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Topic ClosedTowing an R-Pod with a Dodge Caravan advice
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Pod Dragaon View Drop Down
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Joined: 20 May 2020
Location: Nova Scotia
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Posts: 3 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Towing an R-Pod with a Dodge Caravan advice
    Posted: 01 Jun 2020 at 8:15am
We just bought a new 2018 180, the TV is a 2016 Caravan with a WD hitch and Primus brake controller. Has anyone here had or have a similar setup? I would love to hear how it went over various terrains etc.
Richard & Celine
Nova Scotia, Canada
2018 R-Pod 180
2016 Dodge Caravan Crew

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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jun 2020 at 9:28am
A quick glance on the internet shows the Caravan as having a 3600 lb towing limit. That is too low in practice for a rp 180, because that limit assumes there is nothing in the Caravan. Weigh the trailer and also the Caravan as you actually want to travel. Check the tongue weight limit against the actual tongue weight of the trailer, you are likely to be over on that. Also check the max combined gross vehicle weight limit against the actual total weight of your rig, passengers, and contents. 

Also, I think the Caravan is front wheel drive which is not great for towing. The wdh will help you get some load and traction back on the front wheels but it won't do well on slippery surfaces. You really want RWD or AWD for towing. 

You can probably do it if you drive cautiously, pack very sparingly in both the Caravan and the trailer, and stay off steep and wind roads as much as possible, but it won't be a comfortable experience. 
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Posts: 6417 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jun 2020 at 11:23am
Add to that, stay off dirt/gravel roads. Even with a WDH, it is likely you won't have as much traction as without the trailer. If you have to stop on a hill, that would make it very difficult to get moving again.
StephenH
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Joined: 20 May 2020
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Posts: 3 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jun 2020 at 11:29am
Food for thought, thanks guys. Looks like i'll be looking for a new TV after this summer. Unfortunately the van will have to do for now, I will take your warnings into strong considerations.

I still would like to hear from anyone who has a similar setup with a caravan.
Richard & Celine
Nova Scotia, Canada
2018 R-Pod 180
2016 Dodge Caravan Crew

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Posts: 6417 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jun 2020 at 11:40am
If it offers any comfort, I used to tow with a Ford Escape (2L Ecoboost engine) which was FWD and had a 3500 lb tow rating. We towed our 179 quite a bit with it until we hit ice with a crosswind and had an accident. Now we tow with a Frontier with a 6100 lb tow rating. This is to say that you can tow with your Caravan. Just be aware of the limitations.
StephenH
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Posts: 328 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jun 2020 at 4:49pm
Safety first.  This isn't safe for you, your passengers and other drivers.
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Posts: 215 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jun 2020 at 6:02pm
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Joined: 18 Aug 2015
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Posts: 215 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jun 2020 at 6:04pm
I would look into upgrading to a Durango that is what I use to tow my 196.  There Durango has a V6 which is plenty of power.
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Posts: 966 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jun 2020 at 6:07pm
The salesman who allowed this to happen should be shot.
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Posts: 118 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jun 2020 at 9:27pm
Originally posted by podwerkz

The salesman who allowed this to happen should be shot.

Advocating for violence certainly seems out of line.
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