Read your owner's manual. In mine (2005) it's on pp. 338-341. Itsays the van can pull 3800 lbs with only 2 persons and luggage.

If you have a hitch, you probably have the trailer tow package. Dodge recommends a weight distributing hitch for trailers above 1000 lbs, and requires it for trailers above 2000 lbs. Your trailer also shouldn't have a front surface area greater than 40 square feet. (8' x 8' = 64 sq ft)

Trailer brakes are to take some of the stress off of your van brakes. I don't know how having only one axle helps slow a trailer down. Pay for the trailer brakes or pay for brake parts on a regular basis. Actually Dodge says any trailer over 1000 lbs should have its own brakes.

I really don't think travel trailers were meant to be towed by a minivan. Look at the pictures in their brochures. They usually have full-sized pick-ups.

 

I thought the 3.3 was rated at 1800lbs tow capacity and the SXT (3.8L) with tow package was rated at 3800lbs?

 

I guess it means we have to upgrade our vehicle. What a friggin drag. Just not sure what to get. We have 2 kids and a dog, so a pickup won't do.

It all comes down to price price price.

 

When I bought my 05 GC they said the tranny problems were fixed in 03 or 04. Is there still some concern with the caravan tranny?

 

Just rechecked the manual. It's the same for both. 1800 lbs without trailer prep, 3800 lbs with.

 

what is exactly included in the "trailer prep" kit besides the tranny oil cooler? I plan on putting a cooler on regardless if I haul anything or not.

 

I too am wondering what 'trailer prep' means.

Thanks in advance

 

It's basically a transmission cooler, trailer hitch and wiringto hook uptrailer lights.

 

I see. The garage checked and I do already have a tranny cooler installed. He did say that it was a small one though. I guess that means it should be upgraded. Not sure what it's rated for as far as towing.

Or would it be good enough? It may have been stock installed.

 

Instead of buying a new truck and camping trailer have you thought of renting a camping trailer or motorhome for a weekend?
It's kinda' expensive but not as bad as I thought.It's a lot less than buying a camping vehicle and you don't have to store the trailer when it's not being used.