Considering a 2013 but I puzzled about the towing capacity. Hoping somebody here can clear this up. Essentially I have two questions:

1) The AVP, SE and SXT trims do not seem to offer the towing package. Without the package, what is the rated tow capacity?

2) What exactly is in the tow package. This doesn't seem to be specified anywhere that I can find.

I have no illusions about doing heavy towing, I just want to know what the limits are. Anything I would do would be local, no long trips. Pretty flat here on long island too.

Thanks,
Dave

 

The towing capacity is 3600 lbs. All the 2013s will have trailer sway assist feature. All of the vans should have the heavy duty radiator with the new OAT coolant, and a transmission cooler. The 3.6 engine comes with the engine cooler as a standard feature.

If you get the tow package, you will also get:

• Load-leveling suspension
• Wiring harness.
• Hitch

 

Airbags. That is what a Caravan needs to tow more than 1500lbs safely. Load leveling shocks are not up to the task.

For a few random tows during the year I'd take my chances, but if you're towing 3K lbs fairly regularly like I do, you need to upgrade to airbags in the rear.

 

Thanks to both of you for clearing this up. Wiring I can do. Hitch I can add. Airbags I can do, all for less than the tow package anyway. It looks interesting. I'm actually a an F150 pickup driver now and really don't need a pickup. Stumbled onto an article on the Caravan and I'm now becoming convinced it is the most flexible, best bang for the buck vehicle on the planet.

 

If you are doing to do a lot of towing, you should keep your F150. If you occasionally tow a small trailer, then the GC should be a great choice. The GC is a versatile vehicle, but it has its own limitations.

 

I have to disagree. I tow fairly often, especially in the summer. As long as you use common sense and do proper maintenance then there is nothing stopping you from using a Caravan this way.

For me, I am a one vehicle family so it would be senseless for me to have a pickup instead of a far more useful van.

The money spent buying, maintaining and keeping a pickup on the road is far more than added maintenance from frequent towing.

 

I will keep the F150 for now but it is getting a bit long in the tooth and eventually will go away. My towing needs are very light and limited. I just wanted to understand the practical limits. Still mulling this over but GC still sounds like a great Home Depot run and general cargo hauler while being a pleasant and reasonably efficient daily drive. Appreciate all the input. It confirms what I hoped/expected.

Dave

 

Grand Caravan is the only minivan that can hold 4X8 sheets of plywood.

 

Interesting. Can you confirm that a 4' x 8' sheet will lay flat on the floor and the rear hatch closes on the 2011-2013? Obviously the middle and back row seats are stowed.

 

I have to be careful here, I am certain 100% my 02 allows a 4X8 sheet of plywood flat with the seats out of the way. It had been something of an unofficial standard that the GC met, not sure if they still are that way although I don't see why not.