We pull our P-19 with a Dodge Caravan, a 153 (?) horsepower, 2.3 L V-6 with
the factory installed towing package. It's rated to pull 3500 pounds without
voiding the warrantee. It has a heavier-duty suspension, brakes, automatic
tranny, tranny cooler and an intergrated wiring harness and high-output
alternator for charging a battery under way.
I've heard it said that front wheel drive vehicles don't tow as well, but my
experience is that if the rear end doesn't sag from the tongue weight, lifting
the front wheels up, it works OK. I've pulled our camping trailer around in
the Sierra mountains with the Caravan and had no problems.
However, I once towed the camper with a 3.8L V-8 FWD Ford and couldn't get
enough traction to go up a slippery gravel driveway. Just spun the front
tires and ripped chunks out of them. ; ^ ( I learned from that experience
that if the headlights are pointing at the sky, the vehicle can't do the job
for you <grin>.
Seriously, however, IMHO, the brakes and suspension are the most important
considerations for safety. The brakes are of prime concern to me. I'm more
concerned about stopping safely and avoiding an accident than I am about going
fast uphill (the Caravan always manages to maintain 55 mph).
Second on my list is having adequate engine braking going downhill, so I don't
have to ride the brakes. The automatic tranny on the Dodge can handle that.
Third on my list is having a tranny that won't overheat and can take the extra
workload of towing.
The Dodge tranny isn't exactly famous for its durability, and I've owned one
before, so I got the extra service contract/100k-mile-extended warrantee when
I bought it. So far no problems except a gasket leak that occurred after a
scheduled maintenance. The two Dodges I've owned previous both had expensive
repairs required at about 60k miles
Things I've learned the hard way during 5 years of towing in the Sierra
Mountains: To preclude any overheating problems, I paid to have the water
pump and thermostat replaced when the serpentine belt was replaced (under
maintenance contract) at about 60,000 miles. I pay to flush out the radiator
every 30k miles or so as well. The front struts and rear shocks, and leaf
springs (the integral bushings were "groaning" but performing ok) were
replaced under the maintenance contract at 60k miles. I had noticed a
deterioration in the the ride and towing stability.
I love the Caravan for its comfort, huge load capacity, and creature comforts,
but keeping it up to standard when you work it hard like I do is a pain. I
wouldn't own one unless I also had the service contract. With the service
contract, it's a breeze, I just drop it off and take a free rental car for the
day.
Judy Blumhorst, DC
HMS18/P19 Fleet Captain, Potter's Yachters
WWP-19 #266 "RedWing"
SF Bay, CA