Towing with a minivan
Hello, I am very new to all of this so I do not know the lingo. We have a 2014 Chrysler town and country towing max is 3600 pounds.We are a family of 5 all of out children are 6 and under. We are l...
Forum Discussion
Unfortunately, mini-vans just aren't very good at towing and they are typically almost overweight just by filling up the seats with small people. Fill the seats with normal to large people and they are definitely overweight just with people :)
I don't currently have a Chrysler van but do have a 2014 Toyota...great as a people mover but marginal at towing even though my trailers are way below the weight ratings.
The wind resistance is what kills it even with light trailers...
Example:
1. I have a 2000 pound boat that it tows ok although the slightest upgrade causes me to end up in third gear...Wind resistance is not too bad on this one. MPG drops from about 22 with just the van to 15 with the boat.
2. Also have an aluminum utility trailer that is only 380 pounds empty BUT it has a huge tailgate-ramp on the back that is about 50% open...that thing, even as light as it is, pulls like an anchor..MPG drops to 10 (yes 10!)...and yes, I did check and the wheels turn freely ;)
I don't currently have a Chrysler van but do have a 2014 Toyota...great as a people mover but marginal at towing even though my trailers are way below the weight ratings.
The wind resistance is what kills it even with light trailers...
Example:
1. I have a 2000 pound boat that it tows ok although the slightest upgrade causes me to end up in third gear...Wind resistance is not too bad on this one. MPG drops from about 22 with just the van to 15 with the boat.
2. Also have an aluminum utility trailer that is only 380 pounds empty BUT it has a huge tailgate-ramp on the back that is about 50% open...that thing, even as light as it is, pulls like an anchor..MPG drops to 10 (yes 10!)...and yes, I did check and the wheels turn freely ;)
