Minivan Weight Distribution Hitch Install & Review | 2015 Grand Caravan & Rockwood Pop Up Camper
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- Опубликовано: 24 июн 2020
- Previously, we owned a very light 1997 Starcraft pop up camper. When it was fully loaded, the van needed some help to stay level so I installed some airlift airbags to help lift the back end of the van. It worked! But we traded our old pop up for a new Rockwood 2280BHESP pop up camper. We love it! But, with the new pop up came more weight. A lot more. Another 1000+ lbs!!! Needless to say the airlift bags were not the right tool for the job. We needed a weight distribution hitch to level out the van and raise the nose of the trailer and restore handling. I finally bought one.... and this is the install and test drive.
NOTE: Do your homework before buying a weight distribution hitch (WDH). Some lighter pop ups and trailers use a cframe which is lighter and weaker and can bend when using a WDH. Also, you need to make sure you are using a proper receiver hitch designed to handle the load of your trailer and is designed to work with a WDH. And keep in mind, a hitch will not change your vehicles towing limits. Be safe and God bless you!
This is the one I bought: EAZ LIFT 800 lbs Elite Bent Bar Weight Distributing Hitch with Adjustable Ball Mount and Shank (48052) amzn.to/38nh4ul
Class 3 Trailer Hitch: amzn.to/3orc9A2
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I’ve watched so many pro installs of these hitches, and was like UGH
This dude makes it so easy lol
I appreciate it! The simplicity of the design surprised me! Thanks for the kind words my friend 🙏
Thanks for the video. They have been super helpful. Because of your videos, Ive decided on a pop up over a travel trailer to tow with our Kia Sedona. Safe travels.
That sounds great! I know you’ll enjoy it. Thank you for your kind words 🙏❤️ Happy camping my friend 🤗
I love your videos. I have a 2016 Grandcaravan and want to get my setup going. Reading online is so confusing compared to seeing someone actually making videos. You are the only one I've seen making videos towing with a minivan. Awesome!
Thanks for the feedback! I really enjoy sharing what I learn. I learn better from videos too. Much easier to actually see it then to read a description :)
i guess Im kinda off topic but does anybody know of a good website to watch new series online?
Thank you for this video, still looking for a trailer sleep 4 for my 15 Toyota Sienna. The distribution system will make the riding safer for sure.
Thanks Mic! When we started shopping we really liked the Rockwood 1910esp. Perfect for 4, but we needed more room for our family of 5. The layout on the 1910 is really great.
Thanks for your information sir i have 2009 dodge caravan without a hitch .I just bought a hitch in the junk yard this is a big help
Glad it was a help. Thanks for the feedback 🙏
Looks like a good solution! Thanks for making this video. I also have a 2015 grand caravan and we are wanting to get a pop up camper.
The popup leaves the yard maybe 4 times per year, but wow do we have some incredible shared memories as a family :) If you end up with a lighter popup you might not need a weight distribution hitch. But with this 12 foot box (24 feet open) fully loaded with enough stuff and toys for a family of 5, we sure needed the help! I feel so much safer while towing now. Tomorrow I have a 7" pull fan coming from amazon. I'm going to add it to the trans cooler to help with cooling as I creep up some of the long steep New England mountains. Video of that is coming soon :)
@@sstressfl Good stuff! I'll look forward to seeing that video
@@sstressfl What fan did you order?
Thanks for posting this! I am looking to buy a popup camper in the near future (Rockwood hard side) and I suspected I would need to get a weight distributing hitch. I grew up in a family that did a lot of boating (towing a 5000 boat), and I learned early on from my dad that there's no substitution for safety and proper equipment when it comes to towing!!
That's great! It is the right way to go. My dad drag raced and I spent my childhood locking the WDH bars into place :) I'm so happy with the results. It feels right, firm, safe! It drives so much better. Brakes better. Steers better! Thanks for sharing :)
That is awesome!!!
thanks for posting!
Keep your eye on that weight! Easy to overload with the WDH :)
Nice! We have the EAZ with the 600 lb tongue weight limit on ours. It sure does drive nice with it.
Yes! So impressed with the EAZ brand! It really does ride beautifully. Simple design. Very affordable vs other comparable units.
Fantastic video, thanks Zach! And thanks for the link. Looking to put one on our 2015 Odyssey to tow a 23' Jay Feather.
Question, following your link I found a great deal on an EAZ hitch but has a 1,000lb tongue weight, seems a bit overkill, can't be that different from your 800lb one, ya?
Great video, as are all of yours. I was laughing out loud at your giddy excitement over installing a new towing contraption....your wife however seems somewhat less enthused with the technical details. 🤣
Seriously though, as a dad of 4 and a camper/tinkerer, I find your vids really inspiring. We’re tent campers and tow a relatively light-weight cargo trailer (840lbs dry). We JUST upgraded to a 2017 GC SXT Plus (from an ‘08 SV6), and I’m very excited to get it on the road. About to install a Class III Curt hitch & harness...and a set of Timbrens. Man, the interesting discourse about suspension upgrades on these vans is dizzying. Ok, this comment is already too long.
Happy Camping!
Jason in Montreal
J Duke My wife thanks me for the work and projects I complete but she has no interest in the details lol a big motivator for YouTubing is to find other geeks like myself to share details, discoveries, learnings etc 😁 Nice to meet you 🤗 this is our second gc and we just can’t escape how perfect they are for our family. My next upgrade will be higher load rated tires... I haven’t looked yet but hope the market provides some choices. I really appreciate your kind words. Very encouraging. Send me an update on the timbrens, if you don’t mind. I’d like to know your thoughts about their build quality, install, and ride 👍👍
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I’ll definitely let you know how it goes with the Timbrens. After much research, I was convinced that airbags wouldn’t last in our (cold AF!) winters. I was also considering a pair of coil-over shocks like you tried, but those have brutal reviews (noise etc). So, Timbrens it is. We don’t tow very often, but with four kids (9-15 y/o and growing) plus the dog, I suspect the Timbrens may be right for us. We shall see. I’ve also just started using a Veepeak OBD dongle/OBD Fusion to get some baseline tranny temps (thanks for that nugget too) and literally just discovered tonight all the CVS logs it’s created over the past week. Very helpful app & gadget. Safe travels, looking forward to your next video.
Cheers ☀️🌈😊
Great video. I've got a 2015 Chrysler Town and Country and it's been super confusing knowing what I can actually pull. Cool to see you pulling the Rockwood with a similar van.
I'm def at max capacity but all is well so far :) Trans cooler made a big difference especially in the mountains. And I just changed my transfluid at 100k miles. Smooth as silk! Looking fwd to camping this season :)
@@sstressfl cool. If I’m pulling a 2,000 pound pop up, do I need a trans cooler? I’m pretty much only pulling in flat Florida.
@@videoskeeter I never needed a trans cooler until we vacation in the mountains. I never had a problem on the flats 👍 You should be fine.
@@sstressfl Thanks so much for your replies! Take care.
Awesome
AMAZING! Great share and information! Just got another Grand Caravan with hitch on it, and was wondering, can it tow? All the BEST to you and family! Cheers from PNWest! ::)
Thank you! We just got back from our first camping trip of 2021. It definitely tows :D
Great video! We just bought our first pop up! Picking it up this friday. Rockwood 2318 ESP. Very excited! Getting the WDH as well from the dealer. Would you recommend a sway bar as well? Im pulling it with my Jeep Gladiator. Don'.t know much about this.
Since we have been towing popups with our minivan I have never felt the need for a sway bar especially once the popup is level (no nose down or nose up) and even moreso stable with the WDH. Your Jeep Gladiator has a higher tow rating and a longer wheel base than our minivan so I imagine you'll be just fine without one. The fact that you're towing a popup means you will not have the wind issues that hardside campers have that cause most sway issues.
Hey man thanks so much for the video. I installed same trans cooler you did in other video thanks for that and also im putting on same wdh. Can you tell me how many links of chain you go for it to be perfect? I have exact same van. Thanks for all your videos!! Also my van does NOT have self loading suspension. Can you please recommend a good heavy duty shock to put on for non self loading suspension?
Hey all of that is awesome! The wdh links will depend on how you set it up. I found I was at 5 links but again, it's how you angle the hitch. In regards to the shock, if you have the money, and you'd be surprised how easy it is to change your coils, I would recommend that you check out rockauto.com and search for rear coil springs. They now have an awesome collection of heavy duty rate and progressive rate springs. That would be the better way to go. Praying for wonderful camping experiences! Be safe and make sure not to overload the van!
Thanks for the videos Michael! We have the same rig, grand caravan and 2280bhesp. Do you have a trailer brake controller? I was looking for a video of you doing it yourself lol.
I did install the trailer light/7 pin connector and a brake controller and installed it, but I was in such a hurry to make a camping reservation that I did not take the time to record it. I agree, it would have a been helpful.
I bought a cheap brake controller off amazon and it works great --> Reese Towpower (74642) Brakeman Timed Compact Brake Control. I bought this wire kit --> Hopkins 47275 Brake Control Installation Kit and I bought this brake light box (required for the grand caravan) CURT 56331 Vehicle-Side Custom 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness, Select Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Grand Caravan. And I purchased a 7 pin trailer wiring harness but I don't recall which one..... It wasn't too bad, but it took my brain a moment to realize what I was doing with all of those wires :)
Great video. I have a 2018 Toyota Sienna LE without any towing set up. I was wondering if I would need a brake controller installed with the trailer wiring harness? The popup trailer I'm looking into is approximately 1,800LBS dry with electric brakes. Would a weight distribution hitch help as well? I'd appreciate your help 😁
Ana Cosajay Thank you! Your Toyota appears to have the same 3500 tow rating as my grand caravan. And yes I would recommend a brake controller so it can operate the brakes on your trailer. Your van will need all the help it can get when your towing a couple thousand pounds behind you. The weight distribution hitch is a great solution for towing but some trailer frames cannot handle the stress. You can research online or perhaps call to talk to a camper dealership. If a weight distribution hitch is not possible, some sort of air bag suspension support or additional spring support for the rear of the van would be a huge help when towing. I hope that helps!
Thank you for your videos did you keep your air bags with this setup I have a caravan looking to tow a pop up with 7 people and 3 dogs..
Airbags are long gone :) I am running Monroe load adjusting shock absorbers but the weight distribution hitch is all I need. It is the right solution :)
Hey.. been looking for a weight distribution hitch to use on my 2019 Mac 205 pop up and Honda Odyssey. I have some sag that I would like to get rid of. Everyone tells me 600lbs and up t - weight is to beefy for the pop up and can actually do damage to the pop ups frame. Whats your opinion? I did find and old school 350 t- weight one where the rails just lay on top of the A frame part of the trailer... apparently this one is made for pop ups.
There are some good helps online! Check out this one: www.etrailer.com/question-164037.html
Should have been able to tow that pop up with no problem with that
The weight distribution hitch made all the difference 👍
These videos have been so incredibly helpful. We have a 2016 Honda odyssey and currently looking at the 2022 model of the camper you have (searching for reviews is how I found your channel). Internet forums are full of the wildest stories on both extremes when it comes to the topic of minivan towing, so it's hard to know what's true or not.
I have one question, do you still use/need the airlift 1000s with your new hitch? Would you still recommend getting/installing them or just getting the weight distribution hitch?
Thanks for your kind words and feedback! I do not use the air bags. They turned out to be troublesome. Leaks. Cracks. Failures. I tossed them and bought some Monroe load leveling shocks. They are basically "booster" shocks with an external spring to give 1000lbs of additional lift. BUT, the shocks are NOT the hero. The weight distrubition hitch is 100% the winner :) A must have for a minivan with this kind of weight. Also, a transmission cooler is a must have of you want it to last. Also, try to put as much of the heavy stuff in the back of the popup on the floor, behind the axle. The tongue weight can get excessive in a hurry because of the big basket on the front of the camper... its too easy to simply toss everything into the basket. But the weight adds up fast and will overwhelem your tongue weight limits, which I believe is 400 lbs on the hitch and up to 500 lbs with a WDH. I hope that helps! Happy camping and God bless you :)
@@sstressfl this helps a lot. Thanks for replying, and a detailed and timely response as well! Yes i was looking at installing the ATC and a power steering cooler ($36 and very easy to install if you already have the front disassembled for the ATC).
The reciever I'm looking at has higher tongue weight rating and ground clearance than a cheaper one but it says it's not rated for WDH where the cheaper one is. I'm assuming this is a situation where they chose not to test it. Looking at the designs it's hard for me to see how the better built receiver couldn't handle the WDH but the cheaper one can.
And thanks for the info on loading.
Oh one last question and again I greatly appreciate your time already. Do you use the electric brakes on your trailer?
@@eeguy77 I never had an issue with my power steering, but recently it started getting a little ouder when I first started the engine. I unbolted the steering resevoir, poured the oild fluid out and put in fresh fluir. Quiet and smooth once again! And yes! I use the electric brakes. Absoutely required :)
@@sstressfl thanks again for the response. This gives me a plan and budget I need to hit to make this happen. I grew up doing a ton of camping and we had a full sized conversion van to do all the towing that was far more than capable of towing a little popup so we didn't have to do things like WHDs, etc. All we have is a minivan currently, but wanted to get a pop-up but not have to go buy a gas guzzler when we're not towing. This is a ton of help.
What receiver are you using with that set-up? And what is the tongue weight? I'm thinking of a similar set-up and am wondering about the WD hitch putting too much force on the receiver.
Dan Bohman Class iii receiver by Curt www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Dodge/Grand+Caravan/2015/e98854.html?VehicleID=201569721 400 lb tongue weight, 500 with a WDH.
Hi Michael, thank you for posting the video. What is the trailer receiver size, 2'' or 2 5/16''?
2" x 2" receiver size!
@@sstressfl Thanks!
1x(10/16/22)…done thank you
I have a 18 Pacifica, I want to install a hitch and tow a side by side that weights around 1500-1600 with a 7x12 trailer that probably weights around 1700-1800. Think I need to do anything crazy to tow it?
I don’t have self leveling suspension like some of the new vans do… if you do you should be ok. With my van I towed a 1700 lb popup for a year. It didn’t seem to need a transmission cooler but the rear sagged a lot. I tried air bags but they didn’t last long through Vermont winter. I tried Monroe booster shocks and they helped but still too much sag. The weight distribution hitch worked wonderfully. If your trailer has a boxed frame a wdh would be the ideal solution, if you don’t have self leveling suspension of course. 👍
Hello! Thank you for the video! I have a question. I'm going to move out of California and drive to Denver, CO in 2 weeks. I got a 2016 Honda Odyssey. I am going to install a hitch with the electric harness for towing a trailer, either 5x8 or bigger one. So my question is, would you say I need a system like yours to pull that amount of weight? I'm not moving a lot of stuff, just one bedroom size things. Any comments will be super helpful! Since I've never done any towing with the minivan before. 👍
Wow that’s a big move 👍 I’m very excited for you. I found a response on etrailer. This is a good start (link below). Three things that come to mind and concern me. One, a utility trailer sticks up high into the wind. It creates a lot of wind resistance compared to the low profile popup. On the highway it makes a big difference. You’re engine will work much harder to maintain speed even on flat ground. Two, you’ll need to drive up and over steep long mountain passes. You’ll be amazed how much transmission heat this makes! You should consider a trans cooler. Three, you’ll be driving down steep long mountain passes. Your brakes need to be in great condition with very good quality brake pads. Use manual downshift to engine-brake and slow your descent. It’s so easy to overheat your brakes. Another option is to rent a truck with a car trailer on the back and tow your van to Denver. It’ll free you from much worry 👍 Those mountains are beautiful but merciless. Here’s the etrailer link www.etrailer.com/question-169996.html Whatever you decide, you’re in my prayers for safe travel and a successful move to beautiful Denver 🙏
@@sstressfl Thank you Michael for your super fast reply 😳 Yeah.. That's what my family members are saying the same thing. So I was going to take the flat road from Barstow - Albuquerque - Denver 😅 But as you said, I'll be very careful about my driving. Thankfully I was able to prepare many things for the van (100k maintenence done /brake pads replaced) so I hope everything goes well... Once again, thank you so much 👍🙏
@@Gootnight Sounds like a good plan :) Be safe! Stay healthy my friend :)
Thanks for this video, was it a night and day difference? I just got the freedom 2318g popup. I noticed it had some sag on my 2015 escape driving home and thought this should help. Thanks Dave
David Johnson made me angry that I didn’t do it sooner lol it’s the perfect solution. No need for airbags. It’s the right way to go 👍
@@sstressfl Did you have airbag in when you made this video or did you take them out before installing the weight distribution hitch?
@@laingjscott No air bags were used! Air bags bad. WDH good :D
Did you van come with the hitch or did you have it installed afterwards? I have a 2014 crew and am looking at tent trailers. This and the tent trailer review are great videos.
I had to install the hitch - and it was amazing because the manufacturer already installed the holes/nuts in the frame rails! All I had to do was bolt it in! I was so impressed! The more tedious part was completing the wiring for the trailer lights and wires for the brake controller. The Grand Caravan has a weird proprietary 3 wire system and you need to buy a converter box that mounts under the drivers side tail light that converts the light signals to a compatible two wire system that connects to the 7 pin trailer light connector. I have never seen such a thing. But now I know :) Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad the videos were helpful! Send me a follow up note, if you don't mind! I'm really curious to find out what model of popup you decide to buy. Be safe and stay healthy my friend :)
You'll have to upgrade the suspension system if you have an SE that didn't come with tow. They also recommend getting a transmission cooler for extra support. The van ever since the 2012 model has been retrofitted to support towing capabilities of 3600 lb, but only if it has the upgraded suspension system. Everything else has been retrofitted to suit all models of the grand caravan, heavy duty radiator, etc.
Why are air bags bad?? I have a 7 x12 double axle trailer im gonna tow thats 2000 lbs and just had air bags installed on my 2014 dodge grand caravan
Do i still need a wdh? Im not really hauling anything other than 600lbs worth of misc crap
Air bags are awesome. However my air bags decayed and split each winter in vt. So I gave up on them. I was towing a 2400lb camper with all the stuff and the wdh was exactly what I needed.
Great video! We just bought a used Jayco pop-up that weighs about the same as your new camper. We have a 2016 Caravan without the tow package. Thankfully, the camper came with a WDH. I'm also planning on installing the same transmission cooler that you installed. I was also planning on installing the same air bags and helper shocks that you installed but do you think there's a point in the air bags and shocks as long as I'm using the WDH (and transmission cooler)?
Shocks yes but only if you need new shocks... I really like the way they ride. And air bags no :) they didn’t last a year before the bags dried and cracked... at least here in VT they did not handle the winter/salty roads. Plus you don’t need them with the WDH. Hurray for the weight distribution hitch! It’s the answer to safe towing. Also yes on the trans cooler!! A must have. I’m adding a 7” fan to it for the steep mountain areas. Congrats on the new camper :) also don’t forget a brake controller when you wire up your van for towing. Enjoy!!
Thanks for the quick reply!
How much does your pop up weigh and towing capacity of your van? I have a camper that weighs 2100 pounds with a smaller suv and thinking of getting this.
Was 2400lbs dry and tow rating on the van is 3500. With 5 of us, luggage, bicycles or kayaks, it was a lot. The van was definitely burdened but benefitted from a transmission cooler 👍 and a weight distribution hitch. We now have a truck and a hard side camper. Our van has been given a rest and is now only toting the family around on local trips 😃
hey @michael byrne. how is the towing going? i am in a process of thinking buying a small RV camper for my family total dry weight is 2480lbs and with GVWR is 3500lbs, hitch weight is 210lbs wondering if this will be ok? as the one you are pulling which is rockwood 2280bhesp as per website is 338lb for hitch weight the dry weight is 2559lbs and 19 ft. do you think i will get any problem towing this with chrysler T&C 2015 ?
which is similar to GC 2015
I'll do my best to answer... from my experience, our fully loaded van (family of 5) towing a 2500 lb (dry) plus equipment, etc was overkill for the van. it towed very well down the road and we got great mileage especially on the flat.... but the poor van was definitely maxed out. If I was going to buy another pop up camper for the minivan, I would try to find something less than 2000 lbs. I hope that is helpful!
@@sstressfl thank you michael for the response really appreciate it!
This is Great can you do the same with a Toyota?
It seems so.... www.curtmfg.com/part/13470#:~:text=This%20Toyota%20Sienna%20hitch%20is,distribution%20rating%20of%205%2C000%20lbs. etrtailer has wdh's for the Sienna www.etrailer.com/p-EQ37040ET.html?hhyear=2022&hhmake=Toyota&hhmodel=Sienna
Can I tow uhaul 6x12 enclosed trailer with 2017 caravan
As long as the weight is below the tow limit :) And by the way, they stick up high and create a LOT of wind restistance. Highway speed becomes very difficult to maintain without straining the engine and seeing 5-8 mpg. Its a chore!
Great video.
Unless I missed it, if you had to guess, how much tongue weight did you have without the wdh and then with the wdh?
Guessing I had about 325ish on the rear axle. Now it’s distributed. World of difference. The hitch says max 300 tw without a wdh and max 400 tw with wdh.
Thanks for the reply. That’s exactly where I’m at. I’m towing about 3000 lb with 325lb tongue weight. I was originally looking at airbags on my 2014 town and country until I came across your RUclips video and like this idea much more. I didn’t know it was an option.
@@gervevs The WDH is truly the right way to go! :) You'll love it!
@@sstressfl thank you Michael! One last question. Why did you choose the 800lb tongue weight versus the 600lb tongue weight kit?
The way I read it, the 600lb would of been more than adequate. Unless I’m overlooking something ?
@@gervevs I had plans to go bigger. Truck, hard side. To my surprise it rides beautifully! Not harsh at all. But now that fuel prices have skyrocketed…. I’m thankful for what I have 🙏👍
May be a dumb question
But what does it do exactly?
Keep more weight off the back of the van?
It uses the trailer as a lever/fulcrum to lift the back of the van and press down on the front of the van. When adjusted correctly the van will be level. No sag in the back and no rise in the front. The van will handle normal. Brake normal. It’ll feel stable and secure. Basically the weight of the trailer will be spread evenly across the vans front and rear tires.
@@sstressfl that's awesome. Thank you for the reply
I just bought a 10x6 cargo trailer that weighs 1280 lbs, would you recommend a wds? I had a class 4 hitch installed. I pulled it yesterday and would smell a rubber burning smell when getting over 60 mph and going up hills. I did have a 2 inch rise hitch on, I switched to a 6 inch rise hitch, and drove around, never smelt the rubber burn smell again. With the 2 inch rise, the trailer was leaning toward the van a bit. I have a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan as well.
That seems very light to need a wdh. Was your engine temp rising? Is the tow vehicle unstable while driving? Also, does the trailer have a boxed frame or an open c frame?
@@sstressfl The van seemed stable while driving. The temp gauge was about half way as per usual. The trailer I'm hauling is a United XLV 10x6 Enclosed Cargo Trailer. It does sit higher than the van. Seemed to do better with the 6 inch rise though. Going to the same location this weekend and will see how it behaves with the 6 inch rise, instead of the 2 inch rise hitch.
@@TheAsthmatic91 sounds like you may have proper geometry now 👍 I look fwd to your test drive!
@@sstressfl Our drive to the campsite went well. We're in mid to southern Ohio hill country. Temp stayed good, went a little over half way on gage a couple times, on big hills. According to the mpg monitor I averaged 13.7 mpg. I actually manually put it in 6th gear after getting over about 45 mph and I felt it drove a lot better, it's not kicking in and out of gears. I also manually put it in third if I'm driving on slower roads.
@@TheAsthmatic91 Thats great news :D Sounds a LOT like my own experience. Happy camping!!
Are you also running airbags with the new hitch setup? Thanks!
scooter79100 nope! I do have Monroe helper shocks but the hitch does all the work 👍
Ok, then it sounds like our 2016 Kia Sedona SXL will be getting a WD hitch system. Was originally thinking we would need airbags, but I like this better. Thank you! By the way, looking at the exact same PUP u have.
Are you able to back up with the WDH installed? Have read some hitches you’re not able to.
Ive never heard or seen such a thing... yes definitely :) Works wonderfully just like a normal hitch except far more stable.
Thanks.
There are a few that you can’t back up without removing the side bars.
We have a 2013 Caravan and bought a 2021 Rockwood last year. Prior to that we had a small travel trailer and never had any issues towing that would require a WDH.
This is very helpful. I bought a 2017 Grand Caravan and within 200 miles the transmission started to fail, torque converter went bad. The transmission expert said the trannies go out around 80K miles and he's repaired so many that had his own converter manufactured that will surpass the OEM part. He also says the van is no go for towing, which has me a bit worried being I'm a 66 yo woman planning a solo multi-year wandering adventure across country and probably into Mexico with my dog and cat with a custom made aluminum cargo trailer that will weigh around 2500-3000# when loaded. The trailer will have brakes on it.
Did you keep the air bags as well as the weight distribution hitch? What weight do you think you're carrying and towing? I'll be checking your other videos for more knowledge. Thank you!
Our van has been an amazing performer and we have definitely overloaded it. I can't tell you by how much but it's been too much for sure. Our camper is 2500 lbs dry. And we have 5 people. Plus bikes. The aftermarket transmission cooler that I added is critical to longer trans life. And buy the best quality brake components and good quality tires! I dumped the air bags (they failed over and over again) and I just use the weight distribution hitch. Recently we purchased a 1/2 ton pick up truck and plan to give the van a rest. It has 136,000 hard earned miles on it now :) Whatever you tow, do your best to keep the weight down and keep the weight balanced so you don't over burden the tongue. Praying for your safe travels 🙏
@@sstressfl Thank you for your reply. I didn't get a notification that it was here. The van is back from the shop at long last and has a stronger torque converter as well as a transmission oil cooler, and trailer brakes. I've ordered a custom aluminum cargo trailer, 6 x 10 to slowly turn into a tiny home that will weigh under 1K# empty and I'm planning to keep it under 3K total. Glad to know about the bags - they're pricey to have installed. Started liquidating my little homestead and hope to head out by the end of April. Thank you for your good wishes and all the info.
The only thing I haven't been able to get done is the roof rails installed. No one wants to do it. Bummer, because I bought a set used on ebay. Ignorance is not bliss in this case. :) Best wishes on your truck travels!
Once I get the trailer and practice with it, I'll look into the WDH. How to know it it's appropriate with my trailer? I've got so much to learn!
@@Nemo-yn1sp when I put a 1700 lb popup camper on our minivan the squat was bad and I needed air bags to straighten it out. Stiffer springs would have been better but the point is I was able to get buy with stiffer rear suspension. When we bought a bigger popup at 2400 lbs empty, I knew I was going to need help. The wdh was the only thing that helped save the van by distributing that weight across the entire chassis. Driving became a pleasure. Braking was stable. Steering was effortless. It’s the right solution for that kind of weight on the minivan. I know because I tried to do it without one. What a difference!! And since you’re investing in living in your machine, I believe it’s a worthy investment that will make you happier and safer. I hope you find sunny skies and happy days ahead my friend. God bless you 🙏 feel free to send an update someday soon! Even a brief video of your rig would be cool to see 👍💪😎
@@sstressfl So then I should see about having stiffer springs installed. Not sure what that means, but I'll find out. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
So man i am trying to get a food truck? Do you think this will help? The hitch i mean
Only if you're towing a trailer! It uses the trailer to lift the back of the van. If you need a stiffer rear suspension there are options... rockauto sells stiffer heavy duty coil springs for the dodge grand caravan. You can also add booster shocks that will give a lsigh increase in suport. And then you can find air filled suspension support, but stay away from the cheap airlift 1000 kit.... they dont last very long. Or take a look at the Timbren DVRRT boosters (pieces of rubber you place inside the coils).
@@sstressfl brother thanks soo much, God bless, good info
@@Mrbobster87 God bless you too! Thank you for connecting and glad I could help.
Does this also function as a sway bar? Or do you not need a separate sway bar if you have this install because it stops it from swaying?
It's so stable and tight. The camper is lighter than the van too. I have never felt the need for additional sway control. But I think a sway bar REALLY comes into play when you have a light tow vehicle and a heavier camper/trailer.
@@sstressfl Thanks for the response Michael! I have been trying to get my Kia Sedona, which is rated to tow 3500 pounds, ready to pull my travel trailer which weighs 2200 pounds. I went and bought a weight distribution hitch but the shank hung way too low, and was almost going to drag on the ground. So now I am going to buy the exact same one as you. I noticed that you mentioned you got some airbags to raise up the back of the van?
@@sstressfl I'm wondering if I could get away with only having a sway bar. My camper weighs 2200 while my van weighs around 4400 lbs
@@TheMfmccarthy I gave up on the airbags (they rotted and failed). So afterward I installed some Monroe Load Adjusting shocks (they are awesome), but the most important thing is the Weight Distribution Hitch! It levels the van all on its own :)
@@TheMfmccarthy The Weight Distribution Hitch is necessary with that much weight to level the van and the camper. It makes all the difference in the world. Makes it SO much easier and safer to drive while towing! You wont regret it.
What tow package did you get for your setup?
It's an American Value Package with no tow package but it came with the big brakes and a DVD player :) I added a hitch, brake controller and necessary wiring/7 pin connector, Trans cooler, Monroe load adjusting shocks, and then finally the weight distribution hitch.
Good info, but dang the quick head movements made me nauseous! 😆
lol me too!! I have stopped using my head mounted cam unless its absolutely critical. And so far, it hasn't been :D Thank you for the feedback!
Sway bars on a pop up! Curious now to how much cargo is in the van and how much weight your towing?
The 2280bhesp is 2400 lbs. We carry some food 40 lbs, 5 people in the van (about 500 lbs), clothes for the weekend (30 lbs?), and last trip we stacked 5 kayaks on top (160 lbs), and a 40 lb portable AC. We are maxed out. Adding a new 7" cooling fan to my external transmission cooler and doing a trans flush to keep things fresh (90,000 miles on this van now)!
@@sstressfl Kinda thought you were close to being maxed! I had a 73 Apache Mesa all fibeglass popup no canvas as my first popup. I think it was just under 1000# dry. I pulled it with a V6 5spd 1/2 ton Chevy truck! I miss that camper should have never sold it! We now have a 95 Rockwood 1904 popup (no idea what it weighs, tag worn away) in the drive way now that needs work hail/water damaged roof (tornado) and now a broken lift cable. The interior is still 9/10. I pull it with a 99 C1500 Suburban! Our 17 Dodge Grand Caravan GT doesn't have factory tow setup! I'm stuck now should I fix it or look for another popup! My wife has health issues to so I might look into getting a much bigger popup or even a hybrid camper!
@@sstressfl Tell me more about how the Dodge Caravan performed pulling at max out tow capacity. Have you done anything to improve braking? How about oil cooling. Please provide links if you have videos on these. Thanks
@@ramuelgarcia6686 On the flats its not a problem. 19 mpg all day. In the mountains it drops to 14-16 mpg. I added helper shocks but the winner was the wdh. I added a trans cooler and it made a HUGE difference in the mountains. But I noticed at very low speed steep climbs it would start to get hot again so I have purchased a 7" pull fan to add to the trans cooler. I plan to it on manually if I find myself crawling up a steep mountain pass. Our 2015 Grand Caravan came equipped with heavy duty brakes. Big 330mm rotors up front with dual piston calipers. No more cheap brake pads for me! I buy only the best quality brake components now. It makes a BIG difference when towing. Here is a playlist of everything I have done on the van: ruclips.net/p/PLB7a9_qObrLiCmTCDL-mTdP6A2WNga8fP
@@sstressfl Thank you so much!
How much are you towing fully loaded?
I dont want to know lol.... roughly close to the limit. Popup is 2400 dry! Plus 2 adults, 3 kids and stuff.
Hi! How much weight are you towing now?
I have never done the exact math but its right at the limit. The trailer is 2400 lbs dry. We have to be touching just over 3000 if we bring bikes or kayaks. Poor minivan :)
@@sstressfl ok so you’re still under your van limit. Our oddy has a 3500 limit and we’re a family of 7 and Debating if we can tow a jayco jay feather hybrid at around 3500
@@kkrb1212 We went from a 1700 lb 1997 Starcraft to this behemoth Rockwood 2280bhesp at 2400 lbs dry and I can feel it... a lot. The WDH was a must in making it work on the van, and for safety, but it is truly max'd out and from where I'm at currently I would not consider anything heavier and we have a family of 5. But also, any trailer that sticks up high into the air is going to change all the rules. The popups low profile allows for no wind resistance. But for everyone I've known who has using a minivan to two an standard height camper, the wind resistance has created serious issues, requiring downshifting, high engine rpm, very poor fuel mileage. That's why we're still in a popup :) I hope that helps!
I dont think the transmission in these vans likes to tow anything
I always worried about it. Thats why I added the trans cooler. I changed the fluid & filter at 100k. Its now at 150k miles. But I did buy a truck in 2022. We no longer tow with the van :)
@@sstressfl regardless, these vans will last a long time with some maintenance
@@Ttow49definitely!