Towing with Dodge Caravan

[brilewis]

Has anyone towed a 17-foot Escape with a 3.3 litre Dodge Caravan (2008) and, if so, were there any problems?
Thanks,
Brian

[Ian G]

First and best place to look is your owners manual. Capability of a vehicle to tow is not subjective or experiential, it is specifications determined by the manufacturer. These specs are to ensure vehicle reliability and your safety.

Looking online on page 398 of the Caravan owners manual it says max gross trailer weigh for the 3.3 is 1800 lbs with 180 lb tongue weight. Dry weight of an Escape 17 is 1800 lbs with a tongue weight of 250. Sounds like empty it is too heavy for that tow vehicle.

Double check these specification in your owners manual

[bdornbush]

The vehicle specs depend on whether or not you have the towing package. We had a Caravan with towing package and it was spec'd for 3800 pounds.

[Ian G]

Originally Posted by bdornbush

The vehicle specs depend on whether or not you have the towing package. We had a Caravan with towing package and it was spec'd for 3800 pounds.

According to the owners manual the trailer package (3800 lb tow capacity) was only available with the 3.8L or 4.0L engine, not the 3.3L which has the 1800 lb tow rating

[dfandrews]

The Escape 17A is spec'ed at 1900 lbs. dry weight. The 17B is heavier. Our 17A loaded for camping, with 2 full propane tanks, and 20 gal. of water, is about 2500-2700 lbs., with about 350 lbs. on the tongue.

[NCBill]

Towing with an undersized/underrated tow vehicle is no fun. You are probably better suited for one of the smaller 13 foot vintage trailers. And realize factory dry weights are with no options, like no air conditioner, etc.

When we lived near you in Western WA, we needed additional tow capacity due to the number of hills/mountain passes, we camped out. There is some terrific camping in the mountains, but it stresses the tow vehicle quite a bit. A vehicle that may be quite adequate in the flatlands can be not adequate once you get to the mountains. Having a hefty margin to spare makes travel so much more enjoyable.