Community Forums

Rolling Quad · 03-27-2018, 02:08 PM

I have a lowered floor minivan which provides me transportation in my wheelchair. Specifically it is a 2016 Toyota Sienna XLE. I would like to tow this vehicle behind my new motorhome, a Newmar Dutch Star 4311, which comes with a wheelchair lift built in!

The Toyota Sienna XLE measures 77 inches from the outside of the front tire to the outside of the other front tire, not including the fenders which extend a couple of inches on each side. The van conversion is a VMI North Star conversion which is the option where the side door wheelchair ramp slides underneath the interior floor of the van. This is a front wheel drive vehicle, with an automatic transmission.

Exploring options for towing this vehicle it appears that my preferred method, four wheels down, may not be an option. I’ve gotten mixed reviews about installing a transmission pump in order to protect the engine while in motion. Toyota says it will void the warranty. They claim it will damage the van, but will not say how. Towing it on a flatbed trailer causes issues with space available at campgrounds for the RV, the trailer and the vehicle. Which leaves me with using a tow dolly. Unfortunately information on towing a lowered floor minivan on a tow dolly is pretty hard to find.

What I’d like to ask others who may have the same issue is: 1) Have you towed a lowered floor minivan four wheels down? 2) How has it worked out? 3) If not, how did you solve this problem? 4) Can you recommend specific equipment that I might use? 5) What problems have you experienced during everyday use? 6) Is there any other information you may provide which you think would be helpful?

Thank You

nothermark · 03-27-2018, 02:21 PM

Do you travel alone or with someone?

Rolling Quad · 03-27-2018, 02:28 PM

Two of us-me with my able-bodied wife.

Algoma · 03-27-2018, 02:45 PM

This is probably not the right place to ask that question. I would ask this question in the towed vehicles forum or the handicapped travel club. We use a lift on the back of our car for the wheelchair.

nothermark · 03-27-2018, 03:57 PM

I'd be looking at a dolly that can handle the weight. Off hand I don't see a reason why that would not work. With a bit of setup it would be relatively easy to use.

Billbo · 03-28-2018, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rolling Quad

I have a lowered floor minivan which provides me transportation in my wheelchair. Specifically it is a 2016 Toyota Sienna XLE. I would like to tow this vehicle behind my new motorhome, a Newmar Dutch Star 4311, which comes with a wheelchair lift built in!

The Toyota Sienna XLE measures 77 inches from the outside of the front tire to the outside of the other front tire, not including the fenders which extend a couple of inches on each side. The van conversion is a VMI North Star conversion which is the option where the side door wheelchair ramp slides underneath the interior floor of the van. This is a front wheel drive vehicle, with an automatic transmission.

Exploring options for towing this vehicle it appears that my preferred method, four wheels down, may not be an option. I’ve gotten mixed reviews about installing a transmission pump in order to protect the engine while in motion. Toyota says it will void the warranty. They claim it will damage the van, but will not say how. Towing it on a flatbed trailer causes issues with space available at campgrounds for the RV, the trailer and the vehicle. Which leaves me with using a tow dolly. Unfortunately information on towing a lowered floor minivan on a tow dolly is pretty hard to find.

What I’d like to ask others who may have the same issue is: 1) Have you towed a lowered floor minivan four wheels down? 2) How has it worked out? 3) If not, how did you solve this problem? 4) Can you recommend specific equipment that I might use? 5) What problems have you experienced during everyday use? 6) Is there any other information you may provide which you think would be helpful?

Thank You

We went through same research. We use a Landgrebe TD-40 101+2 Wide Track to pull a 2014 Braunability Toyota Sienna behind a 2004 Newmar Mountainaire.
Have for two years. Works very good for us. Easy to load and unload van from dolly. Bill and Pam

sfm4103 · 03-28-2018, 12:29 PM

Billbo is my hero. I have really been frustrated trying to find a way to tow a 2017 Toyota Sienna Braunability handicap van. The Landgrebe TD-40 101+2 Wide Track takes care of the dolly problem. Now I have to figure out the towing weight problem. I'm purchasing a 2014 Canyon Star 3911 this week with a 5000 lb towing capacity. Problem is the van weighs 5050 lbs and the tow dolly weighs 565 lbs putting the total towing weight at 5615 lbs. Anyone have any suggestions?

Rotten-Red · 03-28-2018, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfm4103

Billbo is my hero. I have really been frustrated trying to find a way to tow a 2017 Toyota Sienna Braunability handicap van. The Landgrebe TD-40 101+2 Wide Track takes care of the dolly problem. Now I have to figure out the towing weight problem. I'm purchasing a 2014 Canyon Star 3911 this week with a 5000 lb towing capacity. Problem is the van weighs 5050 lbs and the tow dolly weighs 565 lbs putting the total towing weight at 5615 lbs. Anyone have any suggestions?

I know I'm going to get beat up for saying this!!!!! But if it were me I wouldn't be that concerned about being over 615 lbs. These hitches don't self destruct the minute you go over the magic number of 5,000 lbs.

Rojaco · 03-28-2018, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfm4103

Billbo is my hero. I have really been frustrated trying to find a way to tow a 2017 Toyota Sienna Braunability handicap van. The Landgrebe TD-40 101+2 Wide Track takes care of the dolly problem. Now I have to figure out the towing weight problem. I'm purchasing a 2014 Canyon Star 3911 this week with a 5000 lb towing capacity. Problem is the van weighs 5050 lbs and the tow dolly weighs 565 lbs putting the total towing weight at 5615 lbs. Anyone have any suggestions?

I face the same dilemma as we prepare to order a CS3911. I've been looking at possible toad vehicle alternatives since I'm not a fan of dollies and the weight issues. Are you adding hand controls to the 3911?

Rolling Quad...I have a 2015 Sienns SE. I would be very concerned with flat towing due to the very low ground clearance of the van. Much worse than my 2005 Sienna. If I were getting a pusher I would consider this option.
https://www.towtower.com
Does your state require a special license to drive an over 40' rig?

PanJH · 03-28-2018, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotten-Red

I know I'm going to get beat up for saying this!!!!! But if it were me I wouldn't be that concerned about being over 615 lbs. These hitches don't self destruct the minute you go over the magic number of 5,000 lbs.

I have to agree

Algoma · 03-28-2018, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rojaco

Rolling Quad...I have a 2015 Sienns SE. I would be very concerned with flat towing due to the very low ground clearance of the van. Much worse than my 2005 Sienna. If I were getting a pusher I would consider this option.
https://www.towtower.com

I would like to see what the tongue weight calculates out for the Sienna using the formula on the website.

Algoma · 03-28-2018, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotten-Red

I know I'm going to get beat up for saying this!!!!! But if it were me I wouldn't be that concerned about being over 615 lbs. These hitches don't self destruct the minute you go over the magic number of 5,000 lbs.

If the coach isn't loaded up to the GVWR then you have some margin. Except, the hitch is not the only component to think about. I had a 5,000 lb rated tow bar break pulling a 3,500 lb car! Make sure you install a good braking system in the van

Algoma · 03-29-2018, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Algoma

I would like to see what the tongue weight calculates out for the Sienna using the formula on the website.

I just did the calculation for a used Sienna listed for sale, and the answer was just over 2000 lbs. My Ventana could not take that.

Rotten-Red · 03-29-2018, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Algoma

I just did the calculation for a used Sienna listed for sale, and the answer was just over 2000 lbs. My Ventana could not take that.

That's the problem with the TowTower. It's a great idea but not practical for these MH hitchs. Even most 10,000# hitch receivers are only rated for 1,000# tongue weight. Another issue is the drive axle weight rating. If you have a single axle MH (no tag) you could easily overload the axle with that much tongue weight applied to the hitch. These long overhangs multiple the weight that's put on the hitch by the time it gets to the drive axle.