What all is Needed for a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan SE to Tow a Coleman Pop-Up Camper?

Question:

MY wife I and are thinking about purchasing a small Coleman pop up camper and using our Van to tow it around. What product as far as hitch do you recommend?

asked by: Ryan R

Expert Reply:

I can definitely get you some recommendations for what will be needed to tow a camper with your 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. I did include all the needed parts to do this, but please keep in mind that the ball mount and ball are examples and the correct ones will depend on the camper you end up choosing. With that out of the way, let's get started.

The etrailer.com Custom Class III Hitch # e98854 will bolt directly to your vehicle without the need to drill, making the install quick and straight forward. This is also rated up to 4,000 pounds towing and 400 pounds of tongue weight. Once installed, this will sit 3-1/2 inches inside the bumper and 11 inches from the ground to the top of the receiver opening. This will lead me to the next part of the set up.

The Curt Ball Mount # C45240 will technically be rated a little higher than needed at 7,500 pounds, but will clear you bumper and work very nicely for your vehicle. This will also have 4-1/2 inches of rise. Most Grand Caravan's that get set up to tow will end up needing rise instead of drop, but again, the amount needed will depend on the camper. This is calculated by taking the 11 inch height of the hitch and then comparing it to the distance from the ground to the bottom of the trailer's coupler. The difference will tell you either how much drop or rise the ball mount will need.

Speaking of the trailer's coupler, this will also determine what size ball is needed. The Curt 2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs # 40038 will mate to the # C45240 and the chrome plating will help stave off corrosion.

The Curt Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches # C21510 will then keep the ball mount secured in the hitch receiver. The rubberized plastic-coated grips on these really do help with getting this installed and taken out as well.

The last part you will need to tow your camper with will be wiring. The Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat # 118552 is mostly a plug and play option, but you will need to run one wire up to the battery for power. The 4 Flat plug is designed to work with most trailer or campers that do not use electric brakes, but will get all the lights working.