Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver To Tow 5' x 8' Utility Trailer With 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan

Question:

Hi, Im a towing newbie, but coming from 213470 page, I think Ive already scoped-out what I want to buy from etrailer.com as far as what suits my 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport front-wheel drive. That would be your #36296 Class II receiver and related draw-bar, ball, and wiring. But what I dont know is what Class, configuration, etc. is required to assure towing compatibility with U-Hauls 5x8foot utility trailer. Thats the rig I want to use to tow a couch and loveseat 400 miles. When I went on Uhaul.com to scope out their installation options, all theyd show was a Class-III set-up, and that seems way overkill for the measly 1800 GTW my old Caravan can actually handle. I tried calling my local U-Haul but went into a hold loop forever. So, I thought Id ask you folks to see if maybe thats simple, common knowledge to you! Thoughts, please? Thanks for any help.

asked by: Bo

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4" # 36296 you were looking at for your 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan should be plenty to tow the 5' x 8' U-haul utility trailer you are planning on renting as it has a 300lb tongue weight rating and a 3500lb trailer weight rating which as you mentioned, exceeds the towing capacity of your vehicle. I do however recommend trying to reach out to U-Haul to find the vehicle towing requirements that are required to tow their trailer.

The main difference between a Class II and Class III trailer hitch is the Class III hitch has a 2" receiver where the Class II hitch has a 1-1/4" receiver.

You will just need to make sure you are not overloading your vehicle, but since you are only planning on towing a couch and love seat I don't think you will be close to or exceeding 1800lbs.

To complete your towing setup you will need a vehicle wiring harness # 118376, ball mount # 36071, 1-7/8" hitch ball # 19256 or 2" hitch ball # 19258 to match the coupler on the trailer, and a hitch pin and clip # F-4.

I included a few installation videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.