Towing Setup Recommendations for a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

Published 07/25/2014

Products Featured in This Question

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2635)

$24.28

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3940)

$20.94

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

(692)

$72.01

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

(3480)

$118.67

Question:

Rental company says my van will tow 4000 lbs brochure says 3600 lbs when properly equipped ????? or 5000 pounds with weight distribution, what does that mean ? Bottom line, I need to tow an aluminum trailer weighing 1200 pounds, and on it, a car that weighs 3200 pounds, what do I need to set up my 2014 caravan to do this ? Rear coil spring air bags, trans cooler, etc......

asked by: Mike W

Helpful Expert Reply:

The final authority on the tow capacity is the owner's manual. If your owners manual says 3,600 weight carrying and 5,000 lbs weight distribution then that is the actual capacity your vehicle has.

The Draw-Tite part # 75579 that you referenced would be an excellent hitch that has similar capacities. I attached an install video for this hitch for you to check out as well.

Now a weight distribution system is a hitch that distributes some of the tongue weight on the hitch to the front axle of the vehicle. That is why when you use one you end up having additional capacity.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow, this figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well.

The max tongue weight your setup will allow is 500 lbs, hopefully your setup will not exceed this figure when loaded. For a system rated for 500 lbs of tongue weight I would recommend the Reese Weight Distribution System # RP66540. For a 2 inch ball you would want the part # A-90, for a 2-5/16 ball you would want the # 19286. Typically aluminum trailer manufacturers will not recommend using weight distribution on them, so you will want to contact them and verify. If you cannot use a WD system you would not be able to tow this trailer with your Grand Caravan as you would not have the capacity.

If you do not have a factory 7-way you will need to start with a 4-way (if you do not have one). For that you would want the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness # C56331.

From there you would need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install the brake controller. For that you will want the Brake Controller Install Kit and 7-Way Adapter part # ETBC7. I attached installation instructions and an install video for this product as well.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup.

For a transmission cooler I would recommend the Derale # D13503. I attached an FAQ on transmission coolers for you to check out as well.