Can I Increase The Tow Rating Of My 2018 Chrysler Pacifica With Aftermarket Items

Published 04/09/2022

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(246)

$221.94

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(90)

$73.29

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class II - Efficient

(874)

$79.70

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3437)

$126.29

Question:

I have a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica without factory tow package. I found a 1,990 lbs trailer that would be great for family adventures. After researching, I am considering adding a transmission cooler, class 3 hitch, weight distribution hitch, and 7 pin harness to increase the current 1,500lbs tow rating. Would these improvements improve the Pacifica’s ability to tow this trailer? What products would be necessary?

asked by: Crispin P

Expert Reply:

Your tow rating is your tow rating. You cannot increase it. When you are towing a trailer you are limited to the lowest maximum weight capacity of the system. In this case it does not matter if you add a trailer hitch with a maximum weight limit greater than 1,500 lbs. Since the tow rating of your 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is 1,500 lbs, this is the weight limit you must adhere to. I recommend looking for a light trailer unless you really need the trailer. In that case, you will need a different tow vehicle. The items you are adding will lessen the stress on your vehicle during towing, but you will not increase the towing capacity. The first thing you will need is a trailer hitch.

The trailer hitch I recommend is the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2", part # e98903. It has a maximum tongue weight of 400 lbs and a maximum gross trailer weight of 4,000 lbs. It is also compatible with weight distribution. I am a fan of the matte black of this trailer hitch.

Next you will need the wiring. You will need a 4-way wiring connector before you install a 7-way connector. The T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector, part # 118723. This is a plug and play wiring harness, so you will not have to splice any wires. The next thing you need is a 7-way connector. You can add the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires, part # ETBC7, to get a 7-way connector on your vehicle.

The transmission cooler will help reduce the strain on your transmission when you are towing. The Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class II - Efficient, part # D13501, is designed to cool a small SUV's transmission.

If you want to replicate the tow package on your vehicle, you will also need to add a heavy-duty radiator, a 220A alternator, and add trailer sway damping. Unfortunately, even with these improvements I could not recommend towing the 1,990 lbs trailer with your vehicle.

I have included product description links, video review links, and video installation links below.