Weight Distribution Recommendation for 2011 Chrysler Town and Country

Question:

We have 2011 Chrysler mini van, want to pull 3,500 trailer which is max for the van. Which weight distribution hitch would you recommend for this?

asked by: Al

Expert Reply:

I may have a solution for you, but the first thing you want to do is to make sure that your trailer hitch receiver is 2 x 2 inches, like the receiver on this Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 75579.

Next, it is important to check your owner's manual for your 2011 Chrysler Town and Country for your vehicle's maximum gross trailer weight. Chrysler will recommend not towing a trailer over a specified weight, regardless if you have a weight distribution system or not. Based on my research, I found that the maximum towing capacity of the van is 3,600 pounds when there are only two passengers. As more passengers are added, this maximum capacity decreases. This would give you a maximum tongue weight capacity of 360 pounds.

The tongue weight of a trailer is usually between 10 and 15 percent of the gross trailer weight when the trailer is loaded and ready to tow. For your trailer, if the 3,500 weight is the total weight of the trailer when loaded to tow, the maximum tongue weight could be between 350 and 525 pounds. I have attached an article on how to determine your trailer's tongue weight, so you can make sure you do not exceed your van's tongue weight capacity.

I have also attached an article on weight distribution and sway control systems.

If you find that you are within your vehicle's towing capacity, then we will need to know the total tongue weight of your towing setup before choosing the correct weight distribution system. The total tongue weight includes the loaded and ready-to-tow tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of any cargo loaded behind your rear axle.

If your total tongue weight is equal to approximately 360 pounds, I recommend the Fastway e2 system, part # FA92-00-0600. The weight distribution system is rated for tongue weights between 250 and 600 pounds. Additionally, this weight distribution system uses trunnion style bars which offer greater ground clearance than round style bars.

This system requires a hitch ball with a shank diameter of 1-1/4 inches, such as # EQ91-00-6080.