Buying van to pull my trailer

Having owned a 3.3, I would rather have the 3.8 with towing package. I your budget can handle it, what you really want is the Pentastar V6 with towing package an the 6-speed automatic. This has been out at least a couple years, and once a MoPar minivan gets into its second to third year, most of the big depreciation has passed and prices start looking more reasonable.

I would be prepared to install a simple, single sway bar for that type of pop-up. I know two people that have that set-up and both said that they had sway issues on interstates. They installed a sway bar, and had a much more pleasurable towing experience. One tows with a mini van and one tows with an F150. You may not experience the sway issue, as I'm sure many do not.

Joe C wrote:
I have a 2003 Jayco 10 ft. fold out a camper trailer with the 2 ft. storage in front. It has size 14 radial tires. Trailer weight 1950 net about 2800 gross.
I plan on buying a 2008 to newer Grand Caravan.I was wondering if the
3.3 v6 could handle that weight or do I have to go to the 3.6 or 3.8v6.

I would go with the 3.8 making sure it has the tow package. A tow package doesn't mean it will have the hitch but the required mechanicals to handle to towing. The 3.8 will give you plenty of power to pull the 2800lb pup. I have towed my 3k pup with my '04 Town & Country and have not had any problems in 6 yrs. The T&C has 92k on and outside standard maintenance have had no problems with regards to the power train. I would make sure the pup has brakes and a good controller in the Grand Caravan.

Road Ruler wrote:

Then you will never learn anything!

Oh, I've learned plenty with this.

AirForceAngler wrote:

I don't have to research anything

Then you will never learn anything!

Road Ruler wrote:

Generally speaking, for towing, I think you will find that a properly set up M-Van will outperform and be safer than your average pick up in many situations. The topic has been discussed many times. Do your research.

I don't have to research anything to know that there are certain laws of physics at work when towing and a heavier, stronger-constructed vehicle is going to be better. Especially when equipped with a stronger transmission, larger brakes and the proper load-rated tires. Not to mention a longer wheelbase and a hitch that is bolted to a hardened steel frame instead of a few layers of stamped sheetmetal making a unibody. Tow with what you want, just stay out of my way chugging up hills as your engine and trans burns itself into oblivion.
Name one situation where a m-van would outperform or be safer than towing with a 1/2 ton pickup.

AirForceAngler wrote:

It's more than just getting it moving. It's controlling it once it's moving and stopping it that become a problem with too little of a TV. A good crosswind or an emergency stop is going to tax that minivan pretty good. Not to mention other control and stability issues. The GC is front wheel drive and when you get a load on the back like a TT you reduce the weight over the drive wheels, reducing control even more, particularly in wet conditions. You can do what you want, I'll stick with my 1/2 ton for pulling large loads. What's a 28' Airstream weigh, anyhow?

Generally speaking, for towing, I think you will find that a properly set up M-Van will outperform and be safer than your average pick up in many situations. The topic has been discussed many times. Do your research.

Road Ruler wrote:

AirForceAngler wrote:

Someone towed a 28' Airstream with a mini van?

So....... because it worked so well was it because the Grand is such a good TV, the Airstream was so easy to tow, or a combination of both?

It's more than just getting it moving. It's controlling it once it's moving and stopping it that become a problem with too little of a TV. A good crosswind or an emergency stop is going to tax that minivan pretty good. Not to mention other control and stability issues. The GC is front wheel drive and when you get a load on the back like a TT you reduce the weight over the drive wheels, reducing control even more, particularly in wet conditions. You can do what you want, I'll stick with my 1/2 ton for pulling large loads. What's a 28' Airstream weigh, anyhow?

AirForceAngler wrote:

Someone towed a 28' Airstream with a mini van?

So....... because it worked so well was it because the Grand is such a good TV, the Airstream was so easy to tow, or a combination of both?

Road Ruler wrote:
Here is a nice towing article that may help you with your questions....

Towing with a Grand

Someone towed a 28' Airstream with a mini van? Oh HECK no! :E