Does anyone pull there 18ft boat with a Minivan

[JWLogsdon]

I have a 1800#(boat) + 500#(trailer) + 250#(gas, extra). 2550# total. I am pulling it no less than 10 miles at a time with my 2008 Dodge grand caravan. It says it can pull 2000#'s standard and 3800#'s with tow package. I am going to add another radiator soon and I think that will make it pull 3800#

I am thinking about a 3 hour drive and was wondering if anyone else is pulling with a minivan and what they think about a 3 hour drive.

 

[JWLogsdon]

test 12345667

 

[RFoster130]

I dont think that would work out so well. I think your weight guess is a bit conservative also. The transmission and brakes are what I would be worried about. Does your van have the towing package?

 

[JWLogsdon]

If I add the a transmission radiator... I believe it will be the same as adding the tow package.

From wht I understand. A tow package is a trans radiator, the hitch, and a wire harness

 

[RFoster130]

I dont know about the Caravan, but in trucks mostly, the tow package comes with heavier duty brakes, transmission cooler, sometimes bigger pan to hold more fluid, better gearing and then the hitch and harness. I would try to verify exactly what Dodge does to it to make it the "tow package". If it is just a trans cooler, then maybe adding one will get you to that point. I personally still think that is pushing it to the limits though.

Do you even have the 2" hitch?

 

[RFoster130]

I have a lot of free time at work to kill. so I did some quick research. What size engine do you have? That makes a big difference. Also there is more to their towing package than a trans cooler.

The standard towing capacity is 1,800 pounds, but Grand Caravans with the 3.8-liter or 4.0-liter V-6 can pull up to 3,600 pounds when they're equipped with the Trailer Tow Group option package, which adds an upgraded radiator, engine oil cooler, heavy-duty transmission oil cooler, trailer wiring and rear automatic leveling.

http://www.cars.com/dodge/grand-caravan/2008/reviews/?revid=52397

 

[Dr Honda]

I wouldn't do it.

If it was a one time thing... ok. But it sounds to me like you are asking our approval for a permanent tow rig.

BUT... if you are going to try... add brakes to the trailer. It will take a huge load off of a vehicle that wasn't meant to tow, and don't try to tow with the overdrive on.

 

[JWLogsdon]

I have the 2" ball already installed and it is set for 5000 pounds... I have the 3.8 liter. And I only want to drive 3 hours once a year.

But.... if there is any question about it.... the smart thing to do is use my brothers trunk or my buddys GMC trunck with a 5.7, 4 door, extended bed.

now I think driving 10 - 40 mins at atime locally should be fine???? right???

 

[RFoster130]

I'm not talking about the ball. I mean the actual hitch. What size is the receiver part?

Actually, I dont think it matters anyway. I think the 1.25 hitch is still rated for like 3500 lbs.

 

[eric67]

My tow vehicle is a 2005 Kia Sedona with a 3.5 lt engine. Rated for 3500# tow capacity. I pull a 1997 challenger. It really doesn't feel much different when i'm towing with it. Got my hitch from uhaul.com for the best price, 2" made for my vehicle. My temp gauge always stays just under half, it has duel climate control so i have a radiator in the back of the vehicle and cooling lines running the length of the vehicle which could only help. I usually drive through low grade areas, no mountains or high grade driving.

Stay within your tow limits of your vehicle if its 2000# i wouldn't exceed that unless you address the tow package upgrades.

 

[timeman]

Seems like the emphasis is on the ability of the vehicle to get the boat moving down the road, before you travel very far your vehicle will tell you if the pulling load is too much, excessive tugging, pulling,constant downshifts, and high engine temps etc...if it is and you still tow, the result will be damage to the vehicle...

But, the thing your van may not tell you (until it's too late),and something more important to your safety is that the tow load is TO MUCH TO STOP! If it is and you tow, the result will be not only damage to the vehicle, BUT DAMAGE OR WORSE TO YOU AND OTHERS!
Lots of vehicles are able to pull loads at or slightly over their max rating...but unable to make a quick enough stop, .....that tow load your struggling to keep moving down the highway can quickly become a pile driver you can't stop, when your brakes fade on a hill, a dog darts into the street, or some moron cuts you off...

Doc Honda's suggestion about adding trailer brakes is a good one...

Happy boating!

 

[moosehead]

+1 to timeman's comments about braking. most inquiries seem to focus on engine size and cooling, when it's most critical to slow and stop safely in all conditions. smaller suv's and minivans may also struggle at shallow boat ramps with too much of the rear end in the water, good recipes for world's funniest videos.

 

[Stevego]

I agree, my Passat with 2.0T 4 cylinder pulls just fine. (rated for 2000 LBS) However when it comes to the boat ramp and pulling the boat out of the water I had a hard time. Almost burnt the clutch as my car is manual. Was not a fun end to the day.....
Note the water is really low this year and ramp fairly steep, road leading to ramp is gravel so much gravel on ramp also not helping with tire spin.

 

[phough5757]

Close.

97 GMC Safari pulling a 14ft 96 Speedster. Safari is rear wheel drive.
No problems at all.

 

[parrothd]

Depends on who's inside the caravan..

Fully loaded with 5-6 people & the boat, no way, maybe short distance..

Just you no problem, I'd install a after market tranny cooler, just to be on the safe side. The only difference between most tow packages and non-towpackage is the tranny cooler and the hitch/wiring. But you can search around and find out for sure...

 

[JWLogsdon]

thanks for all your opinions. The van pulls fine and stops fine. I've done lots of steep boat ramps and even put it in in someones front yard on the lake in very shallow water and the Van doesnt stuggle at all pulling it out. I am very impressed the way it pulls it out!!!!

My ONLY worry is the trans overheating and not knowing when it happens. I will just keeping pulling it locally and if i need to go more than an hour I will borrow my buddys 4 door GMC lond bed. Pluss I have the extra cooler intalled.