Setting Up a 2004 Chevrolet Venture to Tow a 2,500 Pound Camper with Trailer Brakes
Question:
I would like to pull an ultra light 16 Camper with this van. I need a class III hitch, but do I need air bags installed? The camper weighs about 2,500 lbs. dry and we plan on pulling it about 500 miles both ways on Michigan roads. We also need all of the wiring with brake control and a large plug. Approximately how much will this cost and what do we actually need? The camper is a 2007 Fun Finder 160. The Venture is an LS Extended. Thank you!
asked by: Shannon V
Expert Reply:
Suspension supplements like the Timbren kits we carry may or may not be needed. At 2,500 pounds dry you should be within the tow capacity of the Venture. If your total trailer weight is close to the limit of the van, then I would suggest a suspension supplement. Since you will be towing a camper that will have pretty much the same load each time, I would suggest the Timbren Suspension Enhancement System as it will not need to be adjusted for varying loads. You would use part # TGMRREN if your Venture is 4 wheel drive, and part # TGMRAZT if 2 wheel drive.
You could use Draw-Tite Hitch part # 75278 as your hitch and part # C55355 for your 4-Pole trailer wiring.
Since the camper is equipped with trailer brakes, you will also need a brake controller and a 7-Way trailer connector. You would use ETBC7 to install the 7-Way, it requires a 4-Way to already be installed. We carry several brake controllers, but one of our most popular is Tekonsha Prodigy, part # 90885.
Installing a transmission cooler like # D13503 would also be recommended. A cooler can lower the operating temperature of your transmission for smoother operation and longer life. A # D13035 fitting is also needed. A cooler would provide important protection for the transmission with a very low cost and easy istallation.
I have added links to the product pages for each of the items I recommended. The product page will include pictures, information and pricing for all the parts. These are the basics that you will need. The Timbren kit may or may not be needed. You can try towing the trailer first and if you find that rear of the Venture is sagging or the suspension is working to hard then you can add the Timbren later.
I have also included some videos that maybe useful for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM
- Accessories and Parts
- Transmission Coolers
- Radiator Adapters
- Derale
more information >
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 8-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Jounce-Style Springs
- Standard Duty
- Timbren
more information >
Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Jounce-Style Springs
- Light Duty
- Timbren
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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