Where would i install a tow package . u haul ?

[v7]

i called u haul and they said that they could fir me with the following for ~500$

class 3 hitch receiver (going to tow a popup with a minivan)
a break controller
quick connect lights
TF cooler


Am I missing anything else ?
should i replace the alternator/battery ?

is the price reasonable ?
would you trust u haul ?

_______

i've been reading the car's manual and it seems that a tow package would increase my towing capacity from 1700 to 3500

[Fast_Mopar]

Sorry, double post by accident.

[Fast_Mopar]

v7 wrote:
i intend to tow a 2000 lb folding tent trailer. it looks to be within the bounds of the minivan.

we've come the full circle. we considered a class C, then changing to a full sized van (chevy express) and a TT, then C again, then keep the car and go for a tent.

we've got several friends towing tents with minivans , and they seem to be pk with that.

I've been doing it for over 11 years with minivans without tow packages, and my popup weighs 3000 lb. Be sure to get electric brakes on the trailer and a brake controller. Even a 2000 lb popup will be a chore to stop without brakes. Some here will claim that trailer brakes are not needed. However, a vehicle (van, pickup, SUV, car) is designed to stop the weight of the fully loaded vehicle (vehicle plus payload), and it is not designed to stop the weight of the trailer. The trailer brakes should stop the trailer. Definitely do not compromise in this area.

[Francesca_Knowl]

PAThwacker wrote:
Minivans are meant for daycare parking lots not state park 30amp/50amp sites. Sorry to say it, but give up or upgrade to a truck.

?????????????

You'd be surprised how many minivans don't need 30/50 amp hookups. That sort of thing is generally reserved for those who can't bear to "get away" without bringing the washer/dryer, air conditioner, chest freezer, microwave, and big screen TV along when they "camp".

[v7]

thanks.

w/o tow package it is rated as 1700 lb.
with 3500.

the difference in the tongue weight is < 200 pounds.

[Bird_Freak]

v7 wrote:
so , tow package = TF cooling + bigger alternator(?) + bigger rad(?)

Usually, Better eng, and trans cooling, better springs and shocks and better gear ratio. I doubt you van had much of a option for towing but I do not know what its options were.

[v7]

i intend to tow a 2000 lb folding tent trailer. it looks to be within the bounds of the minivan.

we've come the full circle. we considered a class C, then changing to a full sized van (chevy express) and a TT, then C again, then keep the car and go for a tent.

we've got several friends towing tents with minivans , and they seem to be pk with that.

[PAThwacker]

double post

[PAThwacker]

Minivans are meant for daycare parking lots not state park 30amp/50amp sites. Sorry to say it, but give up or upgrade to a truck.

[v7]

so , tow package = TF cooling + bigger alternator(?) + bigger rad(?)

[Bird_Freak]

Don't confuse a trailer hitch and brake controller with a tow package. They ar two completely different animals.

[v7]

Thanks for all your replies,
i now see i didn't mention it's a town&country.

about the dealer knowing best...
i'm sure someone in chrysler does know best, but i have received few stares blanker than ones i received when asking a salesman (even at a dealership) about a technical aspect of towing.

[sch911]

Short answer is that your Minivan's tow capacity is 1700# no matter what you have UHaul add. As you saw in your previous post's responses the minivan's tow package includes much more than a TOC. Bigger radiator and electric fan, TOC, and EOC are all needed. Sorry....

[APT]

Seems like a bargain! But please get a proportional brake controller not a timed. The cost is about $20 more for a much better setup and towing experience.

[Golden_HVAC]

v7 wrote:
i called u haul and they said that they could fir me with the following for ~500$

class 3 hitch receiver (going to tow a popup with a minivan)


_______

i've been reading the car's manual and it seems that a tow package would increase my towing capacity from 1700 to 3500

My Ford Edge has a 265 HP engine and I bought the towing package because I wanted the larger radiator, dual cooling fans, and larger transmission cooler installed at the Factory!

I guess that the non-towing Edge only has one radiator fan, or a smaller amperage fan, because I have two fuses rated at 60 amps each for the two fans.

Increased cooling capacity is needed while towing. I just realized that you are planning on towing a popup with a minivan, and normally they did not include a great transmission cooler, so yes a second one will help out a lot to keep the fluids cooler. Also according to most car owners manual, you need to change the transmission fluid every 25,000 miles, or 15,000 miles when towing is included. (as this will stress the transmission fluid and overheat it).

What minivan?

Many are front wheel drive, and that can matter in handling. Also make sure that you are locking out overdrive on the downhills, so that engine compression braking can assist in slowing the vehicle.

Fred.