So how slow would it be :=)
Also what weight can I realistically pull. My van is an Elk conversion...
Thoughts? Experiences?
Thanks

 

Do you have the owners manual for your van? It would have the answers in it. Much depends on the transmission installed, rear axle ratio, and your vans gross weight. On my van I can pull up to 4,000 pounds (my B2500 has the 318, 36RH transmission, 3.21:1 axle).

On yours with the V-6 my guess would be about 4,000 at most. If you do not execeed the GVW of the combined trailor and van then it should pull for the most part with real easy. Fuel economy will be reduced some.

 

You can get some of that info by getting one of these from dodge. http://www.dodge.com/wccsapp/univers...ull&category=R

 

I had towed with our B1500 V6 3.9L that has the 3.55:1 rear. Agreed, keep the towing of the trailer no more than 4,000lbs. The Dodge towing guide showed 4150lbs max for 1998-2003. I had done 4,500lbs, but on the interstate going up and down the overpasses, the setup couldn't keep at 55mph, but dropped to 45mph. That's the reason why we opted then for the B2500 and the 5.2L. It tows like nothing is back there.

 

As others have said, follow the owners manual. They had to warrantee the vehicle at their max recommended tow and combination weights.
Towing is not about how fast you can go but how fast you can STOP!!, or else react in an emergency.
All the dodge vans essentially had the same chassis so all they did was change suspension and brakes as they changed models.
I fail to see why a bigger engine by itself could change towing capacity but not one to argue with mfg data.
What the van really needed was M O R E gear ratios to work with.

 

Umm, more uphill pulling power and better engine braking downhill come to mind.

 

 

Thanks for all the info guys. I was just thinking of pulling about 2000 lbs. Sounds like it would probably be OK.