News:

SMF - Just Installed!

Main Menu

Tow Package?

Started by aboutgrace, Jul 04, 2006, 09:44 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

aboutgrace

Hello...newbie here.

I have seen a few threads on towing, but couldn't find one specific to my issue.

I have a 2001 Town & Country Limited 3.8L.  It does NOT have the tow package...is that something the dealer (or uhaul) can add, or is it a factory option that I am unable to add after the fact?  I called the dealer and got a sales guy, he said I could just add a class 4 hitch, but I don't think he knew what the heck he was talking about.  He was yelling at some guy across the room for his opinion... :rolleyes:

Thanks in advance for your help!

tknick

Quote from: aboutgraceHello...newbie here.

I have seen a few threads on towing, but couldn't find one specific to my issue.

I have a 2001 Town & Country Limited 3.8L.  It does NOT have the tow package...is that something the dealer (or uhaul) can add, or is it a factory option that I am unable to add after the fact?  I called the dealer and got a sales guy, he said I could just add a class 4 hitch, but I don't think he knew what the heck he was talking about.  He was yelling at some guy across the room for his opinion... :rolleyes:

Thanks in advance for your help!

You can add almost everything included in a factory tow package.  Factory packages usually include a transmission and oil cooler, a 4 way flat, 7 way round or both trailer wiring, stiffer rear springs/shocks, a class III or IV hitch and sometimes specific gear ratios designed for the higher torque needed for towing.  About the only thing you couldnt add without a huge expense would be the gears and I doubt if that was even available on the factory tow package on a FWD van. I am thinking mostly or rear end gears on trucks and SUVs.

U-haul or any decent trailer store can add the transmission cooler (which is a MUST when towing, the oil cooler is just good insurance) the appropriate size hitch and the appropriate plug for your trailer.  They can also add "helper springs" or stiffer springs if you need them but you may not depending on your setup.

hope this helps
travis

tlhdoc

Travis gave you good information.  The tranny cooler is a MUST if you don't want to replace the tranny.:)

aboutgrace

Thanks for the advice.

Looks like it's not as easy as slapping a hitch on the back.

What about the engine chip...does that need to be replaced as well?

tknick

Quote from: aboutgraceThanks for the advice.

Looks like it's not as easy as slapping a hitch on the back.

What about the engine chip...does that need to be replaced as well?

No it doesn't.  The computer will adapt the engine performance to the type of towing/driving you do.  You would only need to change the chip or tune the computer programming if you are looking for specific performance gains, stiffer shifts or something like that.  Unless you plan on drag racing the minivan when you aren't towing, I wouldn't worry about it.

travis

dthurk

Towing capacity maxes out at 3800 lbs. according to this link:   http://www.edmunds.com/new/research/chrysler/townandcountry.html

If that's the case, a class II hitch would be appropriate.  You don't need the III/IV hitch.  The 3800 lbs. is with the tow package installed.  Most mini vans drop to 2000 lbs. without a tow package.

abbear

Chrysler minivans have a oil cooler and tranny cooler built in - look at your radiator and you can see them.  That said - I would install an additional tranny cooler.  I towed for a number of years with a 3.3L Grand Caravan and never really had any problems - but I did install the additional tranny cooler and some stiffer springs in the rear.

The tow package usually includes the additional tranny cooler, beefier springs, and a heavy duty alternator.  I never really saw the need for the alternator.

One other thing - be sure to have your tranny fluid and FILTER changed more often.  The oil change places will change the trans fluid but usually don't change the filter.  Since tranny's are Chrysler minivans weak spot it helps to baby that tranny a little.  As the ad used to say - You can pay me now or pay me later".

Enjoy the popup!

HersheyGirl

You will also need a full size spare tire.  I put Timbrin springs on my Caravan and a class II hidden hitch.

edwardr132

Another important thing to remember is knowing exactly what you plan to tow.  The Hitch ball height needs to be set on a Minivan so that it is not too low to the ground.  Make sure you get the right one.  Also many Minivans require a WDH hitch in order to qualify for 3,800 pds.

wynot

Quote from: aboutgraceHello...newbie here.
 
I have seen a few threads on towing, but couldn't find one specific to my issue.
 
I have a 2001 Town & Country Limited 3.8L. It does NOT have the tow package...is that something the dealer (or uhaul) can add, or is it a factory option that I am unable to add after the fact? I called the dealer and got a sales guy, he said I could just add a class 4 hitch, but I don't think he knew what the heck he was talking about. He was yelling at some guy across the room for his opinion... :rolleyes:
 
Thanks in advance for your help!
The fact that he said Class IV hitch would scare me.  I personally like to have a Class III hitch (Class IV reflects WDH in most cases), simply because too much is nice to have and I like a 2" receiver, whereas a Class II just seems wimpy and just adequate.
 
On the Windstar, I think the tow package included a wiring harness for a 4 blade plug (which wasn't complete either), a full size spare, and a slightly larger capacity battery.
 
You definitely NEED an external transmission cooler and almost certainly some kind of airbag solution for the rear suspension.  If you don't, the minute you hook a camper on the rear, that rear will dive to the ground and you will drag your chains or hitch over every bump in the road.

dthurk

Quote from: edwardr132Another important thing to remember is knowing exactly what you plan to tow.  The Hitch ball height needs to be set on a Minivan so that it is not too low to the ground.  Make sure you get the right one.  Also many Minivans require a WDH hitch in order to qualify for 3,800 pds.

Very few PUP tongues are capable of handling a WD hitch.  Check the owners manual or dealer before going with one of these things, otherwise you may end up bending metal.

tlhdoc

Quote from: dthurkTowing capacity maxes out at 3800 lbs. according to this link: http://www.edmunds.com/new/research/chrysler/townandcountry.html
 
If that's the case, a class II hitch would be appropriate. You don't need the III/IV hitch. The 3800 lbs. is with the tow package installed. Most mini vans drop to 2000 lbs. without a tow package.
The link you posted is for a 2006 Town and County not a 2001.  IIRC the 2001 maxed out for towing at 3500.  A class III receiver would be more useful and there are many accessories that require a class III receiver.  Also a class II receiver is only rated to tow 3500 pounds, so if someone did have a 3800 capacity they should get a class III, so that the receiver isn't limiting what they can tow.:)

tlhdoc

Quote from: dthurkTowing capacity maxes out at 3800 lbs. according to this link: http://www.edmunds.com/new/research/chrysler/townandcountry.html
 
If that's the case, a class II hitch would be appropriate. You don't need the III/IV hitch. The 3800 lbs. is with the tow package installed. Most mini vans drop to 2000 lbs. without a tow package.
The link you posted is for a 2006 Town and County not a 2001.  IIRC the 2001 maxed out for towing at 3500.  A class III receiver would be more useful because there are many accessories that require a class III receiver.  Also a class II receiver is only rated to tow 3500 pounds, so if someone did have a 3800 capacity they should get a class III, so that the receiver isn't limiting what they can tow.:)

dthurk

Quote from: tlhdocThe link you posted is for a 2006 Town and County not a 2001.  IIRC the 2001 maxed out for towing at 3500.  A class III receiver would be more useful because there are many accessories that require a class III receiver.  Also a class II receiver is only rated to tow 3500 pounds, so if someone did have a 3800 capacity they should get a class III, so that the receiver isn't limiting what they can tow.:)

You're right for years.  Missed that one.  As far as hitches are concerned, I just don't want someone thinking they could tow 5,000 or more lbs because the hitch says they can.  The 2" receivers are nice, but many of the accessory items also come in a 1.25" version.  If not, a 1.25 to 2" converter is available that would fix things up nicely.  I wouldn't use the converter for towing purposes, though.

Carlton

Good luck with your towing solutions. I had Uhaul install a class 3 hitch, ball and wiring for my Dodge Dakota. I too am new to this PU camping and towing. Come to find out when I went to pick up my new Starcraft PU, the dealer noticed that Uhaul did a VERY poor job on the 7pin connector and did not follow my vehicle manufacture instructions on wiring. The two wires for trailer brakes were not even connected to anything and did not go to my cab for the brake controller. Bad thing is they never even told me about it. The Corpus Christi, TX RV dealer handed me all the Uhaul wiring and performed their own installation of wiring and they did a fantastic job at a very fair price.

Just be careful of what you get from Uhaul if you decide to go with them. I have had my last visit.


Carlton & Robin (recently retired)
02 Dakota
07 Starcraft Centennial 3608