Towing with 2000 Sienna

[pj3]

We just bought a 2000 Starcraft Starlounge and it weighs  2025.  We have a chance to buy a  2000 Toyota Sienna for a good deal but in checking it out, I  see it only tows 2000 pounds.   Can we do something to the van to increase the capacity.  The woman we bought the camper from says she has towed it with a four cylinder car!  What do you all think?   Any advice is appreciated!!

Patty & Jon
Michigan

[brainpause]

Trailerlife.com lists the 2000 Sienna as having a 3500 pound tow rating, with the 3.0 liter V6, and the optional tow package. The tow package likely includes a transmission cooler, among other things. That is the only Sienna they list for the year 2000. If you don't have the towing package, it can be added, and is probably worth the money.

As for "towing the trailer with a 4 cylinder car", not all vehicles are created equal. There is a lot more that is figured into the tow rating than the engine. For example, my current 4 cylinder truck has a higher tow rating than my 1995 S10, which had a V6 that was almost twice as large (2.4L vs 4.3L). It was basically because the gearing was much different (3.05 vs 4.10).

Anyway, check to see if the van has the towing package, and how much it would cost to add the package if it doesn't.

Maybe someone here has experience with a Sienna. Gene? Don't you and Terri have a Sienna?

Larry

[GeneF]

I owned a 2000 Sienna and it had the towing package.  Not sure how you can find out but most of them that I looked at had the towing package option.  Larry is correct, the rating with the package was 3500 pounds.

Perhaps a mechanic can tell you if you do or not.

I believe a transmission cooler, trailer wiring and a higher alternator made up the package.  I believe the cost of the package was about $196 from the factory so it can't have included a lot.  Been a while so the memory may be hazy.

I pulled a 98 Mesa that had a GVWR of about 3000 pounds.  The Sienna did okay with it.  You will find that it will be a bit slow on the long hills.

I would strongly suggest you look into electric brakes for the camper if you are going to tow it with the Sienna.  It will make a difference.



"Maybe someone here has experience with a Sienna. Gene? Don't you and Terri have a Sienna?"

Boy Larry, you do have quite a memory if you remember what tv I had three years ago.  We have an 02 Silverado now.

[brainpause]

Boy Larry, you do have quite a memory if you remember what tv I had three years ago.  We have an 02 Silverado now.

Actually, it is not the great memory of what everybody has as their tow vehicle.

It was the great memory of sitting with you, Terri, and Mary (and Holly) at your picnic table at the '02 Rally, and I remember the back of your van staring at us while drinking coffee and hot chocolate.

Larry

[flyfisherman]

pj3 - can't help you with the Sienna specs but still have the Starcraft product brochure for the 2000 model year, which has all the specs for your Starlounge. Let me know if there's any of that info you might be interested in.


Fly

[pj3]

We just bought a 2000 Starcraft Starlounge and it weighs  2025.  We have a chance to buy a  2000 Toyota Sienna for a good deal but in checking it out, I  see it only tows 2000 pounds.   Can we do something to the van to increase the capacity.  The woman we bought the camper from says she has towed it with a four cylinder car!  What do you all think?   Any advice is appreciated!!

Patty & Jon
Michigan

Hi again,
The van does not have a tow package.  We are going to talk to the dealer today and ask what they think-- maybe we will add the transmission cooler.  We only tow about 2 or 3 times a year and only about 3-5 hours total.  The seller of the starcraft isn't sure it has breaks.. how can you tell???  Thanks for your info!  We appreciate it!