minivan / pu match

[rphs111]

I own a 2003 dodge grand caravan sport with a 3500# rating. 3.8L engine. any suggestions on a pop up to go with it or weight limit I should look at. I would like something with at least queens on each end. We would be camping with 2 adults and 2 kids. Thanks for any help.

[NIAGARA05]

I would look at the websites for the trailer companys and look at the weights loaded plus don't forget what you add will also and to the trailer and the gvwr.  I would try to find something around  2500 - 3000 lbs loaded.  Don't forget make sure that you have a transcooler on that van or that could due alot of damage to your transmission.  Just be careful what you buy due to the fact that what ever you tow with van that somethings are going to wear alot fast than normal because of the strain of pulling with front wheel drive.

Mark '74
Susan '78
Marbles the Cat 10yrs old code name missy

03 Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L V6
05 Explorer 4dr 4.6L V8
05 Fleetwood Niagara

[GeneF]

I have pulled 6, 8, 10 and 12 footers with a minivan.

I felt most comfortable towing the 10 footer because of its size and weight.

Of the four popups we owned, we liked the 10 footer best.  Easier to set up, tow and still offered plenty of room when the two kids were younger and camping with us.

Do your research and look for something that you will be able to enjoy and feel safe towing.

There is plenty of info on this forum if you use  the search function.

Try  minivan.  That should get you some good info.

[OC Campers]

I agree on a 10 foot box.  A 12 ft box would be too heavy.  Don't forget too that the 3500 lb max also includes what you carry in the van as far as luggage and people too.  I would look at something that is around 2,000-2,500 lbs.  Also read your owners manual.  Some vans require a weight distribution hitch over a certain weight.  A lot of smaller popups do not accept a wdh setup because of the type of frame used.  The only company that I know for sure that you can use a wdh with is the Fleetwood/Coleman line

Jacqui

[abbear]

I have a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan with the 3.3 V6 engine.  For several years we towed a 1998 Coleman Westlake.  12 foot box, 2750 loaded for the road.  Towed over the Rockies, Cascades, and Sierras.  Installed a trans cooler.  A weight distribution hitch is required by Dodge on all trailers over 100 lbs (see owners manual).

The only problem I encountered was the engine temp getting up high enough that I turned the heater on when I was trying to run up a substantial grade at 70mph.  Don't do that

By the way - I weighed the entire rig to be sure axle weights, vehicle weights, and gross combined vehicle weights were never exceeded.

Good luck to you

[GeneF]

A weight distribution hitch is required by Dodge on all trailers over 100 lbs (see owners manual).

I never knew this and have never seen it mentioned before.  Interesting info.  I towed with two Chrysler minivans, 1989 and 1993 without a wdh and never had a problem.

.

[PLJ]

We pull a Coleman Cheyenne (10 foot box) with a Chevy Venture and find it adequate. We've travelled from Minnesota to the Black Hills and to Washington DC. We certainly don't hold up traffic nor do we feel unsafe with this set-up.

We added a WDH, air shocks and a sway bar.

[abbear]

Oops! 100 lbs should be 1000 lbs.  This is in the owners manual in the towing section.