Towing Capacity of a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Without Factory Tow Package

Question:

I want to know exactly how many pounds my van can haul? I’m am clueless as to how much weight it can pull with passengers and camping gear. I also really want to know if there is a hitch that I can purchase for my van that will help it tow the maximum weight it is built for. I’m being told by the car dealership that the towing weight is 1500 lbs that the van can haul. That’s what it can pull so I’m a little confused when I read GVWR is 3600 lbs. And payload is 1675 lbs. So I need a clear answer as to how much the van can haul for like a camper and if passenger and gear weight are included in that as well? Thanks!

asked by: Heather C

Helpful Expert Reply:

The GVWR of your 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is the amount of weight the van can fully be loaded to. This includes the van itself, any passengers and cargo, or whatever else you may have stored inside or on the vehicle. The payload is how much weight can be loaded into the van. In theory, the van's weight plus the payload should equal the GVWR. The GVWR does not include the weight of a trailer. If you find GCWR on your van's spec sticker then this is the total amount of weight the van is rated to move; including all the passengers, cargo, and a fully loaded trailer.

Since you're asking about a hitch, I'm assuming your Pacifica is not equipped with the factory tow package. If this is true, then from my research your dealer is correct that your van's towing capacity is 1,500 pounds. We do carry trailer hitches that fit your van, such as the Curt # C65CR, but it will not increase the towing capacity beyond the 1,500 pounds because that is what your van is rated for, and a higher rated hitch will not increase that.

This may not be what you wanted to hear but I hope it at least clears things up and makes it less confusing.

expert reply by: Charles S