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

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

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.