Can 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6L Tow a 2,200 lb Trailer in the Mountains
Question:
2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6L What can I realistically tow? I live in Colorado and will spend most time going up and down the mountains. I read comments, what is a tow package? What parts do I need for my vehicle and 2inch ball, plus can i hook up 7 on RV trailer wire harness? Here are the spec on the trailer I am buying SPECIFICATIONS Maximum Sleeping Capacity 6 Length ft-in / m 20foot 1foot / 6.1 Base Weight lbs / kg 1493 / 677.2 Carrying Capacity lbs / kg 762 / 345.6 Hitch Weight lbs / kg 174 / 78.9
asked by: Dustin H
Expert Reply:
That's a bit of a loaded question but I will line up my responses with your questions to try to help keep everything organized.
Since you will be towing in the mountains I would say give yourself a larger cushion when it comes to towing capacity simply because the thinner mountain air will have an affect on the performance of any vehicle, especially when pulling a load.
The actual max trailer weight rating for your 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6L can vary on whether you have the tow package or not. Best I can find is that the tow package has extra coolers (engine and oil) to keep the vehicle from overheating. The most sure-fire way to know what your vehicle is capable of is to reach out to your local Dodge dealer with your VIN and they can tell you what your vehicle is rated for.
To tow a trailer that has a 7-Way you'll need the following parts:
Trailer Hitch - # 13389 with or # C13362 without Stow-N-Go seats
4-Way Wiring - # 118300
7-Way Adapter Kit - # ETBC7
Brake Controller - # 39523 with Pigtail # 20127
Basically from what I could find in the online owner's manual for your vehicle you will be just fine if you have the factory tow package. If you don't then the only way you'll be able to accomplish this safely is by only having 2 people plus some luggage in the van.
I am attaching some review videos and helpful towing articles that you can check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Replacement Brake Control Plug-In Harness for Tekonsha and Draw-Tite Brake Controller 12" Long
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Universal
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Tekonsha POD Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Time Delayed
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Time Delayed Controller
- Electric
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 2 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 400 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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