Towing with a minivan

eluwak wrote:

Nvr2loud wrote:

eluwak wrote:
IMO, I would look more into something like an Acadia/Traverse rather than a minivan. Our Acadia had a nearly 1700 lbs payload rating and could tow somewhere around 5000 lbs. I'm sure that it could handle a smaller TT like what you are describing while comfortably hauling 4-6 people.

There are other similar vehicles that could work too (highlander, pathfinder, etc.), but most minivans aren't rated very high in payload or towing it seems.

YMMV

I agree with your suggestion, but should point out with the Acadia the 5200 lb trailer limit also includes the 1700 lb payload limit. Therefore if you have 1700 lbs worth of people, fuel, and cargo inside the Acadia, the trailer weight limit will be reduced to 3500 lbs.

I tow with an Acadia and with a Sierra.

I had to look that up, but it's actually worse than that... the GCWR is only 9500 lbs. apparently. That means a fully loaded TV would only have 3200 lbs. or so left... Not as great as I thought after all.

Still a much better option then a minivan. I have towing my trailer with my Acadia and it weighs 6006 lbs fully loaded. I had my whole family with me inside the Acadia and it actually handled very well. Slight engine temp rise issues on inclines, but otherwise okay. I decided that the tail-wagging-the-dog issue was not good for me, so I switched to a pickup truck for the big trailer.

I still often use the Acadia with my utility trailer, it is 4000lbs max loaded and does not have its own brakes. The Acadia handles that load just fine, but brake pads need replacement more often. I did install air lifts into the rear coil springs on the Acadia, and therefore get no sag.

The Acadia is closer to a truck then a Caravan is, so I would choose a vehicle like an Acadia or a Durango instead of a minivan.