Want to start off on the right foot

p220sigman wrote:
You shouldn't have to do too much other than regular maintenance. Whenever I get a used vehicle, I change all the fluids right off the bat (including brake fluid flush) just so I know where I'm starting from.

As far a the weight distribution, I wouldn't run out and buy anything until you settle on the TT. One, you may not get the correct weight bars and two, you may be able to include one as part of your TT purchase. Regardless of what kind you decide you want, make sure to set it up correctly or get someone who knows what they are doing to set it up.

If you feel the need to change wheels/tires, just be sure whatever you get has a high enough weight rating. Just because you can find some wheels that will fit, doesn't mean that they are a good fit for towing.

I wouldn't plan to do "power enhancements" especially on a modern gas engine. Without spending quite a bit of money, you aren't likely to see any real gains in power, just gain a lot of noise. When you look at the power curves for most "power enhancements", you don't really see much gain until the upper 1/3 to 1/4 of the RPM range.

I agree with starting by weighing the van. Anything else is just speculation. Base your calculations off of the weight. If you are really ambitious, load up the van like you would when camping to get a more accurate picture.

Above all, have fun. Remember, that is why you are doing this to start with.

Great info. Sounds like the fluid change/flush is gonna be #1. I've never really bouught a used car like this. They've either been new or just a real beater in which an oil change was all I did unless something else seemed problematic.

I was definitely considering getting the hitch in advance but I'll hold off now. I'll just read and watch videos so it's not completely foreign when I do. The wheels was just an idea in case someone else on the forum knew off hand a set of wheels which would fit the shiny bill bit still be equipped for the towing. I'd be lying of I said the noise aspect wasn't also part of my interest for mods. But that will be at bottom of priorities if that's all it will really amount to.

Thanks