Forum Discussion

Kittenface's avatar
Kittenface
Explorer
Jul 06, 2017

Tow vehicle/RV match

Hello,
Thanks to anyone who offers some advice. Complete newbie here :)

I have a Dodge Grand Caravan that was purchased with a tow package. Per the owners manual:
GCWR is 8,900 lbs
Max Tongue Weight is 335
Max GTW is 3,800 lbs (assuming 2 ppl & luggage)

I am looking at a StarCraft 16RB:
Gross weight is 3500 lbs (dry 2585, cargo 915).
Hitch weight is 290 lbs.

I will never be driving with fresh water tank full.

The hitch that was installed on the minivan is rated for 400/4,000 lbs (ecustomhitch 75579-118534)

I have 3 questions.

1 - can this vehicle tow this RV?
2 - the hitch installed on the minivan looks really low - obviously the minivan sits lower than a truck. When I look at it though and thinking about the types of hitches I see that connect the RV to vehicle it seems like there wouldn't be enough clearance to the ground...maybe only 3-4". That seems too low...is it?
3. Would I need a weight distribution hitch instead of what is currently installed - would that help?
Tow Vehicles
  • wowens79's avatar
    wowens79
    Explorer III
    Jul 06, 2017
    The wind resistance will be pretty tough on it also. I think you are more in the popup range. Take a look at them, you will be surprised how much room they have. We had a P-Up for 9 years, and the heating and cooling works well, we even had heated mattresses.
  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2017
    Hello, I don't think I'd try towing that trailer with that minivan. I have a similar sized trailer (same gross weight) that I tow with a mid-sized body on frame SUV. It tows the trailer very well, but I'm really at the max I'd be comfortable with, even though the SUV is rated for 5500# tow capacity. Besides, those caravans are famous for having poor transaxles, you'd probably kill it.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jul 06, 2017
    1. No
    2. Yes
    3. NA
    "I will never be driving with fresh water tank full." Then when you find a great dry campsite you can't stop. Get a good TV so your tongue weight can be 10 to 15%, you won't kill your van, your family will be safe, your trailer level when towing and you will enjoy driving.

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