Minivan Towing

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by Chuck

The biggest problem in this statement is not the legal analysis, nor the vehicular combination; its the question of what in the world is there to do in Plymouth for 2 solid weeks?!

Get stuck in the traffic, mostly

[Wild Robot]

Originally Posted by Chuck

Yeah, but your AC unit is in the wrong hole, further aft, which obviously lightens the tongue weight. Plus, I have rear and street-side awnings.

Seriously, though: its all about the gearing. The ol' 318 has 230hp and 300ftlbs (allegedly). But with the 3:55 rear-end.
If you do the math, the combination produces 2000lbs of thrust in 1st gear. (torque x 1st gear x rear end/wheel diameter). Weighs about 5200lbs.
Modern mini's (they're all very similar) produce about 3000lbs, and weigh about 4600lbs. 6 gears instead of 3. Same payload as a 1/2-ton pickup.

My initial thought when I started this thread was about the towing capacities of my Grand Caravan, but you now got me thinking/curious about how (where) my torque is delivered. The Bambi Sport has a base weight of 2860lbs. It will be interesting to see where the sweet spot for me is with my 6 speed transmission.


Engine ratings are 3.6L V-6 with 283HP and 260 ft-lbs. @ 4400 rpm
My axle ratio is 3.16.
Curb weight is 4510lbs and payload is 1540


An AWD minivan with a diesel would be awesome...This coming from a single guy who will never have kids. LOL Still, I think that would be an awesome tow/utility vehicle.

[Stefrobrts]

We recently got rid of our van after ten years, and I'll tell you, we are STILL coming up with reasons we should have kept it (or at least gotten another van). When you take out the seats there is SO MUCH ROOM back there! Vans aren't just for loads of kids. They are just plain handy to have around! I really like the style of the Flex, but we miss the cargo room we would have had if we'd gone with a minivan!

[m.hony]

My neighbor 2 doors down (president of the Mississippi unit) had an Econoline van towing his 27' Airstream. He recently purchased an Expedition and sold the van. He had the same thoughts as stefrobrts about having more room in the van.