Towing Setup: a 5100lbs Trailer with a MINIVAN!?!?

Hey Guys! I'm really sorry I couldn't film the actual towing but I posted my thoughts on the Forest River Forums:
CanAm RV in london, ontario uses 2 dodge grand caravans as their tow mules to bring trailers up to 30 feet up from The states.
I towed a 29 foot Surveyor. it was equipped and ready for camping. (an employee took it to the east coast (3000km round trip) the week before in his GMC Terrain) (~5100lbs)
I have never towed anything this big. I took it on Country roads. I did U-Turns. I parked it. I took it on the 402, Got it up to 120kph (got a bit dicey) I drove behind transport trucks. I drove beside transport trucks. I did quick lane changes. I did hard acceleration, I did passing acceleration.
In the city, 0-60, I had to feather on the throttle, but otherwise could accelerate with the flow of traffic. Never went about 5000rpm with normal driving.
On the highway, I took about 17 seconds to get to 100kph on an on-ramp. 0-60kph was great, 80-110kph was much worse.
Only once I started getting near 120kph with transport trucks on the right did I feel like the trailer was starting to pull the Caravan out of shape.
Brakes were set up a little bit twitchy (slow decelleration from highway speeds would trigger brakes, I assume from wind drag being seen as "light braking" but for normal pressure braking it was nearly imperceptible.
I was beyond impressed. I drove it for over 40 minutes and at times, I would completely forget I was towing a trailer (almost dangerously so) And I towed with the BASE model Caravan, with no Self leveling shocks or anything. Bone stock, but they welded the hitch to the suspension mounts up front.
THe surveyor is a bit lower than some trailers, and he said that was key - Less wind drag. He left the tranny in full auto, but when I drove it, I locked it to 5th gear. It provided about 2800rpm at 100kph and locked up the torque converter unless I was going up a decent hill.
Bottom line is - I'll never get a 29 foot trailer to tow with this... but I won't hesitate to get a lower profile, streamlined 24 footer, dual axle trailer.
Basically any trailer where the wheel arches eat into the living space. The Ones built on a flat platform above the wheels have a lot more wind drag.

[@Sudz3]

Dear Everyone: In Ontario, the only Law regarding Towing is that you cannot exceed your Vehicles GVWR, or the Maximum weight that your Drivers License (probably G class, (About 10,000lbs)) The "Tow rating" manufacturer's state is more or less for warranty and liability purposes (to cover their own butts) If a caravan has a GVWR of 6000lbs, and weighs 4500lbs empty , I have a 1500lbs to play with. With a family of 4, Gas, Groceries, camping supplies I would subtract about 1000lbs. 4 people and their stuff weighs quite a bit. That being said, There is 500lbs left to play with. Now the Aftermarket Hitch also weighs about 100lbs... so lets say 400 lbs Until a Caravan hits GVWR. The TRAILER is not included in GVWR. What IS included is the Tongue weight. (the weight your trailer places on your hitch) So, If I am towing a 4000lbs trailer, I would want approximately 10% tongue weight - This now puts me at my Maximum GVWR. Any more, and THEN I am driving with an illegal load. 400 lbs pushing down behind the rear axles will push up the nose - This is totally legal but also completely stupid. A load distribution hitch is a precaution many people who tow take to ensure that the vehicle dynamics aren't effected outrageously so. The distribution hitch also dampens trailer sway, making the trailer follow you around like a puppy. Trailer Brakes are REQUIRED over 2200lbs in Ontario. With a good proportional controller configured correctly, the trailer will stop itself almost as fast as your car stops while driving on its own -Reducing brake fade, And greatly decreasing the distance required to stop. It also prevents the trailer from "pushing" the tow vehicle in a panic stop, causing jackknifes. As long as reasonable precautions are taken, and you are not braking the law by exceeding the GVWR of your tow vehicle - Towing a trailer over your tow rating is in NO WAY ILLEGAL. I repeat: The Maximum tow rating of a vehicle is JUST A SUGGESTION BY THE MANUFACTURER. There are ZERO Laws regarding following that recommendation.

[@gerardogonzalez8076]

The max combined gross weight includes both, car and trailer GCWR. The maximum weight is curve weight plus payload. The GVWR of both trailet and car cannot be higher than that. And tongue weight on a loaded tt is not 10% but more like 15 to 20%. Battery and propane tanks add about 100lbs to the factory tongue weight enjoy. You abuse that frame, that is different than a truck or SUV frame, you are going to kill that minivan

[@gerardogonzalez8076]

@Ignacio basically, you have a Max Payload that frame, suspension, axels, breaks and so on, can legally hold. That Payload includes, full tank of gas, people, cargo and tongue weight. If you pass that you are liable, and even if nothing happens, you are going to destroy the vehicle. Payload is one of the most critical parts of towing, and the one that is no considered more often.

[@MarkLadeRealtor]

That van has passenger plates on it, not commercial. That's a big difference legally too. When you register a vehicle commercially (truck plates), you have to declare a Gross Combined Weight Rating. This is where guys with pickup trucks get in trouble. Legally, as long as none of the axle weights are over their placarded limits, you're okay. Remember, a WDH puts hitch weight on the trailer axle too, in addition to the steer axle. That van has a GVW of 6100#, just 400# less than a GM 1500 2wd. Other than transmission heat, it should be fine.

[@Larry_Kabberga]

The fact that insurance won't cover anything is perhaps a minor concern...you could easily end up going to jail in case of a deadly accident.

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

Just don't drive anywhere with towing laws that are more strict than Ontario.

[@iviaverick52]

Meanwhile every other youtube channel tells you you need an F350 dually diesel to tow a 3000 lb popup.

[@TheDevicemanager]

lmao lmao lmao. what kind of crack those you tubers taking, space rocks??? all people need is their mom to tow the package, godddddam!

[@timnelson1787]

Wait... what?! You don’t🤯

[@Yoshikarter1]

And Europeans tow larger trailers than that with even smaller cars than that minivan regularly..

[@joebenson6083]

That's why ur van is going to break down one day

[@loujohnson6143]

Exaggeration.

[@bobbyhaney522]

My neighbor has been pulling a 26ft camper thats 20 years old with a Dodge caravan. He's done it every since ive lived hear going on 10 years.

[@PouchMaster]

That's something! Do you know how much that trailer weighs?

[@nustar1]

Anything that long is going to exceed 3000- 3500 which is the standard rating given to mini vans. I feel the rating system really is a convenient conspiracy for manufacturers. Check out Can Am RV for their videos. They have Dodge Intrepids towing large airstreams.

[@noahriding5780]

If u r pulling a big campter like that with only an old D. Caravan... what happens if you hit a hill, or have to go uphill? Will u be fine as long you don't hit hills?

[@monster-pq7ln]

This looks like a really good idea.

[@amahana6188]

No mini van is designed to tow a trailer that big and heavy. If you pull that trailer up or down any big climbs or decents…at speed, and you have an emergency braking or maneuvering situation, that tow vehicle doesn’t stand a chance. It’s simply not designed to do the job you’re asking it to do. I hope you aren’t towing with anyone besides yourself in the car.

[@mtxgalant96]

So stupid. The rear suspension, brake system and frame were not built to tow this RV. People don't know shit about cars.

[@gibco25-offical56]

How is that thing 5100 pounds? More like 7000!

[@CJColvin]

Towing that heavy amount of weight on a vehicle that isn't made for that is going to break it, you have to look at gross weight as well.

[@brettduffy7931]

You are about fifteen hundred pounds over your tow capacity but considering that has the same engine as the ProMaster which is rated to tow 6000 lb I don't think it's a big deal

[@marcclayborn8189]

Yeah 2002 California trailer hwy accident 44 cars involved some genius had the some ideia Good luck

[@10rninjariderzx]

Right or wrong it may work. Would add a transmission cooler with fan. I would worry more about burning the transmission . I am sure the van is capable.

[@Nemofishman]

It's the same engine that the Ram 1500 has, which can do 7000+.

[@ugurcevik4451]

Kuku h but the ram 1500 has an 8 speed heavier duty transmission if i can call it :)) i have the same 2018 dodge grand caravan and im so worried about pulling 3-4 k lbs..

[@Sterlingjb3]

You need a bigger tranny cooler to tow this the question is what about up hill pulls?

[@04dram04]

@@Nemofishman But is its not the same transmission........ FWD........

[@10rninjariderzx]

@@ugurcevik4451 no comparison. A Ram has a full steel frame, bigger brakes etc. In the 1980s 1 ton trucks only had 200 hp but they were heavy duty with gears. Big difference. It's not just engine power.

[@2stage90]

DOT?...Never heard of them....

[@MarkLadeRealtor]

Passenger plates, not truck... Different rules.

[@jimbo9357]

CRAZY. But if it works then who am I to judge.

[@Marine28pts]

2010 VW Routan mini van pulling the wolf pup. The rv is 3200 lbs dry weight. Pulls great. Weight Distribution and 2 sway bars. Was nervous last year when we started, but never had a problem, this year the nerves are gone.. I just drive careful and slow like a grandma! :) No offense to grandmas

[@dhdh8314]

Glad to hear. I have a Wolf Pup and thinking about the Pacifica.

[@nustar1]

Roughly, how much do you think it weighs when you take it out?

[@Mitusrides]

Word on the street is he still test driving it to this day

[@dustysdad801]

That is the tail wagging the dog.

[@trevcam6892]

Here in the UK my diesel Honda CRV can legally tow up to 2000kg (4,400 pounds).

[@TnTTyler]

tow ratings are far different in the UK vs North America

[@tomryan9616]

Good luck with that T6 transmission!

[@jamestracy9499]

That was my thought exactly I have full faith on the motor and body of the van The transmission is where I draw the line

[@manuelkorivu3966]

It's better To add an extra transmission cooler, la what Ive done on my minivivan. Ok and glad since 3years now, 24ft TT

[@tomryan9616]

I’ve purchased four brand new minivans and I replaced the transmissions in each one. I’ve have been told the torque converters are not adequate. We have a small pop up camper and camped 5-6 times during the summer.

[@leadnsteel1428]

@@tomryan9616 yeah the transmissions are not designed to handle that much weight. My dad went through 2 transmissions and then traded the van in for a Tahoe.... never had a problem with the Tahoe

[@micinca]

Really? I was so scared to tow a rv trailer more than 3500lb, this one is way too much, but thanks for giving me the idea,

[@mr.steve1357]

I was impressed when I hooked my trailer up to my minivan after getting a hitch for it... Half the time I didn't remember that I had a trailer attached

[@exposurebyvideo1209]

what van do u have?

[@danielstride2276]

Pushing it buddy but it looks great

[@littletimmy5940]

Its not if it can tow it, but can it stop it. The breaks on the Minivan are not designed to stop that much weight. My 1 ton diesel can pull 40,000 lbs but is only safe to stop 20,000 lbs.

[@Sudz3]

The trailer has powered proportionally controlled brakes. That’s like saying a transport truck can’t tow a 80,000lbs trailer because it can’t stop it. It can’t. The trailer stops itself.

[@littletimmy5940]

@@Sudz3 And what if your trailer breaks fail? Your tow vehicle needs to be able to manage the weight in the event of a trailer break failure which happens all the time even on the big rigs. Good luck.

[@Ojeramup12]

If it works for him, it works. BUT I would not get behind this trailer with a ten foot pole. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@williegohard1368]

You don't need a 3/4 ton or 1 ton truck to pull a RV like that one you can use a midsize truck SUV or like what you see in this video I have seen one ton truck turnover pulling that same type of trailer trust me

[@TimeforchangeTrudeaumustgoEndb]

Wow!!!!! a perfect example 👏 of what not to do!!!!! Dodge caravan with a 3600 max tow capacity!!!! Towing a trailer that is over 5000lbs empty!!!!!!!!

[@JohnDoe-fr1id]

My older one is rated a little higher for towing

[@martinm9979]

Can't fix stupid. I wish I was part of the conversation when the sales guy said " yeah ur rig will pull that no problem as long as ur approved by the bank."

[@WishingForSerenity]

And if you get involved in an accident, no matter who's at fault, if you are found to be towing over the tow rating, you're toast.

[@Sudz3]

Please show me what law would prove that? Insurance would absolutely cover you - Once, before dropping you and never covering you again. The owners manual states a maximum recommended tow rating. As long as you don't exceed GVWR you are 100% legal provided reasonable percautions and preparations have been made. A G class license in Ontario allows for up to 4600 kg trailer., anything over 1400kg has to have Trailer brakes. SO my caravan weighs 4510lbs. The GVWR is 6050. This is 1540 worth of Cargo, People, and TONGUE WEIGHT. If I Have 1000lbs of cargo and people (reasonable for a family of 4 with 2 small kids) I have a buffer of 540 lbs of tongue weight. at 10% tongue weight most trailers are very stable at highway speeds. This would be a 5000lbs trailer. In UK they'll go down to as low as 5% tongue weight which is bonkers IMO. Is your stopping distance increased? yes. Is your acceleration slower? yes. Still better than a loaded 18 wheeler, So provided you drive with caution and plan ahead, you will be ok. You saying that you'd be at fault, if you look at the GVWR and Curb weight of the average sedan - You'd be over with 5 grown adults in the car. Not including cargo. The average sedan has a cargo/people capacity of 850 lbs. You don't see police charging for people with 5 passengers for being overweight. Get your facts straight.

[@Sudz3]

@Tacoma Adventures *you're

[@rochboulanger6565]

@@Sudz3 The cops would find you at fault simply because you're towing. I'm not saying this is right, it's just the way it usually works. Same as motorcycle riders. The smart ones drive VERY defensively because IF they are invloved in an accident they will almost always be found at fault, even if it wasn't their fault. That's just the way it is.

[@Sudz3]

@@rochboulanger6565 Well, considering my entire family rides and accidents have happened and my brother was found not at fault for rear ending someone who pulled out in front of him... I'd also have to disagree with you. My father is in the insurance industry, I've discussed this with my insurance company when i was considering it, and have thoroughly looked into the laws regarding this. Where's your research?

[@MrInternFTL]

It’s below the rating plus he’s Canadian you don’t get set for life lawsuit payments over there

[@danmanr]

I think you might be a bit crazy with that set up, but if it works great! I have 2011 Caravan and I pull a Jayco 10ft pop up, loaded up it is probably 2300lbs. The van is usually as loaded as I can get it with me and the wife, 2 kids, large dog and all the luggage I can pack in the van and in the roof top clam. I have pulled that set up from Ontario to Florida 5 times. We've gone through the White mountains of New Hampshire and a couple years ago we drove down through Colorado and Utah, through some of the gnarliest mountain passes I've ever driven (including Eisenhower pass - wow!) and other than me always wishing I had brakes on the trailer I have never felt like the van was struggling. Some passes required 3rd gear, 5000+ rpm to stay moving but the van did it just fine. When I tow I never use 6th gear. Just rolled 200,000kms this week on another loaded up road trip to northern Ontario. I like to see these videos, guys pushing this vehicle well past the manufactures recommended 3800lbs. My wife wants a bathroom, we have outgrown the pop-up. I am not sure I would ever put 5000lbs back there, but there are many awesome trailers that weight in around 3000 empty and It's nice to know the van probably could handle that without much trouble. I only worry about the hills, either on the highways or in the campgrounds. Some of the climbs to the campsites are nail biters.

[@danmanr]

@@RS-uo2nd Since commenting on this 7 months back we did upgrade to a 18ft trailer Jayco BH, dry weight 2700lbs. I have absolutely no issues towing it with the minivan, with a load leveling hitch with sway control. It tows that 18 very well, but with the larger front face on that trailer, depending on the wind, the van really works to move it, so much so that I will run 4th gear, 4000RPM, to maintain 65mph in some cases. redline is 7000, so I know it's fine, but man does it consume fuel running like that. I get similar, if not worse mileage than my friends do in their V8 trucks towing larger rigs. I would not feel comfortable towing anything larger with my van. Some do it and more power to them. I think I am just far to aware of the issues that could come up doing it to be able to enjoy travelling that way.

[@manuelkorivu3966]

It's better To add an extra transmission cooler, ls what I've done on my minivivan. Ok and very glad since 3years now, 24ft TT

[@danmanr]

@@manuelkorivu3966 This spring I'm adding a trans cooler.

[@mike66266]

@@danmanr We just bought the same trailer and towed with our grand caravan. It towed just fine but I want to get a WDH for it so when we're loaded up in the van it doesn't sag too much. Did you get a reinforced hitch like in this video or did you just use it on a normal hitch? I'm just worried about the unibody construction and damaging the frame and was wondering how yours has held up.

[@danmanr]

@@mike66266 standard class3 hitch, installed it myself when the 2011 van was new. I do think that a weight distribution hitch is a must with the new Jayco we have, or anything at all close to it. I love the way it tows, it feels very stable. I do also tow a 18ft Fourwinns that weights in around 3500lbs without anything more than the 2" ball, and it's more than fine.

[@junkyardrevival5121]

Holy! Lol where's the part 2? I know that transmission just fried...

[@Sudz3]

No part two. Like everyone in the comments predicted, I got into a horrible car crash and died. It drove fine. My findings in the description as I couldn't film/drive at the same time.

[@supreme_arts2607]

Never told us how it went bro!?!?!🤷🏿‍♂️

[@amahana6188]

It’s probably because he’s dead when that trailer flipped him like a fly on a cows back.

[@aliceinchainz3003]

just so ya know this can be done however if somthing goes wrong just know its because u didnt follow directions at all thats way to much for that van.

[@Eric-4501]

It may be legal but exceeding the manufacturer's towing capacity by 1500 lbs is just asking for trouble down the road. the tow capacity has a lot to do with the structural strength of the unibody. Good luck and I feel bad for the next owner of that mini van.

[@hotdude655]

would never want to tow in a dodge caravan, not just because they don't have any power the seats are horrible, for me at 6ft 220lbs

[@scottearls7854]

not safe at all

[@cakeismtrader4227]

Just don’t tow with mini vans transmissions can’t take for very long even with proper towing oil in transmission

[@SpoiledLocGurl]

Been trying to see if we can ditch our Expedition and get a minivan to tow a camper. We have a family of 7 though and 3 of the kids are teens (so adult size 😂). We are thinking of getting a hybrid with pop out sides. I'm just not sure the van can handle the tow 😭. Have to do more research first. I really don't want to keep the V8 SUV.

[@Lamontontherun]

There's no way that guy actually towed that anywhere

[@Sudz3]

This is the mule they use to transport trailers up from the states. They wouldn’t go down hilly backroads but for trailer parks and highway it was totally fine!

[@airborne_12v]

Caravan is only legally allowed to tow 3600lbs

[@dennisreynolds6915]

That's really not safe. Please think of your family

[@virgilgray]

THIS SHOULD "NEVER" BE ALLOWED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. IT IS NOT WEIGHTED LEGALLY TO BE HAULED BY THAT MINIVAN.

[@TBrownRecords]

Oh wow you made a good update how did the van tow with the RV?

[@darrenlingerfelt5879]

I can modify a Smart Car to set level with a 29’ camper hooked to it. But it still won’t pull it.

[@Sudz3]

Read Description.

[@bowhunterd2407]

What for? This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen. Flat out negligent actually.

[@noahriding5780]

I'm also curious if this messes up the tires to pull a big weight? Does anyone have feedback on how this affects the tires?

[@Sudz3]

It will wear almost everything at an accelerated weight. I would not expect this van to live a long and happy life without greatly increased maintenance.

[@susannad27]

the 6cyl vvt motor is the same pickup jeep caravan

[@04dram04]

Completely different drivetrain though. This is front wheel drive. Not designed to tow

[@slaveryn7824]

strong ! power wagon

[@Irondiesel]

What a careless thing to do. Just complete ignorance on your part.

[@Sudz3]

More careless than commenting before reading the comments/description and watching the whole Video?

[@16jnajm]

I’m sure it’s fine

[@TimeforchangeTrudeaumustgoEndb]

Do you tow?

[@sailr]

do you tow in 6th gear? or must you shift down to save the transmission?

[@Sudz3]

5th.

[@mi16t]

I tow my e36 m3 on a two axle flatbed trailer with my 2002 dodge grand caravan awd 3.8L. Zero issues

[@JamieGloccs]

Can you send me your set-up I want to do tuff shed but I'm worried about the weight making my rear end sag

[@workingcountry1776]

That doesnt weigh 5000 lbs and doesnt have the aerodynamic characteristics of a CMU.....

[@TimeforchangeTrudeaumustgoEndb]

@@workingcountry1776 that's 5000lbs empty!!!!!! He'll be close to 5500+ with gear and passengers!!!!!

[@rumingjiang69]

Awesome setup. Have you tried it in any road trips? Where did you get the hitch modified?

[@Sudz3]

Not mine - Just took it for a test drive - Can-am RV in London, Ontario.

[@noahriding5780]

Will this kill your engine? I have a dodge caravan with a 3.3 L engine... it says the towing capacity is only 2,000 lbs for most years with this engine size. But how can it be that small? Is 2000 lbs actually right?

[@james5063]

Nice

[@GeneracionGoshen777]

This video is funny and the reason is i was worry to pull a cfmoto 600 4wheeler on my honda odyssey lol and them i see this 😅

[@rochboulanger6565]

Quads are light and can be carried on small trailers. From experience I'd say something even as small as a midsize sedan can pull a quad on a little 4x8 trailer. A camper on the other hand....these guys are completely nuts.

[@cos103080]

I have an acadia which can tow 5200lbs. We are about to buy a 27 foot jayco (4700 lbs) Im shitting bricks. Thoughts?

[@Sudz3]

marcos carrasquillo if you’re in southern Ontario take it here. They’ll weld the hitch to the frame and properly match the hitch/load distributing setup. They’ve been doing it for 30+ years.

[@PouchMaster]

Did you actually get te 27 foot Jayco and pull it with the Acadia?

[@MrInternFTL]

Dang cool

[@FRw1K92]

I tow a 2022 Keystone Hideout 176BH (dry weight 4050lbs) with a 2008 Toyota Highlander 3.5L V6 270HP. With all of our stuff weighs about 4300lbs. Towing capacity 5000 per Toyota owners manual. I’m at 86% of that and it’s fine. Just take it really slow up and down hills ect. If you give it too much gas you can cause engine and transmission issues. Change oil every 2000 miles or less while towing and change transmission fluid more often than the manufacturer recommends (Toyota every 60,000 miles). Top off air in all tires, check on spark plugs and make sure all fluid are topped off. I also have a weight distribution hitch with sway control for added safety. I think I have all the bases covered. Right lane warrior 60 MPH…. 65MPH absolute tops and be careful!

[@dezanicleaver2682]

I tow with my bmw m5

[@kfcsir]

Did you town your m5 with a car trailer or a dolly attached to a minivan?

[@chaz951]

HAHAHA!!!!

[@robertdragoff6909]

This is nuts! As Dolly Parton said many years ago you can’t put 20 lbs of potatoes in a 10 lb sack. You can tow anything with any vehicle, however this minivan is not designed to tow this big of a trailer.

[@gibco25-offical56]

I love the people in this comment section…

[@Sudz3]

Yeah when I posted this I grabbed the popcorn and waited. It was a slow burn but patience paid off.

[@teak2228]

All of that but is it legal????🤪🤪🤪

[@Sudz3]

Read Pinned comment/Description.

[@Sterlingjb3]

Let's see the tow video

[@Sudz3]

Sterling Bonner unfortunately I didn't have a GoPro or anything at the time, but you'll just have to take my word that it was quite controllable. Obviously slower to 100kph than normal, but stable up to 110kph. Started to get a bit dodgy closer to 120kph but I only drove that fast because it wasn't my van or trailer, lol. Lock the shifter to 5th gear and you sit around 2700rpm at 100kph with the torque converter locked. (A good thing) It'd be fine cruising for hours like that.

[@Sterlingjb3]

Its rated to two 2500 lbs

[@chrisludwig9783]

@@Sudz3 speed is your only enemy. Control that and you'll be okay

[@dontaskwhat]

Caravan has a max tow capacity of 3600 lbs. Most people would not tow more than 70% of that.

[@benpeterson4163]

This is crazy in every way. Over-Weight on Everything. Don't Do This.

[@rmproute66]

If you wanted to use the Pentastar engine with the 62TE Transaxle for towing, you’d be better off with the Ram Promaster instead of a Dodge Grand Caravan.

[@Sudz3]

But then I couldn't cart kids and dogs around while they eat and watch Paw patrol for the 5000000000th time.

[@joyemedina7398]

Sudz dude if you can do it in your within the legal limits of the law and vehicle gross weight between both units combined just the van and the trailerthen by all means and you feel comfortable doing it my hat's off to you bro. Should do is upload a new video of you pulling it and everything and if you don't have a GoPro can have somebody drive on the side of you and have a video tape it with your phone and then upload it and make sure that they get the mileage per hour on how fast are going w while pulling it.

[@martinm9979]

Those caravans are not rated anything over 3500 lbs. Your caravan has no frame it's unibody construction. Also ur tranny is not suited for such heavy towing loads. U can fry ur tranny plus ur trailer is too heavy for this van. The camper weighs more than ur dodge. Very unsafe towing situation where u can get I to swaying condition or understeer condition. Also good luck stopping fast if someone cut you off at intersection. I tow 6400 lbs with a dura go Hemi tow package and that enough of trailer for such a big suv. Anyways like they say can't fix stupid.

[@TnTTyler]

Unibody doesn't mean anything. Cherokee KL's can tow 4500lbs they are unibody, same with Grand Cherokee's (WK2) which can tow 7200lbs

[@humblegypsydanielcristian4891]

So what happened did he lived to tell the tale or he moved on because I didn’t see he’s ending and his comment. Or he understood now that he is a real Einstein. Come on man step up to claim your price

[@Sudz3]

Alive and well! Decided on a pop-up (towed by caravan) as we had not camped. My thoughts on the driving experience is in the video description.

[@Running-with-skizers]

The problem isn't moving that load its stopping

[@manuelkorivu3966]

TT suppose to stop by it's own electric brake 😉

[@John-ql5hj]

Minivans are 10 times better than a pickup truck. You get more cargo room in the back than most pickups. The most common pickup on the road is the Ram 1500. Look at the specs and the power to weight ratio of the Standard Ram 1500 isn't much greater than what a minivan has. If I removed the seats in the back of my van I'd have about the same power to weight ratio as the standard Ram 1500. I can tow up to 3500 pounds, roll a lawn tractor or ATV in the back, sleep in the back on a solo camping trip, fill the Van completely up moving stuff to another home and the seat folds up and can seat up to 8 people. You can take out the 2 middle seats and put in an ottoman and create a mini living room with a microwave/ TV.

[@wldktz1]

I switched from a 2013 town and country to a 2015 Expedition EL with the EB. There is no comparison. I can carry way more cargo with my family in the vehicle. The only advantage the mini van really has is slightly taller cargo space when all the seats are down.

[@TnTTyler]

Power to weight ratio doesn't mean shit when towing.........its the chassis and power train combination. Example. Cherokee KL (unibody) can tow 4500lbs higher than the caravan, its smaller and has a less powerful engine, but can tow more. Why is that?

[@bebeslife4519]

I have a 2011 Grand Caravan and I can’t imagine that the transmission would love this. It clunks and shakes going in gear and shudders the whole van going up inclines at idle speeds.

[@Sudz3]

Yeahhhh I can't imagine reversing would be fun. Carvans shudder and surge in reverse on the best of days.

[@bebeslife4519]

@@Sudz3 So you didn’t get to experience reversing?

[@kellyburdette4123]

You keep saying crazy yes you are crazy you will find out I don't half to tell you

[@randomness981]

Still waiting to find out how it went...

[@Sudz3]

Read video description. Drove nice. Didn’t go with the setup for personal use

[@asifsattaur8993]

Hey how is this possible? And who did this for you? I have a T & C and I’m looking for a trailer like this.

[@Sudz3]

Can am RV in London, Ontario

[@asifsattaur8993]

@@Sudz3 thanks. This video is 3 years old. How did the van do towing this? Are you still towing the same trailer?

[@Sudz3]

@@asifsattaur8993 It was a demo. I'd trust it alone with a bit of weight in it, but not with my family. It could easily get stuck on a dirt road up hill, but fine for highway driving and most country roads. Stable up to 115kph around transport trucks. Braking was fine. acceleration was as good as could be expected (Can keep up with transport trucks, won't win any drag races)

[@Long-nd8bq]

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. I can't imagine that thing could even accelerate up a hill without losing 20-30 mph. Maybe on flat land at 55 mph it would be ok, but out here in the mountains with thin air this wouldn't make it over any mountain passes. You would blow up the engine or overheat the transmission trying. That load needs a truck with some torque to pull it. I wouldn't want to pull that farther than across the parking lot with a mini-van. Most mini-vans only tow pop up campers. I have a Silverado and a Grand Caravan. I'm going to put a hitch on the van but only for pulling small trailers, maybe some jet ski's, or hooking my hitch mounted bike rack on. I don't even know if I would want to pull my boat with the van and it only weighs 3000 lbs on the trailer.

[@Sudz3]

I towed it about 20km and was not easy on it. I maintained 110kph without issue. It actually hauled ass! The caravan has the same base engine as the Dodge Ram. It also has a tranny cooler. 280hp 265tq I think.

[@Long-nd8bq]

@@Sudz3 Definitely would need to have a tranny cooler. I plan to add one to my van with a class 3 hitch for towing small cargo trailer or jet skis.

[@Sudz3]

@@Long-nd8bq all dodge grand caravans with thet 3.6l and the new headers (2013 and up) have transmission cooler included.

[@TnTTyler]

@@Sudz3 3.6's don't have headers........the manifold is cast in to the engine block, you don't know shit about what you are talking about

[@bowhunterd2407]

Do a KZbin search for “caravan sway crash” and tell me if you still think this is a wise thing to do.

[@bowhunterd2407]

That van does not have enough weight to control that trailer.

[@Sudz3]

@@bowhunterd2407 This van was outfitted with 600lbs Weight distribution arms With anti-sway dampers. Not cheap. It also had the class 3 hitch re-enforced and welded to the frame at not only the 2 regular spots, but an extra 4x4 box steel tube welded to the frame middle of the van. This was to allow for greater tongue weight. It also had a great proportional brake controller. I got it up to 110kph/68mph, drove in the drafts of transport trucks and tried some quick lane changes and the trailer followed me like a puppy. I was warned to release the tension from the WD Hitch before pulling into any steep driveways because it has the capability of lifting the back tires of the van off the ground. It felt safe, there's 300,000km's on each of their Caravan Mules driving to and from the states and they've never had a single issue. I think science, calculations and half a million miles of tests trumps KZbin Armchair Engineer advice. ... I just wouldn't dream of driving this in winter or expect to do any standing starts on a hill with dirt roads.

[@bowhunterd2407]

Good luck with it. I hope I’m wrong.

[@Minimalist1266]

Sway has absolutely zero to do with the tow vehicle. It is all about the trailer and the speed at which you are towing.

[@TnTTyler]

@@Sudz3 A WDH hitch is pretty cheap, I have one for my 20ft trailer,

[@SeanAlegator]

It is fine to tow with a minivan but if you tow more than the limit of the towing capacity of the van it can damage the suspension of the car and leak the gas of the car for repairs

[@AngryHerby]

My wife needs a minivan and I need something to tow my race car around… 🤔. Wondering if a dodge caravan or Pacifica could do the task! Dual axle enclosed car trailer, 24ft, with tools and car parts plus 2600lb car inside

[@Sudz3]

Someone I know has an M3 race car and the trailer + car is 7000lbs. Would not be good. Race trailers are typically Big boxes and aerodynamically a flying brick. I don't think it'd be good.

[@AngryHerby]

@@Sudz3 thanks for your input, guess will need a minivan and a truck 😂

[@Sudz3]

@@AngryHerby or a 3 row SUV? They have more capable towing generally. Used Suburban?

[@AngryHerby]

@@Sudz3 that’s what I want, but wife doesn’t want. She’s dead set on a minivan 🤷‍♂️. She currently has a 13 Santa Fe and I have a 13 cross trek. Both are pretty good on gas, drove a grand caravan this past week on vacation, unsure of what year it was, but only had 30k miles and kinda liked it, except for transmission felt like it was acting up sometimes.

[@whtpwr]

Sell the race car.

[@jeremyswainston6618]

Wish u would a said what happend...thats impossible

[@Sudz3]

Read my other comments or description.

[@jeremyswainston6618]

Gotcha....i just gotta 30ft camper and towing with 2007 escalade...paranoid about long drive lol

[@Sudz3]

Jeremy Swainston if you’re near London Ontario get your setup dialed in by CAN-Am RV, and get a good weight distribution hitch with sway control - makes a white knuckle drive into something enjoyable.

[@vinnyivanov2906]

Poor transmission

[@Sudz3]

Apparently they have 2 caravans they use to ferry trailers around and they get to 200,000kms which is more than most dodge caravans do ferrying kids around before blowing up. They replace fluids more often and overmaintain and they hold up.

[@manuelkorivu3966]

It's better To add an extra transmission cooler, ls what I've done on my minivivan. Ok and glad since 3years now, 24ft TT

[@fornitemaster4286]

Ever heard of renting an rv could save you a a ton in fins

[@headforthehills3353]

GCWR?

[@MarkLadeRealtor]

Passenger plates, No GCWR. Just axle weights.

[@michaelrollins2240]

Gross combined weight rating. Total weight of tow vehicle and trailer. Trust me I'm a truck driver he's well over weight. Legally yes he could get himself in some hot water !

[@TimeforchangeTrudeaumustgoEndb]

@@michaelrollins2240 sounds like he's brain dead a lot of people here have told him ....He gets mad and tells them they are wrong!!!!!

[@dhdh8314]

Some comments have been directed towards the engine and unibody design of the caravan. I would point out that both the Ram Pro Master, Grand Cherokee, and Durango are examples of unibody designs that use the same 3.6 Pentastar. Those models are rated for up to 6800 lbs of towing, more than some body on frame SUVs and pickups. I imagine other factors like tires, brakes, transmission, and suspension are reasons for a lower tow rating on the Caravan. I still wouldn't pull over the manufacturers specs however.

[@rochboulanger6565]

Just because the Promaster and Durango have unibody design, doesn't meen the caravan's unibody was created equal. Comparing apples and oranges.

[@dhdh8314]

@@rochboulanger6565 Nobody said they were equal, and I pointed out they have different tow ratings.

[@ChrisM-gb1vm]

How did it tow? My wife and I are taking a 17ft RV up north with our 2014 Caravan. Not near as big as that but the dry weight comes in at 2600 lbs plus gear and tanks full i figure I'll be 3500 - 4000 lbs. Any issues towing that big trailer ?

[@Sudz3]

I didn't end up getting a setup like this, but towing a loaded popup without trailer brakes was no problem. the 2013+ caravan has much larger front brakes than the pre-2012 ones. Only thing I'd recommend at the 3500lbs mark is just to use your gear selector to put it in max 5th gear instead of 6th. the RPM's is fine for 100kph and it stops the transmission from constantly hunting between 4-6 gear every time there's an incline.

[@hugobellemare9416]

Max capable for the van is 3,600lbs I towed a 3,300 camper and it couldn't hold 100km/h on the highway without constantly downshifting.

[@manuelkorivu3966]

It's better To add an extra transmission cooler, ls what I've done on my minivivan. Ok and glad since 3years now, 24ft TT

[@ChrisM-gb1vm]

@@manuelkorivu3966 yeah I ended up dumping the van and bought a truck. Tried it on a 700 mile trip with a 18' camper. Always hunting for gears. Crushed fuel economy and struggled on the elevations. Just wasn't safe. Itd did it but a white knuckle situation in the rain. No traction on the front tires with all the rear weight.

[@ciscochacho1751]

How does it handle

[@Sudz3]

Not bad! 110kph was stable around transport trucks and quicker lane changes but wouldn't go over that. Acceleration was no issue and the trailer brakes were dialed in perfect so as to times I'd forget it was towing!

[@ciscochacho1751]

I have a 2011 Honda Odyssey and we're thinking about buying a trailer that weighs 4500 pounds but he could only pull 35 what does your trailer weigh

[@manuelkorivu3966]

It's better To add an extra transmission cooler, ls what I've done on my minivivan. Ok and glad since 3years now, 24ft TT

[@fixinggrace]

Looks like the tail wagging the dog. In all seriousness I’m sure this vehicle could pull it. This van has 100 more horsepower than a 1985 GMC Suburban and that will pull a trailer that size just fine with the right hitch. I own a 2018 Dodge grand Caravan and the structure just doesn’t seem strong enough to handle that. You may even void the warranty.

[@Sudz3]

Walter Grace oh it definitely does. But this can has pulled these kind of trailers for over 140,000kms (about 100k miles) and only has had struts and wheel bearings replaced. No tranny or engine issues whatsoever. And yes, they weld the hitch to the "frame" at the back as well as make an extension up to the mounting points for the rear axle frame mounts so it 100% screws your warranty...

[@jacobynoctis4825]

But an 1985 GMC is 3 times heavier not to say those 5.7 liter chevy small block are pushing over 300 foot pound torque

[@MarkLadeRealtor]

Jacoby Noctis The '85 suburban weighed 14000lbs? The grand weighs 4800# It isn't about power or weight. It's about manufacturers warranty

[@04dram04]

its not about the power. Its about the strength of vans drivetrain and chassis

[@FerencHarcos]

The clutch will b your weakest point

[@micwang7757]

I thought it’s way too heavy for the van since the towing capacity is 3500lb I believe.

[@ChaotiX1]

These vans "and most trucks" can actually tow far above what the manufacturer specifies. That number is more or less a suggestion; and also a voided warranty if you choose to tow above it's rated weight.

[@wldktz1]

@@ChaotiX1 it’s not a suggestion. You can be cited for being overweight. God forbid you cause an accident.

[@davidweigel2238]

So I wonder how it will do going up a 8 degree mountain in Colorado? Oh, what about coming down😱🤔 These vehicles don’t have a full frame, they are unibodies.

[@TnTTyler]

@@ChaotiX1 Nope not even close but keep telling yourself that

[@TnTTyler]

@@davidweigel2238 Lots of unibody vehicles can tow much heavier trailers, unibody doesn't really mean anything.

[@mauricedelrosario22]

Where did you get the support for the hitch done? Is it a custom install or can it be purchased for other minivans?

[@Sudz3]

Can-am RV in london

[@susannad27]

you do realize the motor that is in the caravan is the same motor in the dodge pick up 6 cyl vvt

[@04dram04]

Completely different drivetrain though. This is front wheel drive. Not designed to tow. The truck is rearwheel drive with stronger transmission and frame.

[@susannad27]

i tow a trailer with my 2012 caravan al the time i installed timbren bumpstops and have pulled 4500lb trailers all over ontario no problem at all dont get me wrong its not a race car but it works

[@emmyBlove]

Susanna D hello Susan! I drive a 2019 Dodge Caravan. I really want to buy a travel trailer for my girls and I. However I get mixed reviews on what I can tow. I am planning on getting a tow packaged install next month and my goal is to by a little 19ft travel trailer 3300 dry weight next spring. I am concerned of the weight restrictions and if you could give me advice on additional tweaking you have done to your van. I won’t be filling up water tanks till I get to location. But I am thinking 4000 pounds once cargo and family is packed in.

[@TnTTyler]

Motor doesn't mean jack shit

[@2003lightning1]

I've got a 2015 Town and Country and I've been thinking about buying a Hybrid TT with a GVWR of 3500lbs. How did it pull?

[@2003lightning1]

Oh.... just read the video description! Thanks for posting!

[@Sudz3]

2003lightning1 city speeds were fine. Feather the gas on and you can accelerate easily with the flow of traffic. Highway speeds obviously took a lot longer but no worse than a smart car or transport truck. Detailed review in description. I highly recommend checking Can-Am RV in London ontario. They use (and require) common sense instead of tow ratings.

[@workingcountry1776]

600# tongue weight plus whatever you put in the van. That is a heavy load for a class 1 truck let alone a fwd family car.

[@miguelrocks1000]

Dude just get an old 3/4 ton truck $1000~$3000 at most. You'll have the brakes, chassis, and suspension to more than handle that.

[@idget5]

Any updates on your trips with that massive trailor and tiny van? I'm interested in hearing how it handles in a cross wind, those vans are so small it could blow you straight off the road with a trailor that size...

[@richcherwalk6349]

The vehicle most likely to be affected by cross winds is an unloaded semi truck, weight of vehicle matters less than u think plus grand caravan weighs about 5000 pounds not a light vehicle.

[@michael.starbuck1998]

I saw someone using their Dodge Grand Caravan (somewhere between 02 and 07) doing this a few days ago on the highway. Usually, it’s not a good idea to pull a huge camper with a minivan. Lol

[@mmarczuk1976]

This is stupid to tow 5000 lbs trailer with caravan. The engine may have hp but tranny is weak . obe way to fry tranng fast. Also try towing this in the rockies in 35 deg weather and ac on see if the van can do it.

[@manuelkorivu3966]

It's better To add an extra transmission cooler, ls what I've done on my minivivan. Ok and glad since 3years now, with my 24ft TT

[@jaystone3516]

they are better off with a full size pick up that is too dangrous

[@iair-conditiontheoutsideai3076]

Definitely a dangerous situation I recommend no one does this

[@gibco25-offical56]

Why would dodge design it to tow this much then?

[@deepriver3662]

You can't fix stupid! That's too much trailer for that van

[@kristopherlauro4327]

This is how highway fatalities happen.... Darwinism award right there.

[@Htown_sports_dude]

Dude I have a truck you have a minivan my truck is heavy duty ur minivan is light duty it won't pull that thing cause that minivan will break and you won't have a car, my truck will pull

[@Bobdinkins666]

gaming with john cool spelling

[@Htown_sports_dude]

That minivan will struggle big time

[@shahbazkhanjs]

Good luck with the transmission. Those vans good for 1k miles and after that workshop visits back n forth

[@Sudz3]

this "mule" had ~140,000km. 100k of it was used to tow trailers. All dodge caravans sold in Canada have the beefy tranny cooler installed.

[@chrisludwig9783]

Sudz caravan is a good strong van. like you said you just have to watch your speed.

[@manuelkorivu3966]

It's better To add an extra transmission cooler, ls what I've done on my minivivan. Ok and glad since 3years now, 24ft TT