Recommended Complete Towing Setup For 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan With Weight Distribution For Camper

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Question:

Good Afternoon, Im asking this question because Im having trouble sorting out a decision to buy. In my area, someone is selling a gorgeous 2000 Coleman Fairview with just about every option for a very good price. The spec sheet they showed my lists the GVWR of the unit to be 3250Lb. NADA lists the Weight of the trailer at 2172Lb. So my questions are as follows. 1 If I understand the ratings, the NADA listed weight is just the camper, and the GVWR of 3250 is the maximum the trailer can safely weigh including itself 2172LB and any cargo. Is this correct? 2 Our Tow Vehicle is a 2013 Grand Caravan Max Tow Capacity is 3600LB. With this trailer, would I need stabilizer bars or sway bars, or would a static hitch suffice? If one is recommended, which one would I go with? Thank you all for educating me on this, ive only ever towed small cargo trailers up until now.

asked by: Jon

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Expert Reply:

Your understanding of the GVWR is correct...it is the total loaded weight of the trailer and the cargo. For your 2013 Grand Caravan, I do suggest a weight distribution system along with sway control because you are very close to your max capacity with this vehicle.

Let's start at the beginning since you weren't clear if the small cargo trailers you've towed were with this vehicle. If you don't have a trailer hitch receiver, I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # 75579. This is a square tube design with a black powder coat finish. I've attached a video for you. I recommend using a hitch lock like # BX8858 to secure your investment.

For 4 way wiring connection if you need it, I recommend the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness # C56331. This will give you quick connections to your vehicle's factory wiring behind each tail light and will draw power directly from the battery to protect your system. If you have a trailer with brakes, you will also want to add a brake controller. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 because of the ease of use with the LCD screen. To get the wiring needed for this, you will need the Universal Brake Contoller wiring # ETBC7 which will give you all you need to connect this controller to a current 4-Way flat.

For weight distribution, you will want a system that falls right between the range given for total tongue weight. The total tongue weight is the trailer tongue weight when loaded along with any cargo behind the rear axle of your Grand Caravan. For this application, I recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion # FA92-00-0800. This will give you a total tongue weight range between 0 and 800 lbs. This system uses metal on metal friction to control sway. You will also need a hitch ball like # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch hitch ball to match your trailer coupler. This system includes the shank for your receiver.

If you will be doing other towing, I recommend the adjustable mount # BWTS10047B which will allow you to pull multiple trailers level and has a nice stowable feature when not in use to protect your shins when loading and unloading cargo.

expert reply by: Jason S

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Answer 1

We actually have 3 different fifth wheel tailgates for your 2008 Silverado. I recommend the Stromberg Carlson 4000 Series Louvered Tailgate, part #VGM-07-4000. This tailgate has built-in louvers that reduce wind drag and also features a keyed…

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Answer 2

The cutout measurements on Stromberg Carlson 4000 Louvered Tailgate #VGM-07-4000 are 34" wide at the top and 24" at the bottom of the cutout. I also confirmed with the manufacturer the 100lb weight capacity. They did not recommend…

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Answer 3

I spoke with my contact at Stromberg Carlson about the 100 Series 5th Wheel Tailgate with Open Design, #VGM-07-100. She stated that it will fit your 2008 Chevy Silverado 3500HD LTZ Dually with spray-in bedliner. We have several other options…

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Answer 4

I took a look at an online copy of the owner's manual for a 2014 Chevy Traverse and you are correct that the maximum towing capacity with the trailer towing package is 5,200 lbs. This is different than the GCWR, which is 10,250 lbs for a 2WD or…

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Answer 5

As long as your 2013 Chevy Silverado does NOT have the factory tailgate assist, you can install either the Stromberg Carlson 4000 Series 5th Wheel Louvered Tailgate with Lock for GM Trucks #VGM-07-4000 or the Stromberg Carlson 100 Series 5th Wheel…

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Answer 6

For your 12V wiring to your 7-way, we have people running many different things off that 12V wire. 12 gauge or even better 10 gauge ensures that the power is transferred timely and accurately. We have a kit for brake controllers and 12V wiring for…

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Answer 7

In regards to the 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector part #H20043, the yellow wire is for the reverse light circuit yes. This should then align with the pin responsible for the reverse light circuit on your vehicle. The terminology used for…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

In order to tow a trailer with electric brakes using a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country you'll first need to start with a trailer hitch and for this I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #13364. Then you can add trailer wiring, the Curt…

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Answer 10

In order to install a 7-way trailer connector on a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan you'll simply need to use the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter part #22121 which is a completely plug and play kit that will…

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Answer 11

The final authority on the tow capacity is the owner's manual. If your owners manual says 3,600 weight carrying and 5,000 lbs weight distribution then that is the actual capacity your vehicle has. The Draw-Tite part #75579 that you referenced…

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Answer 12

For a tire to replace the 145/R12 size tires currently on your trailer, I recommend the Kenda Karrier S-Trail Radial Trailer Tire #AM10130. This is a great radial trailer tire that has a 1,220 pound maximum load at 65 psi. Note that this is a Load…

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Recommended Complete Towing Setup For 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan With Weight Distribution For Camper

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