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hommer638's avatar
hommer638
Explorer
Dec 31, 2017

Towing with a minivan

Hi to all on RV.Net. I have a 2011 Toyota Sienna with the tow option that is capable of towing 3500 lbs. I also just purchased (not taken delivery at this point)a 2018 Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ that weighs 2919 lbs empty along with an equalizer weight distribution hitch. I would like to here from anyone who has a similar set-up and how they are making out towing with a minivan. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Lou.

35 Replies

  • It looks like you will be a couple hundred pounds over in most any usage. I see that it's not a bunkhouse so if you are using alone or as a couples unit, travel with tanks empty, and buy most food and supplies at your destination , you will be close.

    Basics to remember, weights that have to be added to what you believe the empty weight to be.
    Weight dist hitch about 70 lbs
    2 20 lb tanks and propane about 80 lbs
    each group 27 battery about 40 lbs
    and then your supplies,,,
    all clothing, bedding, dishes, camp chairs, coolers all those things add up.
    any water you carry 8 lbs per gallon (33 gal fw tank on this trailer)
  • DTR is right, you are overweight. By the time you factor in the hitch weight, another passenger and a few changes of clothes, you're going to be well over your max.
    If you don't have a load of kids and carry VERY LITTLE food or water you'll probably be OK - still over though.
  • Sorry to jump in on bad news but hopefully you can get your money back on the TT. You can only tow a pop-up.

    Besides tongue weight and cargo limit, you will have a problem with frontal area. Even your 3,500 lbs is for a boat, pop-up, or flat trailer that doesn't create the wind drag a box trailer does. Most of us prefer to be at 80 % of rating which would 2,800 lbs for you. Again, this would apply to a flat trailer.
  • The MTWR is not an absolete for all conditions ...meaning there are factors that the OEM says must be met in order to have that listed MTWR

    Covered in below link....many of the pictures no longer work because of that sites change in their rules...I’ll repost later

    Your glove box manual should have a similar chart...with each additional person...their weight reduces the MTWR...ditto cargo, etc


    What can I tow with my Sienna?
  • I'' be the first to give you the news....hopefully others will chime in and give you better news.

    You are going to be over weight...especially over the payload weight of you van. Passengers, (the family, the dog and all your gear, the hitch itself and loaded tongue weight are going to be your problem.
    Also dry weight of your new trailer is meaningless...It will be a lot more when you load up for a trip...batteries, propane, food, water, and more stuff.

    Again, hopefully others will shoot me down on this.