New at this with a couple questions about towing with my 2005 Grand Caravan

[McLaughlinGroup]

We just bought our first pop-up a Starcraft 2107 with a GVR of 2120# and the Grand Caravan max at 3800#. I bought my Grand Caravan without the Tow Package. I am hoping to only use this as a TV for a year, and am not going farther than 45 minutes from home this year. Having said that I don't want to hurt the van because it needs to last a while. When I load the trailer onto the minivan the back end is real low. I know I am going to get a transmission oil cooler, but what should I do about the rear end problems. Nobody seems to have an answer at the RV dealer, or at the Dodge dealer they both say it is fine. Remember new at this so be gentle.

[McLaughlinGroup]

We just bought our first pop-up a Starcraft 2107 with a GVR of 2120# and the Grand Caravan max at 3800#. I bought my Grand Caravan without the Tow Package. I am hoping to only use this as a TV for a year, and am not going farther than 45 minutes from home this year. Having said that I don't want to hurt the van because it needs to last a while. When I load the trailer onto the minivan the back end is real low. I know I am going to get a transmission oil cooler, but what should I do about the rear end problems. Nobody seems to have an answer at the RV dealer, or at the Dodge dealer they both say it is fine. Remember new at this so be gentle.

[Allegro Happy]

Welcome, check out this forum. Click here
Hope this helps you out.

[George Miklas]

Caravans have an hydraulic brake equalization valve on the rear axle. To make any aftermarket modifications will negate the benefit of this valve--this includes even a weight distribution hitch.

My Voyager rides the same way. I am more concerned about my tires than the low ride of the van.

George

[Amgaan]

I used to pull a 2000lb pop-up with my '02 Caravan (before trading up). Had the same problems as you all.

Installed a set of these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=7963498696

Helped a bunch. Easy to install.

[Kablewizard]

One problem with a low rear end on the TV, is that you will be very susceptible to sway from the camper. Our Ford Explorer had the same problem and we went to the weight distribution hitch to solve the problem It worked perfect. It was either that or a new TV. We didn't like the sway , we were loaded with in our limits, but the camper tongue was less then 18 " off the road witch was not right.

[Hoverbug]

I don't know,but does anyone know if rear air shocks on the Caravan would help?

[George Miklas]

Air shocks will affect the brake system's loading valve. Sorry....but I thought of using air shocks myself but haven't on account of the valve.

[Amgaan]

The nice thing about the Timbren load boosters is they don't engage until there is a load put on the van, and there are no adjustments. They take about 5-10 minutes to install and really helped.

[TimD]

We tow with a Caravan too. The sagging rear end was too much to accept so I installed air shocks. Fixed the problem.
After thousands of towing miles, we have had zero problems even in panic conditions.
We did add electric brakes to the camper though.

[Between Trips]

When we had a pop up, I added AirLift® air bags to the rear springs of our Ford Windstar minivan. Worked great.

[BaseCamp]

Hi McLaughlinGroup,

We used to tow a Coleman SantaFe with a 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan. Changed to a Honda Odyessy in 2001. Both Vans had the same problem with a low backend. We camp about 3 months per year and never had any problems. Just had to be careful with high driveways.

Gary

[charliez]

Keep in mind that these things will not increase the load capacity of your vehicle. Also, most of these aftermarket helper deviced shifts load to the shock mounts, which are not designed to carry loads, especially the air shocks.