Towing w/a '88 dodge xplorer 230 xl

[71choptop]

Have been looking at a '88, 42,000 miles. Noticed that it does not have a hitch. Was told by an explorer owner that the material used to extend the length of the van, frame rails, are not as heavy as the the metal the the van is built on, I would need to reinforce the extension pieces in order to install a hitch, will be pulling a motorcycle trailer for (2) bikes.

Anyone have any experience w/this ? Thanks in advance.

[eric1514]

JonHartPhoto wrote:
Hey man, I recently purchased the same year and make, mine came with a hitch that states a 4000 towing capacity!

The hitch is not the place to get educated on towing capacity. The owner's manual is. I'm not saying you're wrong, but what the hitch is rated at and what the vehicle is capable of are often two different things.

Eric

[steveh27]

I tow a 2000 lb boat with my 1997 230 XL.

[JKFlipFlop]

I was reading up on my 89 last night and it looks like these are not capable of towing very much at all. I am sure the 88 is the same.

GVWR is 7500#. I am pretty sure these vans weigh around 5500 loaded up which doesnt leave much room for towing. Mine has a class 2 hitch on it with a maximun tongue weight of 350 pounds and max towing capacity of 3500#.

I was hoping this can would at least be capable of pulling a 5-6k TT, but apparently it is for light weight towing only like small boats/jet skis I guess.

[truepath]

Have a welder who builds and installs hitches take a look at it. Chances are pretty good that you will be able to install a hitch without a lot of trouble.

[stan909]

That was quick and easy.

[JonHartPhoto]

Hey man, I recently purchased the same year and make, mine came with a hitch that states a 4000 towing capacity!