How to increase towing capacity (02, Grand Car, AWD)

2002 , Grand Caravan ES, AWD. Specs say 2000 (less the 300 pound drive
shaft, give or take).

Looking at a 2500-3000 pound trailer. Obviously a transmission oil cooler
would be one way to increase the towing amount, but by how much?

Also, perhaps a second fan for the rad?

The rear shocks are self height adjusting, I do have the full spare, I am
more interested in what else I can do to cool the fluids to bring the tow
rating up about 1,000 pounds.

???

S

 

Not to be flippant, but buy a Durango instead. Minivans are wretched tow
vehicles, and the recommended trailer weight is low for a reason. Its
one thing to push 300 pounds past the recommendation, but pushing a full
50% past the recommendation is just asking for trouble, ESPECIALLY
with the AWD driveline.

But in truth, I don't think driveline stress is the biggest problem-
towing an over-weight trailer with a FWD vehicle (and the AWD version
still gets the bulk of its drive from the FRONT wheels) is dangerous.
The vehicle dynamics are terrible.

 

I don't know about the 2002 models but my 99 T&C LTD AWD is rated at 3500lb
towing capacity (It does have the trailer tow pkg). The extra pkg was $295
CAN at the time so it probably just amounts to more cooling capacity (and a
trailer wiring harness) . The hitch was not included.

 

S:

That is easy.

Just convert the front-wheel-drive, uni-body chassis to a
rear-wheel-drive, body-on-frame design and you should be OK. Or else
buy one of the big truck-based SUVs.

Dan

 

The main reason towing capacity is low is the AWD driveline and the rear
axle is not designed for the weight. You could tow more safely with a non
AWD caravan.