or as suggested, one of those four door trucks.

I think you will be very unhappy trying to tow the 21 footer with a minivan.  A smaller hybrid maybe.

With the truck, you will have a better tv plus the extra safety factor.

Try doing a search in the General forum for minivans.  Although the information is  mainly related to towing a popup, I think you will gain some valuable info.

I have pulled 4 popups with 5 minivans and there ain't no way I am going to try to pull a hybrid with a minivan.

Good luck.

[dee106]

we had the chevy astro it did ok, but if you have a big load or a lot of hills to climb, your better off with a suv or truck with extended cab, we went with a chevy yukon, with a 1500 tows 7000lbs it works for us (most of the time its just two of us) they make them with three row seating now, so if you need the extra seats go for the 'xl'  the suburan comes in the 2500 which is better for a larger family with alot of stuff.

[nursekaren]

Thanks everyone for the info.  We currently tow with a Dodge Dakota 4 door pick-up but we already have 2 car seats in the back and I don't think 3 will fit!  It will be awhile until our oldest can go without a car seat.  I was looking at the GMC safari "midsized" van.  It can tow heavier loads but it still isn't a full sized van.  

Anyway, thanks for all the replies.

Karen