TV & 30 ft TT to Mini Van and 17 ft TT
First of all, I’m looking for a friendly DISCUSSION (As if friends were having a beer around a fire.) Obviously, gas is up, but both I and the DW have wondered about “something minimal you could sl...
Forum Discussion
Having towed with a minivan for many years (two Toyota Siennas), I have some thoughts.
They do make very good tow vehicles within their capabilities. They have a very low center of gravity. We towed a popup that weighed about 3300 loaded for camping. We typically averaged about 16 mpg, but most of our towing was in Florida, South Georgia, and South Alabama so mostly flat.
Tongue weight is where they struggle. We were running about 350lbs tongue weight plus the weight of the drawbar. The rear suspension is soft to make for the cushy ride. I added airbags to help with the rear sag with both the Pup and our bike rack. I wouldn't want to have towed anything heavier though. The clearance in the back with the hitch isn't great either. Get used to planning your entrance into parking lots to avoid the hitch scraping and bottoming out. I also think you are optimistic about getting 15 mpg with a full-height trailer. We had pretty much optimum towing conditions and only managed 16 mpg.
The other concern I would have with a modern minivan is the transmission. Most have CVTs and I would have serious concerns about their longevity towing at the max.
We chose our van as the right fit as the family vehicle. DW did the soccer mom SUV thing and hated it. She much more enjoyed driving and traveling in a minivan. We chose the Pup as the best camping option for something the van could comfortably tow.
They do make very good tow vehicles within their capabilities. They have a very low center of gravity. We towed a popup that weighed about 3300 loaded for camping. We typically averaged about 16 mpg, but most of our towing was in Florida, South Georgia, and South Alabama so mostly flat.
Tongue weight is where they struggle. We were running about 350lbs tongue weight plus the weight of the drawbar. The rear suspension is soft to make for the cushy ride. I added airbags to help with the rear sag with both the Pup and our bike rack. I wouldn't want to have towed anything heavier though. The clearance in the back with the hitch isn't great either. Get used to planning your entrance into parking lots to avoid the hitch scraping and bottoming out. I also think you are optimistic about getting 15 mpg with a full-height trailer. We had pretty much optimum towing conditions and only managed 16 mpg.
The other concern I would have with a modern minivan is the transmission. Most have CVTs and I would have serious concerns about their longevity towing at the max.
We chose our van as the right fit as the family vehicle. DW did the soccer mom SUV thing and hated it. She much more enjoyed driving and traveling in a minivan. We chose the Pup as the best camping option for something the van could comfortably tow.
