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Towing with a 2005 town and country

13K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  Carbuff2 
#1 ·
I am trying to decide how much I can safely tow with my 2005 T&C. Any thoughts about this?
Thanks in advance.
Dain
 
#3 ·
go here, download the owners manual and turn to page 341 (and read for yourself)..

'05 OM said:
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-
view this information to tow your load as efficiently and
safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the main-
tenance schedules manual. When your vehicle is used for
trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) by the addition of:
• The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
• Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds
to the load on your vehicle.
Tongue weight must be equal to at least 10% of Gross
Trailer Weight (GTW), but no more than 15% of GTW.
• The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed
40 square feet (3.72 square meters).
• The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of
the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire–
Safety Information Section in this manual.
• The “D” range can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3”
range must be selected.
NOTE: Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and cause
it to fail. You might not have brakes when you need
them and could have an accident.
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
• Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
• The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
“B” in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid
change intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before
towing
TRAVEL CONDITION MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT (TRAILER FRONTAL AREA NOT TO
EXCEED 40 SQ. FT.)
3.3L,& 3.8L ENGINES 3.3L & 3.8L ENGINES WITH
HEAVY DUTY TRAILER TOW
PACKAGE
MAX. COMBINED WEIGHT OF
VEHICLE AND TRAILER NOT TO
EXCEED 6,600 lbs (2993 kg)
MAX. COMBINED WEIGHT OF
VEHICLE AND TRAILER NOT TO
EXCEED 8,600 lbs (3900 kg)
UP TO 2 PERSONS & LUGGAGE 1,800 lbs (816 kg ) 3,800 lbs (1723 kg) *
3 TO 5 PERSONS & LUGGAGE 1,350 lbs (612 kg) 3,350 lbs (1519 kg) *
6 TO 7 PERSONS & LUGGAGE 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 3,000 lbs (1360 kg) *
* For vehicles equipped with store in the floor seating, the gross trailer weight must be reduced by 100 lbs (45
kg).
A load equalizing hitch is recommended for loaded
trailer weights above 1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for
weights above 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
 
#4 ·
^^^ That's scary. Do my eyes deceive me? "Replace Trans Fluid & Filter Every 45 minutes of towing"?

:help_wsig

• The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
“B” in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid
change intervals.
 
#5 ·
Nope. If yo tow for more than 45 minutes, you are under schedule B for maintenance and should change the fluid. Normally in 4th gens, they considered the fluid lifetime, or at least 100k miles. I think B calls for fluid every 30k miles.
 
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Reactions: lexmom52
#7 ·
So, what that statement REALLY means is that since you tow, you should follow the SEVERE service schedule?


That makes more sense....imagine taking a cross-country trip and having to stop every 45 minutes to have your trans fluid replaced! :nut: The trip would take FOREVER...

:lol:
 
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