Setting Up a 2004 Chevrolet Venture to Tow a 2,500 Pound Camper with Trailer Brakes  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Suspension supplements like the Timbren kits we carry may or may not be needed. At 2,500 pounds dry you should be within the tow capacity of the Venture. If your total trailer weight is close to the limit of the van, then I would suggest a suspension supplement. Since you will be towing a camper that will have pretty much the same load each time, I would suggest the Timbren Suspension Enhancement System as it will not need to be adjusted for varying loads. You would use part # TGMRREN if your Venture is 4 wheel drive, and part # TGMRAZT if 2 wheel drive.

You could use Draw-Tite Hitch part # 75278 as your hitch and part # C55355 for your 4-Pole trailer wiring.

Since the camper is equipped with trailer brakes, you will also need a brake controller and a 7-Way trailer connector. You would use ETBC7 to install the 7-Way, it requires a 4-Way to already be installed. We carry several brake controllers, but one of our most popular is Tekonsha Prodigy, part # 90885.

Installing a transmission cooler like # D13503 would also be recommended. A cooler can lower the operating temperature of your transmission for smoother operation and longer life. A # D13035 fitting is also needed. A cooler would provide important protection for the transmission with a very low cost and easy istallation.

I have added links to the product pages for each of the items I recommended. The product page will include pictures, information and pricing for all the parts. These are the basics that you will need. The Timbren kit may or may not be needed. You can try towing the trailer first and if you find that rear of the Venture is sagging or the suspension is working to hard then you can add the Timbren later.

I have also included some videos that maybe useful for you.

expert reply by: Patrick B

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