VAN FOR TOWING
We have a 2016 Dodge Caravan and looking at getting a new trailer. The one we are looking at is 17 ft. and has a Dry Weight of 3163 lbs. Anyone out there towing with a van? How is it towing? What size...
Forum Discussion
I will add sort of a "counterpoint" to what others are saying. I don't know your van's specs off the top of my head, but what you're considering might be ok if your van is properly equipped and more importantly, you manage your expectations. Your van can tow a maximum of 3600 pounds. It will be difficult to keep a 3100 pound dry weight trailer at that weight. Without knowing your van's GCWR (maximum weight of van and trailer combined), you may not be able to tow the full 3600 pounds without exceeding that rating. You also need to know hitch weights, have a brake controller installed and make sure your hitch is up to the challenge. Power should not be an issue. The Pentastar V6 has a good reputation as a powerful, durable engine.
This an apples-to-oranges comparison in some respects, but a while back I used to tow a 21' hybrid trailer with about the same dry weight as yours with a Ford Aerostar minivan. It was rear wheel drive, but had far less power than your Grand Caravan. I found the performance to be acceptable in the mountain passes but not fantastic. Your van should perform much better, but payload, transmission temperature and handling are concerns.
This an apples-to-oranges comparison in some respects, but a while back I used to tow a 21' hybrid trailer with about the same dry weight as yours with a Ford Aerostar minivan. It was rear wheel drive, but had far less power than your Grand Caravan. I found the performance to be acceptable in the mountain passes but not fantastic. Your van should perform much better, but payload, transmission temperature and handling are concerns.
