I love Dodge / Chrysler minivans, but the latest 2013 ones tow only 3600 lbs. My 2005 Dodge G.C. SXT with tow package tows 3700 lbs, but my class 3 hitch only has a 350 lb regular tongue weight and 3500 lbs tow capacity. I will use a weight distributing hitch that ups my hitch capacity to 400 lbs tongue and 4000 lbs tow capacity.

So minivans can only haul lightweight trailers. I figured out the best towable RV Trailer for me, it's a Coachman 16FB, 318 lbs tongue weight. I will get a weight distributing hitch, added advantage of this is that it has sway control, and it ups my tongue weight to 400 Lbs.

Trailer: Clipper Travel Trailers - Coachmen RV

best weight distributing hitch I've seen so far: Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Round Bar - 10,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW Reese Weight Distribution RP66086

I might use a 400AH Lithium Ion custom made battery pack from here:
http://elitepowersolutions.com/index.html
It'll be about $2800 expensive but it's sure beats the weight, usability, and life expectancy of Lead Acid batteries.

If I get a generator that'll add 172 lbs, like this one: Cummins Onan RV QG 4000 - RV QG4000 - 4.0kW RV Generator (Gasoline)

I'm thinking I should run a 12V line attached to a 200 amp battery isolator to charge my 400AH battery bank, and run a 13500 BTU A/C off of this. Is this good enough for A/C or do I need a generator?


I guess this setup will only sleep 3 people, as the dinette coverts to a bed, too. Estimated total cost: $15010.95 ... I guess I must be a dreamer, because right now I hardly take road trips so buying this wouldn't be justified. But if I live in my RV for temp jobs that are far, then it might be worth it.

If I won the Lotto I'd get something like this, instead. New 2014 Fleetwood RV Tioga Montara 23B Motor Home Class C at General RV North Canton Ohio General RV

So do any of you tow using a minivan? What is it and what do you tow? I know it would be better to get a F350 or F450 with that 5th wheel trailer, but an integrated Class C is all together and a shorter length so this makes city driving more capable, turns won't be so hard because your vehicle isn't too long, plus then you can park at more places.

If you got any advice or recommendations to my setup please comment.

 

236 views and no comments? It must be unpopular to tow with Dodge / Chrysler minivans. But look at these videos where the latest 5th gens are towing 5000+ lb Airstreams!

http://www.canamrv.ca/towing/mini-va...-28-airstream/

http://www.canamrv.ca/~canamrvc/towi...dc-towing-a-s/

http://www.canamrv.ca/towing/mini-va...wing-surveyor/

I've posted the best RV towable RV options in post #5 of this thread:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/campi...ravan-sxt.html

 

Apparently the new 2013s still tow more than the competition. (According to the Dodge website).

If it were me, I probably wouldn't tow more than a fully packed pop-up camper, and the van loaded with people and cargo. I mean, I think you can tow, but it's not necessarily designed/meant to tow trailers.

I definitely wouldn't push it, it's a strain on your transmission. Stick to a truck for towing/hauling.

 

seen that at the trailer show. they got the caravan and a jetta I think with a 20ft airstream. no where I would think towable. but they can but I looked under and the hitch is modified with cross beams and such to support weight. mostl like airbags too.

 

Yeah, almost every Class 3 hitch for my 2005 G.C. SXT with Stow N Go only has a 350 lbs tongue weight, up to 400 with a weight distributing hitch. I never found any class 3 hitch out there that has a higher tongue weight. I guess the only way I could up my tongue weight is to get my hitch welded to my frame at some points.

And maybe you could tow a 6500 lb trailer as long as you setup the electric brake controller higher to compensate that the trailer is heavier than the tow vehicle.

 

Hitch ratings are a bit confusing when it comes to what you can really tow. Most tongue ratings are 10% of the total hitch rating, but in reality it is safe to let the tongue weight go up to 15% of the hitch rating. That is common industry practice and many hitch suppliers are looking at raising the tongue rating accordingly.