I have a 2000 Grand Caravan and I would like nothing more than to replace it with a new Magnum RT. I just can't convince my wife that the Magnum will carry all our stuff on trips. The Mag obviously doesn't have as much cargo capacity as the GC, but is it enough for a few suitcases, pillows and misc. junk in the back? Our kids are 5 and 8 and it seems like we have to pack up the whole house with us for a simple long weekend. How about roof carriers? Does anyone use a luggage carrier on the roof of their Magnum?

 

Check your GC manual for trunk space, the Magnum has:

27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats
71.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down


If you have the short wheelbase gc, you probably will have enough space back there in the Magnum, but I'm not sure if the GC even came in short or only long wheelbase. I found one place that says the GC has 168 cu ft with the seats removed, lots more than the Magnum with the rear seats down, but you should be getting by with the space in the Magnum as you need the back seats for the munchkins regardless of which vehicle you have. I could not find any mention of GC cargo space with the seats in.

I have the roof rack, and I put our bike rack up there with no problems. I would not hesitate to put one of those bullet shaped cargo boxes on the roof if I had to carry a bunch stuff that would not fit in the trunk. My kids are grown, so I don't have that issue right now.

GET THE MAGNUM!!! Deliver yourself from the minivan.....

 

Vinny 68,
Been there... Did that... The Magnum is great. I have an 8, 14 and 15 year old kids. Holds everyone and everything just fine. On vacations a 'Car Back Pack' would be needed, but we needed on in our Caravan anyways. I did not get the Grand Caravan, even though the extra 2 feet come in handy during road trips, it made it bothersome to manuver and park. Ditch the Mini-Van and get the Magnum as soon as your kids stop spilling stuff. They will love you for it. And be sure you get the RT... Regret will eat away at you while you sleep if you don't... Nightmares of that RT leaving you at the light... Don't let that happen to you, get the RT!

 

I'm definitely sold on the RT, no worries there. The wife and I drove an SXT this past weekend, and while it was a nice ride, I would surely be kicking myself later if I didn't get the Hemi. I guess I'll start looking at the roof top carriers and make sure to get the roof rack when I order mine.

One other question....does anyone have the factory DVD player built in the back of the center console? It sure would be nice not having to hook up the wires and straps for a portable one when we go on trips, but at over $1,000 it is kind of pricey!

 

Vinny,
We have been travelling 170 miles with a 3 year old, while setting up a cottage that we bought over the winter. I am somewhat regretful that I got rid of my truck before all the work was done. As far as traveling, the Magnum would be fine. Camping and stuff like that should be ok. I have a Thule setup for the factory roof racks. If you want to get something like that, you need to have the factory racks. I use the Thule stuff for bikes, but you could get the storage systems for the roof as well. (The bikes take about 1.5 MPG off!) Overall happy with the car. Just might be tough if you are really used to having all that space. I have the tow package and have been using my utility trailer to move stuff as well, including a tractor. The trailer kills MPG! Down to about 14 MPG. Good luck with the Magnum. Only you can say for sure if the space is enough. If you search for a post called first challenge with new mod by me you can see the Thule set up on the car.

Pablo

 

My wife had a GMC Safari van that was her everyday kids/dog/junk hauler for over 2 yrs. When it was time for it to go and get something else I talked her into looking at the Magnum. It is by far the best choice of a veh. for our/her needs. We ended up with a Magnesium Pearl R/T with every option except the DVD and roofrack. It hauls everything we ever put in the van and does it in comfort and style! Needless to say , she`s VERY happy with it. The only thing we don`t really like is the lack of a 3rd row of seats like the van had , it was better for the kids to have their own row , but they`re use to it now.

 

all i have to say is your van has about 200 hp give or take 20hp the rt 340 so what if the cargo area is not the same youll have a freakin hemi ,brother you should grow some ***** like the hemi and tell your wife your getting the dam magnum........ sorry iv had 8 coronas already, tell her what you want.

 

Well then it had better have enough cargo space for me to sleep in!

 

vinny68

Let me add another voice for the Magnum as a successful hauler of weekend stuff for a family of four. And we don't need the roof rack! If your wife remains concerned about the space, take the suitcases, cooler, etc., to the dealer and put them in the Magnum. May be do it alone in case you need to do some figuring with the roof carrier.

I would try to get the dealer to cut you a deal on the built-in DVD player. Especially near the end of the month. They have enough margin on accessories to work with you. Those things are manditory with kids and they are not going to want some over-priced accessory threatening the sale of the entire car.

What an awesome vehicle upgrade you have in mind! Don't get wobbly on getting the Hemi because of a costly accessory. Get creative! If you appreciate power, you will find the Hemi exhilerating, even at low rpm with partial throttle, one really feels that torque! How minor an occasional video set-up is by comparison.

Scott