towing with town and country

[jimi1952]

Hello, just joined the forum and was wondering what size trailers some of you tow with a town and country? We are buying a Jayco slx 185 weighing about 2700lbs. Does anyone think we'll have a problem? Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Fast_Mopar]

My brother owned a 4X4 Ranger 4.0 with 3.73 gears for several years, and I drove it a lot. It has a higher theoretical tow rating than the van, if you like numbers. But, the Ranger has a narrow track and higher center of gravity. It will not tow as well as the van. You can do it and everyone here will get out their calculators and congratulate you on being within your limits, but I would not recommend it.

[jimi1952]

After talking with my wife we decided not to use the Town and Country to tow. Insead we are going to use my Ranger, it's a 4x4 with 4.0 v6 and factory hitch. Looking forward to hearing what any of you think. Thanks, Jim.

[Greentreena]

dodge guy wrote:
There are no issues with the transmissions in the late model Chrysler minivans! that stopped back in the mid to late 90`s!

I have had a much differnt experience as I have had significant transmission issues and know other several other family members that also have had problems. We aren't talking towing: I'm talking day to day driving.

[jimi1952]

Ours is a 2012 and were one of the "lucky ones" that needed the left side cylinder head replaced because of a misfire in cylinder #2. We took out the extended warranty and they increased it for the new left head. We'll see how things go Tues. when we pick up the new trailer.

[dodge_guy]

There are no issues with the transmissions in the late model Chrysler minivans! that stopped back in the mid to late 90`s!

[Greentreena]

Hope you have extended warrenty for the transmission. Done 2 transmissions in our 2008 grand caravan, first one a 60000 km then at 75 000 km: and that isnt towing at all. best of luck to you.

[atreis]

With a good hitch it'll work fine. You won't win any land speed races - take it easy.

[jimi1952]

rjs, I'm picking up the trailer Tues. don't have the timbrens yet, should have them shortly after. Figured if I'm not happy with the setup without I have them to put on, if I don't think I need them I can return them. Thanks.

[rjstractor]

If your WD is set up correctly you should not have any rear sag. You may not need Timbrens. If it were my setup I'd try without the Timbrens first and only add them if needed.

[jimi1952]

Thanks to everyone that replied to my original post. Yes we are having a wd hitch put on, I already have a brake controller, and am adding timbren suspension for town and country. I'll see how things go with this set-up and maybe upgrade tow vehicle in the future.

[Oasisbob]

I posted earlier but forgot to mention the difference between empty and full ready to camp trailer weight was almost 500 pounds including full water tank, duel batteries. Best of luck. I figured the WD hitdch was just a given. Yes for sure

[jerem0621]

Set up the WD hitch correctly and you will be fine.

also, get a brake controller.

Thanks!

[notruffinit]

I once had a similar set up. Best thing I ever did was add a WDH to put the front wheels a little more firmly on the ground. Helps with traction and braking.

[Campfire_Time]

That 2600# is "dry". Dry weight is a fictional number. The number you want to look at is the GVWR, which is 3500# for this trailer. I towed a similar trailer, same GVWR with a mini-van. It's doable, it'll be safe provided its setup right, but realistically you'll be limited to short trips on relatively flat terrain.

Most folks who tow "xyz trailer" up to their rated capacity and say its "no problem" have not had the joy and pleasure of towing with a more appropriate tow vehicle.

I speak from experience. I have twice now towed very close to my limits. I knew what I was getting into and what the limitations would be. I can also tell you that there is a marked improvement to towing with reserve capacity and not pushing the limits. I'm not trying to discourage you from doing this, just helping you understand it won't be the best scenario you could have for towing. Most people that do what you are doing will buy a bigger tow vehicle in 12-18 months.

EDIT: Yes, you will need a WD hitch.