I had a shorty 94 Caravan with 3LT engine and a 3 speed automatic and towed a 16' Terry Resort for three years with zero problems. Install a weight distribution hitch and a good transmission cooler and change the oil in it once a year and don't worry about a thing. I have had 4 Caravans 85,90,94 & 2000 and none with transmission problems. I towed with the 90 & 94 (3 speed auto) no problems even at 240000Km (almost 150000miles). I don't know about towing with the 4 speed but if you keep it out of OD while towing and add a good trany cooler I would bet you will have nothing but pleasure

We towed small Coleman PU with 96 Voyager 6 cyl for couple of years. Went from TN to AZ>UT>CO. Had the tranny rebuilt once, luckily no problems on trips.

George
I pulled a 2002 Coleman Carmel (dry weight 1850lbs) with a 2001 Grand Caravan. Really didn't have any problems to speak of. Just had to be careful with the weight thing. Most of my problem was the clearance of the hitch off the ground. I must admitt that I've drug that baby more than a few times coming out of a parking lot or over a speed bump. I did have some weird stuff happen with that dumb Dodge tranny. Seemed like it would forget when to shift into the next gear after I pulled and then removed the pop-up off the back. It took about 10 trips to the dealer to finally figure out that Dodge mini vans are just not designed to do anything more than haul people. So we traded in the van for a 3500 diesel dually four door pick-up. Now let Dodge tell me I can't tow something! Be real careful and take your time. You'll still end up wanting something bigger in the end.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mwturner,

Hi George,

We are towing with an '06 Caravan so we will be of limited help. However, I did a lot of research before deciding it was OK to tow with the van. I've heard about the history of tranny problems.

Apparently 90% of automatic transmission failures are heat-related. To that end, I have learned two things - have a decent transmission cooler installed, and a transmission temperature gauge too. This is a case where it's impossible to have too much information.

Take care.

JD,

It sure sounds like you did your homework, and that will pay off for you. My 93 4-cylinder, 5-speed, Plymouth Voyager fell victim to a deer. Covered with "comprehensive" insurance coverage, my insurance carrier chose to total it. That was a sad day because that van got 27 MPG highway, and 21 MPG highway towing, and Daimler-Chrysler nor Ford make minivans with 5-speed manual transmission in the USA anymore. Did GM ever offer a 5-speed manual in an Astro/Safari?

GM

quote:

It sure sounds like you did your homework, and that will pay off for you.

Thanks, George... we certainly did try. Luckily we have friends that are experienced pop-up campers and we took their advice when choosing a brand. We even had the benefit of dealer research - my wife's folk bought a TT two years ago and they looked at all the local dealers. The one they (and we) went with is a cut above, in my opinion. All that was left for us was to choose the model! And pay for it, of course.

quote:

Did GM ever offer a 5-speed manual in an Astro/Safari?

I don't think so. I don't think those GM models were ever offered in a 4-banger model, though.

Take care.

Hi Yeah I know I'm coming late. But I always say better late than not at all.
We have a 02 Dodge Caravan with the large 6 an we're rated to tow 3800#. Though I wouldn't eveer do that. The popup we're hopefully getting next month will weigh in at about 3000#. The actual weight is 2820# but we're adding an ac unit with the heat strip and I think they weigh about 200#. Have to add my wifes weight, dogs any supplies and plus 150# extra of my own. golly, that darn near brings me to the weight limit. Just may have to leave self, dog an food home. No I gotta go to crank it up and then crank braces down then do everything in reverse when packing up. Well its better than setting up the tent. BTW anyone interested id buy under used tent, pads, cots etc, Hardly used and will sell cheap.
Tom

Use this webpage for towing weights
http://trailmanor.com/WebDocs/Camping-Towing/TowRatingPDF/2001.pdf

Dodge caravan is listed at 3500 pounds

This thread is really old. We've since moved on from the Caravan and Pop Up, but with the present and future gas prices, we're looking back with remorse about 21 MPG pulling the pop up.

Oh well... we might go back to tent camping real soon and travel in my VW Jetta.

GM

quote:

Originally posted by MSKLAAS:
Use this webpage for towing weights
http://trailmanor.com/WebDocs/Camping-Towing/TowRatingPDF/2001.pdf

Dodge caravan is listed at 3500 pounds