Looking for New TV?

[jhundley]

My family just bought a new Jayco 1007 popup. We have towed this with our 2006 Dodge Grand caravan locally. While taking the camper out last weekend I noticed the Van possibly searching for a gear or a littel hesitation. I spoke to the dealership and of course now they mention that maybe my TV is not strong enough. The van has a tow capicity or ~ 3500 lbs the jayco (when out this weekend ) weighed in at around 2250.

I was planning on adding a weight distribution hitch (even though the backend of the van only drops about 1 1/2 inch when the trailer is hooked up) as well as adding a prodigy P3 this spring all costing around 900.00 with installation. After this past weekend and not wanting to trash the transmission in the van I am considering getting a different tow vehicle.

I currently drive a 2006 PT cruiser that will be paid off in March, I am considering buying a used Chevy Trailblazer with factory hitch and wiring harness/ tow package - I have seen s few in my area and it appears most people do not want the V6 Trailblazer - looking for more fuel economy.

My plan would be to use the Trail blazer as the primary TV and ONLY use the Van in an emergency. We could not choose a different TV prior because of the size of our family (we have 6 - oldest Son is enlisting in June so one less passenger - second son will be getting a job so maybe even 1 more less) I really need an SUV in the V6 range for my family and regular driving to and from work.

Does that sound like a sound plan? Should I wait and see how the van handles on a few more trips ( I do not want to spend the money on the new hitch etc - especially if I am getting a new TV) What pros and cons does anyone see with this solution.

[Recumbentman]

Save your money on getting a new TV. Your current set-up is just fine. I would recommend getting an Aux. transmission cooler and maybe some air bags for the rear end. The weight distribution hitch seems like over kill to me, but that is really a personal decision if you want one.
Good luck and happy camping

[wavery]

Hi James,

The issue with your Caravan is not necessarily the "Tow Capacity" of the vehicle but the overall weight handling capacity (GCWR) which includes the trailer, all passengers, cargo and fuel.

Considering the size of your clan, just body weight adds up quickly plus all the gear associated with all those bodies.

Keep this in mind when looking for a new TV. Check all of the weight ratings on the vehicle in question with particular emphasis on the GCWR. Here is a handy calculator that may be useful:
http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-trailer-weight-tt.shtml

I recommend using a safety margin of at least 20% and more if there is a possibility of an upgrade of your camper in your future.

If you are going to use your Caravan as a back-up, you may want to consider installing a transmission cooler and possibly using a 2nd car to transport passengers and cargo.

As far as the WDH is concerned, be aware that a portion of your tongue weight is distributed to the front axles of the TV (good) and a portion of the total added rear axle weight (especially going over bumps) is distributed to the trailer axle (not so good).

The properly adjusted WDH will definitely give you a better sense of control and more comfortable ride. It will also help level out your rig. However, it is MHO that there is some serious trade-offs when using one on a PU trailer. These trailers are designed to be extremely light-weight and all of the weight limits are usually very close. Tires can be a particular issue when using a WDH. If you are close to limit on the tire weight rating, keep in mind that the WDH will add more weight to them and much higher shock-loading thus increasing the likelihood of tire failure.

[jhundley]

Thanks, I was being coservative with my weights. The first thing I installed was the tranny cooler and the hitch. The Caravan has a tow rating of 3500 lbs. In the future the only ones going camping will be my younger ones.

Total weight for family camper with AC and Awning would be right at 2410
add in gear for around 2-300 pounds I would still be below 2800lbs (80% of the Caravans tow rating)

With that being said I may wait a bit to see how the Caravan handles on a couple of trips next spring ( none of our trips are more than 1 hour away, and nothing in the mountains)

[sacrawf]

You should be fine for a while.  When it does come time to replace your Caravan, I would suggest you consider a V-8 powered SUV and not limit yourself to a V-6.  Due to public perception, you may get a great deal.  The engine will have an easier time of things and you will find you will enjoy the extra power. You are more likely to get factory-installed hitch/brake & trailer wiring/transmission cooler, and you may find as I have that gas mileage is better towing with the V-8 than with a harder-working V-6.  Also, you will find that you will be a lot more relaxed camping not constantly thinking about packing light and having to plan to buy supplies at your camping destination instead of taking them with you.

[fallsrider]

Your Caravan will do just fine. We tow our PUP, which is about the same weight as yours, with our Toyota Sienna (same tow rating). It does a wonderful job. I installed air bags in the rear suspension to stop the droop, and it does great.

We've towed around 4,000 miles in the last 3 years with no problems at all. Family of 4 and all our gear, plus 2 nights worth of fire wood in PUP. We've gone to the mountains a few times and it even does well up there.

I use a Prodigy brake controller. I highly recommend them.

[ronerjones]

About 3 months ago I traded in my 03 Tundra (170,000 miles) for a Ford F150. The Tundra had a 3500lb tow and the F150 will pull 8000lb's. My PopUp has a slide out so the distribution of weight is a bit off and it tows very bad, put the bikes up top and things get even worse. It is very critical where I place the bikes and how I load the front of the trailer. With that said the Ford has a sway control built into it and I can truly state that it makes a HUGE difference. If the trailer starts to sway the truck will automatically adjust the breaking and acceleration on the left and right sides to adjust for the sway. When I bought new I made sure that I was way over that 20% rule and I am glad that I did. The cost difference in the vehicles is minimal the ride is considerably better. I am also saving in gas mileage, the Tundra would get 8 to 10 mpg when towing the Ford gets 17 to 18. I am not a huge fan of Ford but they have built the F150 to tow I would recommend the vehicle if you are towing and carrying your family, I feel safe in it.