Trailer Hitch and Related Towing Items for 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SE Without Tow Package  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

You ask many good questions about towing with your 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and we certainly can help you.

It is perfectly okay to install a trailer hitch on a vehicle that does not have a factory tow package. What matters is that the hitch's and vehicle's weight capacities not be exceeded.

The term 'tow package' does NOT always mean exactly the same thing. Various auto makers will use that same terminology for vehicles that differ substantially in their included equipment. For instance, a truck 'tow package' may include a heavy duty transmission, additional oil, transmission and/or power steering fluid coolers, stiffer suspension, etc. Another car maker's 'tow package' may mean only that the dealer bolted on a hitch, and perhaps plugged in a wiring harness.

You can avoid any guesswork and worry by having your local dealership look up your van's VIN number to see exactly what equipment went into it at the factory - your van was offered with three engine choices and two transmission choices. That will avoid any uncertainty about its capacity for towing. Your owner's manual will also provide some general information about its fitness for towing. Naturally, you will need to know your loaded trailer's actual tongue weight (TW) and gross trailer weight (GTW) to be sure the vehicle has the capability you need. This research will tell you if you need additional coolers or if they can be considered optional.

Generally speaking a modest trailer load in the 1000-lb range does not automatically indicate the need for a transmission cooler, oil cooler or an upgraded suspension. This will depend, of course, on exactly how your van is equipped from the factory. Now if you will be towing very long distances, in steep mountainous terrain, or in the worst heat of the summer then supplementary oil, transmission and/or power steering coolers are a great idea and do no harm. You cannot over cool these fluids. Cooling them does, all other things being equal, take a lot of stress off the vehicle and help protect its longevity. This is a great example of when its a good idea to err on the side of caution.

Two classes of trailer hitch are offered for your vehicle but I absolutely recommend you opt for the heavier-duty Class III type that has a 2-inch receiver opening. I suggest Curt hitch # 13364 as it is the lowest-cost option. This hitch has 400-lb TW and 4000-lb gross trailer weight ratings, giving you a nice safety margin. The hitch bolts on with included hardware - no welding and no drilling. The linked installation video shows this item being installed on your same model year van.

You will need a ball mount, hitch ball (sized to match your trailer's coupler) and pin and clip. The linked article will explain how to choose a ball mount that will allow your trailer to be level when hitched. Another link will show you all Class III ball mounts. For a 2-inch hitch ball use # 63845; for a 1-7/8-inch ball use # 19260. For a pin and clip you can use # PC3.

You'll also need a wiring harness to operate the trailer lights. I suggest wiring kit # 118552 since this kit requires NO cutting of your van's wiring. Most of the installation is making plug-in connections; there is only one actual splice to be made to the battery through the included fuse holder and wire. A video on this installation is also included for you.

I also linked a great article that covers the basics of towing. This will give you a good start on learning sound towing practices.

Please get back with me via email once you know the details about the trailer weight you'll be pulling and what your dealership and owner's manual indicate about the van's capacities. I'll be glad to recommend coolers if they are indeed required.

expert reply by: Adam R

1