Towing with a T&C?

I'm wondering if I can tow with a 99 T& Limited. Not talking anything huge,
just a small utility trailer. 2000# max, 500# tongue, usually much less than
that, no more than 4 or 5 times a year.

Van doesn't have a hitch yet, I'd be adding one.

Any thoughts would be great.

 

Does it have the towing group? If so yes. If not no. BTW do not fudge on
this. While the vehicle may pull nearly anything you feel like sticking back
there if something bad should happen the lawsuit and liability you would
open yourself to would be quite bad. Also IMO the tow ratings are GROSSLY
overexaggerated for this and most any vehicle.

 

I totally agree about tow ratings.

Since it doesn't have a hitch, I'm assuming it doesn't have the tow group. I
don't have the factory sticker though. What sorts of things might give a
clue? Is the hitch, or lack of, a dead giveaway or is it more subtle stuff
like tranny cooler, different shocks/springs etc.

Thanks again.

Chad

 

[snipped]

My 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan came with the tow group and did not have a
hitch. I subsequently had a Class III hitch installed by the local Dodge
dealer.

 

'99 tow group did not come with a hitch. Came with a transmission
cooler, electrical hook up, and heavy duty brakes.

Your owners manual will give you all the information on tow
capacitites. Gives tow ratings with or without the tow group, axle
ratings,and gross combined. My personal opinion is that the tongue
weight you mentioned is too much for the rear axle rating if you have
anything else in the van. I also think the ratings are overstated,
and you stand a fair chance of blowing a transmission (weakest link)
if you tow to the top of the ratings.

 

BE prepared to replace the transmission!!!! they are not really ment to be
used as a towing vehicle

 

They do not come with the hitch. They will however have the towing harness
included somewhere in the vehicle. Things in the tow group are subtle and
sometimes some of them are part of other packages. I suggest you take the
serial number to a dealer and with it they can decipher it's "build" or look
in the glove box (I think) for a sticker with the build items. The dealer
can give you the code to look for and where to find it.
In any case my opinion is tow group or not you're really pushing it.

 

My harness was hidden in the jack compartment, left rear inside panel.
I found it years after I owned the van. didn't know it was there.
never used the van to tow, didn't plan to, bought the package to get
the brakes and transmission cooler.