Towing power of the Grand Caravan

[airwear]

I have a 2002 Grand Caravan Sport, with the 3.3 litre V-6 engine.

The owners manual says that it will tow ~3,000 lbs, and if I had the trailer tow package, ~4,000 lbs.

The trailer I want to pull will be closer to 3,500, and I don't have the trailer tow package.

I think the trailer tow package includes the following: Heavy-duty engine cooling, heavy-duty alternator and battery, load-leveling height-control suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, trailer-wiring harness, and full-size spare tire.

Anyone have any idea/experience if I really need to add any of the items from the trailer two package to be able to pull the 3,500 lbs trailer. I have a proper hitch and wiring installed.

thanks.

[McClane]

Yes, especially the engine cooling (which I assume includes tranny cooling too). I wouldn't take the chance on burning out the transmission or engine.

For the load levelling, I'd look and see if roadmaster makes something for your year caravan. I know they do have something for 98 Voyager/caravans, but I'm not sure about 2002.

[crappie_fisherm]

To be safe I would add the tranny cooler. A tongue weight differecne of 50 pounds (i.e. 10% of 3500 vs. 3000 pounds) should NOT warrant the addition of any load leveling. Now my assumption is that you are following proper tongue weight relationships. The engine cooling should be fine with the stock radiator again provided you don't have any issues with it already.

The tranny is the item that takes the brunt of the work while towing so I would definitely protect that and the addition of a tranny cooler just helps that out all the way around even when not towing.

Hope this helps.

[4therv]

I had a 2001 Grand Caravan EX it did not have a tow package but it did have a 3.8
engine,4wheel disc,160 amp alt,and tranny cooler.I put in roadmaster helper springs,
So it realy had most of the package except the load level suspension. I used a WDH its a must and you need the trailer brakes.I pulled a big pop-up and then I pulled a
Hi lo type trailer both trailers ranged in the 3000 to 3800 lb range. And van did great
17-20 mpg towing . But it took its toll on the van. But the tranny held never one problem. But the rack went,caliper, front bushings,struts. For the most part it towed great.Just watch your weight. And get a good brake control .
Good luck

[427v8]

I think the important thing is a transmission cooler. Esp with these weak trannies...

[pat0223]

I'm going through the same analysis right now with my 2001 Grand Caravan ES without the towing package. I purchased a Hayden external trans cooler, however, to my surprise, the vehicle already had a rather large external transmission cooler between the ac and rad. Anyone know why this would already be there?

I am also debating between Airlift helper springs (59543) or Sensa-trac load adjuster shocks (Napa 58620). Does anyone have suggestions/comments?

Thanks.

[3strikes]

I had these installed on my 99 Grand Caravan.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/4wp/products/productLine.asp?cat=SUS&prodline=2122&catName=Suspension&man=AIR#

I tow a 5x8 trailer when we go camping, and other times I tow a 5x8 with
our atv's and the back end never sags

[4therv]

If the van has rear a/c you cant put
air bags in.Because they run the rear a/c lines up by the frame.
Thats why I did not put air bags in my caravan.I could not bolt them in

[six pack]

All good info with making sure you have a trans cooler.

But, is this 3500 lbs empty. what happens when you fill your trailer with supplies, tools, fluids?? I'm sure you will be well over the additional 500 lbs. I think the current vans can only accomodate up to 3800 lbs trailer weight.

A trailer this size should also have trailer brakes hooked up.