Towing with the Pentastar V6

[jerem0621]

We tried to put the family 2014 Chrysler Town & Country through her paces tonight. The poor van just refused to struggle.

Picked up our AWESOME POP UP tonight... a 2008 Flagstaff Mac 228D. Been saving for a nice PUP for a while and Bam here she is. Nice slide, shower, toilet, heated mattresses...exactly what we (DW and I have been looking for)

We picked up this pup with all four members of my family and Monteagle Mountain standing between us and home. I'm under my tow rating and payload with this rig but was slightly concerned with how the Fantastic Pentastar would handle the load. My concern was VERY misplaced.

What can I say, the Pentastar is a Fantastic Tow Motor. I locked out high gear and set the cruise on 62 mpg... little beast never missed a lick... the Town and Country handled amazing as a TV...

The highest temp I saw was 206 degrees at the very top of Monteagle as I was cresting the top. Overall the coolant temp stayed the same as it does not towing. Between 195-202 degrees.

The RPM's stayed around 2200 or so while holding 60-62 in the rolling hills. Climbing the mountain I dropped my speed to 50 but had TONS of power. I came down the mountain in 3rd gear at 40-50 mph and the engine braking was more than fantastic. The rig EXCEEDED my expectations.

Little things I did...

1) Aired up the tires on the Van to max sidewall PSI.
2) Used a friction sway bar
3) Ensured the load in the van and the TV was balanced.
4) Manually shifted the Van to 5th gear and set the cruise once at highway speed.

Things I intend to do...

1) replace the blowmax tires on the PUP with something better.
2) Get a Light Duty WD hitch

Lie-O-Meter with the AWESOME POP UP ended the trip with 19.9 MPG over the 85 mile run home. If tradition hold true for MPG then my actual should be about 17-18 ish.

Now if I can just get to the campground with our new to us Rig.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[Lessmore]

The Dodge van (283 hp) has the same 3.6 liter V6, but different HP rating, as the Jeep Wrangler (285 hp) or the full size Ram pickup (305 hp).

It is a very good engine.

Chrysler 3.6 liter V6

I'm not surprised your towing experience so far, has been good. You've kept within the manufacturer's tow ratings and you're monitoring things carefully.

Have fun.

[AlmostAnOldGuy]

Nice write-up. The best TV is the one that is well matched to the needs and this sounds like a real winning combination. It is all about what works best for getting you and the family out camping safely and comfortably.

Have a great time!

Stu

[Fast_Mopar]

Great report. I like the "Autostick" feature on the transmission, and the Pentastar has great power. Glad to hear it is working well. My 2013 is great.

[Bionic_Man]

That's an awful big load for a little bitty minivan. Sounds like DRW diesel territory to me. Next time you do something sketchy and dangerous like that, I wish you would post a public service announcement warning all the unsuspecting motorists of your intentions. That way, we wouldn't be on the roads at the same time you are doing your stunts. 😉


Congrats on the new purchase. Heated mattress? Seriously!? That sounds nice for those cool spring/fall nights.

I had a Dodge Caravan around 10 years ago as a company vehicle. 3 years, around 70,000 trouble free miles. I never used it as a tow vehicle, but it was likely one of the most functional vehicles that I have ever had.

Have fun in your future travels.

[intheburbs]

Congrats on the new trailer.

DW has a '13 T&C. Chrysler did a nice job on that engine. I never thought I'd say it, but I actually enjoy driving it. Good power, and it likes to rev. Nicely matched to the six-speed.

She just gets mad at me when I turn off the "economy" button. She knows I'm up to no good....

[colliehauler]

Congrats on the new pup, glad your experience was positive. I hope your family makes lots of good memories.

[Road_Ruler]

Jeremiah.... Congrats on the new TV. Being one who has towed with a mini van I can understand your jubilation. There was an interesting towing article on the T&C van (RV Life Style mag) a few years ago. BTW the trailer it was towing was much larger than your pop up.

[BurbMan]

Congrats on the new pup! Glad you'll be out there camping this season! Reminds me of Jim aka Caddywhompus, member here on the forum from way back, who was a tireless proponent of towing with Chrysler minivans.

[p220sigman]

Congrats on the new Pup. I'm not surprised the van did well. Some discount just how good a tow vehicle a van can be when towing within its capabilities.

[jfkmk]

Ssshhhh! You're going to make the heads spin around of those who think you need a F-350 dialog to tow a lawn mower!

Congrats on the new camper and happy camping!