Extension Mirror for Dodge Caravan

[Thomson7]

We have just purchased a new Hybrid Trailer and it's become obvious very quickly that I need extensions on our mirrors. I know there are some universal mirrors out there, but I was hoping someone might be able to direct me to some that are a custom fit.

It's not actually a Caravan, but a 2009 Town and Country however for mirrors it's probably the same thing.

If anyone has found a good solution that works for them, I'm all ears!

Thanks.

[Thomson7]

The weight is the actual weighed weight before bringing it onto the trailer lot. Brochure said 3220, but that's with fluids, propane, etc...

I saw those suction cup ones... But I too assumed they would likely just fall off. Good to know someone whose had success with them. I really wish they made the custom fit ones for the 2008 and up Caravans and T&C.

[go_wild]

Curious..what brand/model of HTT is this? The weight that you mentioned, is this from the yellow sticker on the unit or the fictional dry weight listed on the brochure?

Regarding mirrors, I've had suprisingly good luck with the suction-cup tow mirrors. Some say they fall off all the time, but not so if you dampen the suction cup. They come in two styles, convex and flat. I hated the flat one; bought two convex ones and they work great for me. Simple to take on and off.

[Thomson7]

The weight already accounts for all accessories and propane but not full tanks of water. Yes, we'll have to be careful of what we put into it.

[mogman]

You state your trailer weighs 3100 lbs. dry.
No one tows a "dry" trailer.
You may have to add the weight of the battery, propane tank(s), possibly the awning. Also add in food, pots and pans etc. personal supplies, clothing etc, water and so forth. Also weight of contents of holding tanks.
I'm betting it will be close to 4000-4500....or more?

What is the stated gross (maximum)weight of the trailer? Best to load up the trailer as if you were going on a trip and hit the CAT scales and get some accurate weights and go from there. Your weight distribution hitch could weigh 75+ lbs. That is weight that will be subtracted from the vans carrying capacity.

Do you have a "tow package" on the van? At the very least install an extra trans. cooler and the required brake controller.

[Thomson7]

Never mind my previous post.

I looked online for the GCWR and found that the 2009 Town and Country is 7000lbs. But when I finally looked again in the users manual, the combined rating is actually 9000lbs with the tow package.

Man, I just spent the last hour panicking because I thought I had just made a huge mistake with this trailer!!!

The GCWR is 9000lbs. The curb weight is approx 4600lbs. The Trailer is 3100lbs. We're well within the total allowed weight.

The ratings for max tow weight for our T&C is 3800lbs with up to two occupants and luggage. It's 3350 with up to 5 occupants and luggage and 3000lbs with 7 occupants and luggage.

We are two adults and 5 kids. 3 of our youngest kids equal less than one adult. So again, correct me if I'm wrong, but I still think that we're OK with a 3100lb trailer.

Anyone see a problem with my calculations?

[Fast_Mopar]

Thomson7 wrote:
We have a weight distribution system including sway control bar installed, so I'm expecting it to handle OK.

The setup is the key. Proper weight distribution, sway control, and obviously electric brakes are all required. Nearly everyone here will say you can't do it, so just be ready for that. There are some here who tow with these types of vans, but there are not too many.

[Thomson7]

Well, this is definitely something that needs to be explored I think because I'm a bit confused by the numbers. So I do appreciate the input.

The Curb weight is 4600. The maximum tow weight is 3600 (reduced with occupants, but ours are younger kids not adults. The Gross Combined weight is 7000. So here's what I'm trying to figure out... how does 4600 + 3600 fit into 7000? That is a total of 8200... am I missing something?

[bikendan]

Thomson7 wrote:
I imagine it will be noticeable, but the weight restriction for towing with the van (according to the users manual) is 3600.

that is rated with only a 150lb. driver in the van. any additional passengers or any cargo, lowers that number by its weight.

what's the T&C's GCWR?(Gross Combined Weight Rating)

[Thomson7]

I imagine it will be noticeable, but the weight restriction for towing with the van (according to the users manual) is 3600. So it's about 85% of the max weight. We'll need a few things in it too, so it's be close.

We have a weight distribution system including sway control bar installed, so I'm expecting it to handle OK. But we won't be "racing" anywhere with it!

[ChooChooMan74]

I tow a 21 foot hybrid with a Diesel Liberty, and I know for sure it is back there. Just be careful. The frontal area wind resistance is what kills. Fully loaded, ready to camp, all my weights are fine except 100 over the GVW of the Liberty. And actually, I am just over my FAWR without the trailer and right at it with the trailer.

[bikendan]

Thomson7 wrote:
I think we'll be fine on weight. It's a 21ft hybrid and the dry weight is 3110lbs.

:R

[Thomson7]

I think we'll be fine on weight. It's a 21ft hybrid and the dry weight is 3110lbs.

Thanks for the suggestions for mirrors. I'll take a look. If anyone else has more let me know.

[bikendan]

Fast Mopar wrote:
On a different note, that van should tow the hybrid just fine.

not necessarily so. depends on length, weight and frontal area.
my 24' hybrid easily exceeds the van's specs.

the Jayco 23J hybrid had a brochure "dry" weight of 5050lbs., a "dry" hitch weight of 765lbs., a GVWR of 6500lbs. and a length of 25'.

so, unless you know which hybrid the OP bought, you can't say that it can tow it "just fine".

[Fast_Mopar]

Thomson7 wrote:
I know there are some universal mirrors out there, but I was hoping someone might be able to direct me to some that are a custom fit.

You might want to try www.chryslerminivan.net. They can be a useful resource.

On a different note, that van should tow the hybrid just fine.