Towing Uhaul with 2002 Grand Caravan Sport?

[cdnjan]

A few questions for the pro''s

I am planning to get a hitch on the van @ Uhaul?? and then hauling a trailer 4x8 or 5x8 from MO to CA full of a product I am selling. Trailer and contents <2000 Lbs

My questions are
Must I have the towing package?
Extra tranny Cooler?
Does anyone have any idea on how this will change the mileage?
I read somewhere about not using overdrive?
What about using cruise control?

ANy input will be appreciated.

Thank you
Jan :)

[StandOnCliff]

It would be wise to have the towing package, if you do this all the time. The towing package comes with a tranny cooler as part of the package. Overdrive and cruise control should not be used when towing. If this is a one trip thing,just taking frequent rest stops is what I would do.Especially after a bunch of hill climbing. As for gas mileage,it will decrease,not sure how much,depends on driving style.Taking off slow and easy. Using the whole ramp to get to the speed limit, or more, while getting on the highway, will get you better mileage,plus help on keeping your tranny cooler.

[webbee]

I think the 2002 has a factory cooler added. Even so, it's good advice to take it slow. Check what the towing capacity is for the van. Follow the law in most states which is 55 max for a tow. Make sure you have safety chains and the lights are hooked up to the towed vehicle/trailer. Your mileage will go down. I can't say how much as it depends on hills and how you drive. Colorado will be the worst for straining your van.

Drive at night as much as possible, as it's cooler and there is less traffic. Make sure you have good locks on the hitch and the trailer doors. Park where there is a lot of traffic in the motels/resturants, as close to the office as you can get. Set your car alarm and get one if you don't. Thieves are bold and many. Again, sleeping days and driving nights cuts your risk.

Have a good trip!

[jimjack]

Drive slower, 55mph is about right. May take awile but will help gas mpg and is easy on transmission that should be out of overdrive. Do not run with cruise, get a feel of what the van is doing with the gas pedal and you can save fuel and mechanical grief. Best of luck, Jim.

[HRTKD]

I had the dealer install a hitch on my '02 Grand Caravan. They did all the wiring. It works great in most instances. I towed a fairly heavy trailer (maybe 3,000 lbs?) one time and found that it made the rear end squat so bad that on gravel roads I could tell that the front end was losing traction. Buying a pickup truck solved that problem.

As I recall the Grand Caravan came with the extra transmission cooler. I looked at my invoice for when the hitch was added and there is no line item for a transmission cooler.

[cdnjan]

One more question plz. They will be travelling the I40 across to LA,Ca. Unsure of the grades that they will be getting into. They know not to drive in Overdrive but should they gear down for going down the mountains?
They are towing the 5*8 with @ 1500 lbs inside << As I write this I am trying to make sure they don't overload this trailer the extra weight sounds bad in all cases {handling/gas and engine/tranny**

It is the 3.3 NO tranny cooler :(

Please advise I am writing this for my friend that is actually leaving Kansas City today going west.
Thank You, Jan

[HRTKD]

Yes, absolutely gear down when on down grades. Otherwise you'll overheat the brakes. Don't worry about the speed limit. Go as slow as you think you need to.

Once you reach your destination and are finished with the trailer consider getting your transmission flushed.

[StandOnCliff]

Shifting down to second going down steep downgrades is advised especially if it is picking up alot of speed heading down a hill,instead of heating the brakes up.After a bunch of steep hills have been climbed,might want to take a 15 minute rest stop to let things cool down a bit. Basically just baby it all the way.Baby it the way you would if you thought something was wrong with the vehicle and you want to get it home before it gets worse.

[StandOnCliff]

If you or they have never towed anything before.Remember to never tailgate.Leave yourself plenty of room.Remember your stopping distance doubles while towing and more then doubles with hot brakes. Pay attention to whats way ahead and be ready for anything.All it takes is one second of not paying attention to conditions to find yourself in trouble. Most states it's a law to have your headlights on all the time and is incouraged.

[cdnjan]

You people are wonderful all and any tips are appreciated.
She has towed before long time ago different vehicle, different terrain.

This is her baby so I feel confident she will go easy.

I think today will be a good way to start out .. to get the feel of things before they hit the mountains. Overall I think I40 is the best route for getting thru as opposed to I70.

They are contemplating US 54 from Wichita down to Albuquerque I wonder if anyone knows what that road is like .. it is definately shorter and as the higher speeds on the interstates are not happening maybe this is a good route.

I know we are not a travel forum but you guys are great.
Thanks again for your input :)

Jan

[StandOnCliff]

Personally I would stay to the highway. You can go a minimum of 45 MPH on the highway(less if climbing hills) and 55 is very possible most of the time. Staying to the right lane is all. Routes and such usually have varying speeds,more hills and more curves. This overheats your transmission even more and also more of a chance of like a deer jumping out in front of you,also more traffic situations to deal with. Stop and go driving is worse on the tranny then highway.

[webbee]

... Overall I think I40 is the best route for getting thru as opposed to I70.

They are contemplating US 54 from Wichita down to Albuquerque I wonder if anyone knows what that road is like .. it is definately shorter and as the higher speeds on the interstates are not happening maybe this is a good route...
I can't say about US54, you could use I35 to I40 at OK City which is easy, pretty flat as I recall. I agree that I40 is much less grade than I40.

Tell her to watch out for deer as they are numerous and deadly to the front end of minis.

Good luck on the trip! Lot's of good advice in this thread.

[TomQuick]

I honestly wouldn't even think of towing with my Caravan without the trans cooler on it. As others have said, NO OD, NO CRUISE. Go easy accelerating, and give yourself plenty of time for braking. Use low gear to help keep the speed under control on the long down hill runs, and just go as easy as you can with it. I have towed with my '97 Caravan, and it is a plenty capable vehicle. Just be aware of it's weaknesses (mainly the transmission) and don't abuse it any more than you have to.