Recommended Weight Distribution For 2006 Grand Caravan Pulling 3700lb Boat
Question:
We have a 06 Dodge Grand Caravan Cargo Van. The hitch on it has a rating of 350# for TW, and 3,500# for towing capacity. It also says that if you have weight distribution system that you can go 400# and 4,000# - what weight distribution system would you suggest? I am looking to pull a boat and trailer that weighs about 3,700 #s. Thanks.
asked by: Kevin
Expert Reply:
My online research indicates that the towing capacity of your Grand Caravan will vary greatly, according to which trans axle and whether or not the vehicle is equipped with the trailer tow package. Models with the 2.4L engine with up to two people in the vehicle will have a max trailer weight capacity of 850 lbs/ 85 lbs tongue weight. Vehicles with the 3.3 and 3.8L engines with up to two people with have a max tow rating of 1800 lbs/ 180 lbs tongue weight. 3.3 and 3.8L equipped vehicles that have the tow package and up to two people in the vehicle can tow up to 3800 lbs and 380 lbs of tongue weight. The more people or luggage in the vehicle, the lower the towing capacity. This information is found beginning on page 354 of the owners manual.
A weight distribution system can raise the towing capacity of a hitch, if it is rated below the max towing capacity of the vehicle, but it cannot raise the towing capacity of the vehicle itself. You will need to abide by the rating of the lowest rated component.
If you contact your dealer with your VIN, they should be able to tell you if your vehicle was equipped with the tow package. If you do have the tow package, and only two passengers you would be able to tow the boat if its weight is under the tow capacity of the vehicle. You can confirm the trailer and tongue weight by one of the methods described in the article I've linked for you.
If you find that the vehicle is capable of towing the boat, I would recommend the Reese system, part # RP66558. If your boat trailer has a pole tongue (instead of an A-frame), you'll also need a pole tongue adapter, part # RP58393. The system I recommended includes the weight distributing shank, but the appropriately-sized trailer ball like # 63845 for a 2 inch ball or # 63847 for a 2-5/16 ball is sold separately.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Adapters
- Pole Tongue Adapters
- Reese
more information >
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 6K GTW, 600 TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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