TrailManor Owner's Forum  

Go Back   TrailManor Owner's Forum > TrailManor Technical Discussions > Towing and Hitching
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-27-2017, 05:12 PM   #11
Padgett
TrailManor Master
 
Padgett's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Orlando
Posts: 2,796
Default

The I'net says a 2013 Town and Country with 3.6 engine (Pentastar) can tow 3600 lbs "when properly equipped".

Now I am pretty sure the drivetrain is about the same as my '12 Jeep (5,000 lb tow rating) so the issue may be the rear suspension and receiver mounting structure.

However the first question is do you have a 1.25" or 2" receiver ? (size of the square channel the hitch slides into).
__________________
Looking for a 24/17 in or near Florida.
Padgett is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-27-2017, 05:38 PM   #12
oldstick
TrailManor Master
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: GA
Posts: 504
Default

My opinion, is there is no way I would do that with a 3124, even if equipped to the max. You would be already at or over the max from the get go. Not counting the extra weight of trailer cargo, trailer options, passengers/cargo in the van, etc. etc.

Tried it before with a minivan rated for 2000 lbs with a small pop-up camper that was supposedly a "dry weight" of 1300. The transmission didn't make it to 90K miles, even though we towed infrequently.

However, I think the Caravan might still be rear wheel drive, which makes it better than the Windstar we had at that time. Probably one reason it is rated to 3000+ vs 2000.
oldstick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-27-2017, 06:27 PM   #13
Padgett
TrailManor Master
 
Padgett's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Orlando
Posts: 2,796
Default

Key to transmission life is threefold:
1) Transmission oil cooler
2) Transmission temperature gauge (I keep under 190F indicated)
3) Downshift manually so trans can stay locked up under load & stay out of power enrichment (drive gentle).

ps I get 17-18 mpg towing my 2720 at 65 mph

pps I used to tow with a Pontiac TranSport with 3800 and towing package, not a TM but many cars on a dolly. Even a FWD minivan can be quite capable.
__________________
Looking for a 24/17 in or near Florida.
Padgett is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-27-2017, 06:42 PM   #14
br2_wdc
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northern Virginia/Wash DC
Posts: 129
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by oldstick View Post
My opinion, is there is no way I would do that with a 3124, even if equipped to the max. You would be already at or over the max from the get go. Not counting the extra weight of trailer cargo, trailer options, passengers/cargo in the van, etc. etc.

Tried it before with a minivan rated for 2000 lbs with a small pop-up camper that was supposedly a "dry weight" of 1300. The transmission didn't make it to 90K miles, even though we towed infrequently.

However, I think the Caravan might still be rear wheel drive, which makes it better than the Windstar we had at that time. Probably one reason it is rated to 3000+ vs 2000.
Completely agree with Padgett that the engine/transmission combo can do the job, it's the chassis that concerns me. Plus it appears it's front wheel drive which makes it even a bigger question for me, but it's not my decision. The blurb from Autoblog:

2013 Town & Country Overview
Chrysler puts a luxurious spin on the minivan with the Town & Country. Innovative seating and upscale features inside and out set this van apart from the competition.The most important feature, both from a usability stand-point and competitive stand-point, is that this van features Stow'n Go seats. The second and third-row seats can be folded into the floor. No more fumbling to release and remove awkward heavy seats and then try to find a suitable place to store them. Combine this with Chryslers new seat trim that repels all but the most caustic stains, and you have a truly family-friendly vehicle. A 3.6-liter V6 sends power through a six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. All trims come equipped with features such as a tilt and telescoping steering column, remote keyless entry, steering wheel mounted audio controls and a tire pressure monitor. Available features include Smartbeam headlamps, a navigation system, power sliding doors, remote start and satellite radio.The Town & Country Touring gains standard 17-inch wheels and tires for 2013 (up from 16-inch in 2012).
__________________
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
2004 TrailManor 3023 - Sold 5/2018
2005 Lexus GX470
br2_wdc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2017, 04:58 AM   #15
jrhughes
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 10
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Padgett View Post
The I'net says a 2013 Town and Country with 3.6 engine (Pentastar) can tow 3600 lbs "when properly equipped".

However the first question is do you have a 1.25" or 2" receiver ? (size of the square channel the hitch slides into).
It's a 2 inch receiver, front wheel drive but has a shifter so you can shift manually too. I can't seem to see the brand name on the brake controller that we installed under the dash for the tent trailer.

We're re-thinking the TM altogether. I guess it was too good to be true. Sad though.
jrhughes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2017, 07:43 AM   #16
Padgett
TrailManor Master
 
Padgett's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Orlando
Posts: 2,796
Default

Nothing wrong with FWD - I towed a lot with a Pontiac Transport - just without a WDH the tongue weight will unload the front tires so more of a concern than with RWD. Do think you would be better off with a smaller unit like a 2417 which still has a king bed.

Key is to find out what the limiting area is for a T&C and address it but is not the powertrain (though may need more cooling - can you display the transmission oil temp on the dash like my '12 ?

Limiting factor could be the standard tire size load rating which is 225x65x16/1764 lbs coupled with a curb weight of 4652 lbs but again with a WDH that could be helped. My Jeep is about 200 lbs lighter and has 245x70x17s
__________________
Looking for a 24/17 in or near Florida.
Padgett is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2017, 11:30 AM   #17
ShrimpBurrito
Site Sponsor
 
ShrimpBurrito's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sunny Beaches of Los Angeles
Posts: 3,233
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jrhughes View Post
We're re-thinking the TM altogether. I guess it was too good to be true. Sad though.
Take a look at the smaller TMs - the smallest 2417 is just over 2,000 lbs, and I believe the smaller sport deck model, 16RD Sport Deck, is about 1,700 lbs. Depending on your family size, they may work.

Also, check out the A-liners and Chalet folding trailers. They are A-frame units, which really used to restrict headroom, but they've recently added some optional dormer fold-outs to change that. I saw some at the RV show in Hershey a few weeks ago, and they seemed quite roomy. (Kinda like this: http://aliner.com/campers/classic/, but I'm not sure if those specific dormers in that picture are hard sided. In any event, they are well under 2,000 lbs.....looks to be in the 1,700 lbs range.

In my opinion, it's hard to beat a canvas pop-up for cost, size, weight, and overall versatility. They are pretty amazing units.

Dave
__________________
2000 2720SL & 2007 3124KB
2005 Toyota Sequoia
Twin Battle Born 12v 100Ah LiFePO4 (BBGC2) batteries, 300W solar on rear shell, Link 10, Lift kit, Maxxis 8008 225 75/R15 E tires
ShrimpBurrito is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2017, 02:11 PM   #18
Padgett
TrailManor Master
 
Padgett's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Orlando
Posts: 2,796
Default

unless you want/need AC and bear protection. Also where do you put solar panels ?
__________________
Looking for a 24/17 in or near Florida.
Padgett is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2017, 05:56 PM   #19
tentcamper
TrailManor Master
 
tentcamper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Somerset, OH
Posts: 1,868
Default

I would make sure I had the factory tow package. I believe the T&C has two different tow limits, with and without tow package.

My next concern would be the tongue weight. I'm thinking the 3124 will have a tongue weight loaded between 400 and 500+ lbs. The rear end of the T&C would have a lot of rear end squat. I would go with both rear airbags/air shocks and a wdh.

Chrysler T&C had a weak transmission somewhere in the late 90's or early 2000 and lots of issues. I would also add a good B&M double stack transmission cooler rated for 20,000+ BTU's

I would rethink if using the T&C if I was doing a lot of mountain driving???
__________________
Art & Joyce
Current camper: Motor Home
Previous: 2009, 3023-QB and 2003 2720
tentcamper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2017, 07:30 PM   #20
Larryjb
Site Sponsor
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 1,518
Default

Try to find the following information:
1. Gross combined weight rating (GCWR). You may be able to pack the trailer to keep it under the 3600 lbs, and pack all your gear in the back of the minivan. Only the GCWR will tell you how much total weight your TV can handle.

2. Try to find the gross axle weight rating rear (GAWR rear). This will tell you better how much you can pack in the rear.

You can take your TV and trailer to a weigh station to find out how close you are to the above values.

I have a Tahoe and took 5 people to Kamloops. The Tahoe has a towing rating of nearly 8000 lbs. By the time we packed and left with me and 4 passengers, our total weight weight was 10000 lbs. The GCWR for the Tahoe is about 12000 lbs so we are Ok there. However, we were at the maximum weight rating for the trailer axle, and over weight on the rear truck axle. For us, this means we just have to pack more wisely.
__________________
Larry

2002 Tahoe
2008 4.6 Explorer
2001 2720SD

Various TM images that you may or may not find elsewhere:
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/forum/album.php?u=11700
Larryjb is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Tow TR2720 with Chrysler mini van bjk4201 Towing and Hitching 44 10-16-2012 10:13 PM
2008 Town and Country BruceKane Towing and Hitching 1 09-24-2011 08:14 AM
I'd be pulling with a Town and Country. Am I nuts? mikeandgina Towing and Hitching 15 06-01-2009 07:56 AM
Should we even consider towing any TM w/Chrysler Town & Country? mikeandgina Towing and Hitching 5 05-25-2009 07:04 AM
Chrysler Town & Country dataman20 Towing and Hitching 3 05-25-2004 12:03 AM


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:25 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 2022 Trailmanor Owners Page.