One example, is the KZ ESCAPE E160RBT, dry weight 2690, GVWR 3500.
If my "tow rating" is 3600, that surely can't be for a van with no driver.
All this class of trailers claims "minivan towable". I expect to see some disagreement about what that means, but the most sensible dealer advice I've heard is "you can't tow a 3600 pound trailer plus stuff plus people with a van rated for 3600 tow capacity".
A 2690 lb trailer plus about 600 pounds of human being, and about 400 pounds of stuff should be within this van's capability. We are talking about a 3.2 litre V6 so it's got lots of juice, it's the transmission I would worry about and with extra preventative maintenance and frequent service, it's going to be fine, according to my brother.
Going over the rockies will be something we'll probably be doing with the blinkers on, and we're probably going to stop for a transmission fluid cooldown here and there.
My brother tells me that when he tows he checks his transmission fluid regularly and adds something to it that replenishes its magic powers. Anyone else do that?
Here's my math, take tow capacity, subtract dry weight, leaving difference (margin) of 910 pounds below, take passenger weight (say 480 lb, not including driver as an average driver weight is assumed). That leaves 430 pounds for stuff/luggage.
Tow Capacity 3600
Dry Weight 2690
Difference 910
Passengers 480
Luggage 430
Warren
