Trailer Tow Prep Package for Grand Caravan?

We're planning to buy a new Grand Caravan SXT very soon, and we were
wondering if it would be a good idea to get the trailer towing
package. We don't plan on pulling a trailer, but I like the idea of
having the engine oil cooler, transmission oil cooler, and heavy-duty
cooling. The bigger battery is nice, too. The package also includes
load-leveling suspension -- is this a needless complexity that will
cause us headaches later on, or is it a good idea too?

BTW, it's been very interesting to compare the GC SXT with the T&C
Touring. Comparibly equipped, the T&C costs about $360 more, but
lacks the fog lights. That seems like a no brainer...

In addition to the Trailer Tow package, we're looking at getting the
following:

Supplemental Side Curtain Air Bags
Power Liftgate (required by the side air bags)
Power Adjustable Pedals
Removable Center Front Seat Console

Please remove the "nospam" from my address if responding via email.

 

Prep group is a great idea. Think twice about side bags unless whoever will
ride in the van is very short. I"m 6'1 about 200 lbs and I cannot fit in the
passenger seat (front) and forget the outer parts of the rears.
Larry

 

We test drove a T&C with the side bags yesterday and I didn't have
any trouble. I'm 6'2" (and about 225 lbs :-(). The fromt seats don't
fit me real well -- there's a sort of pad in the seat back that comes
across the middle of my back in a an oddly unconfortable place. The
middle Stow 'N' Go seats actually seem more comfortable.

If my '98 Neon R/T had had side air bags, I wouldn't have been knocked
out when it was totaled:

http://valkyrie.itt.purdue.edu/~wieland/neon/1998_accident/index.html

I do have them on my 2001 Neon R/T.

 

There are side bags built into the seat back. This year there are also side
head bags built into the rail area along the top on the side. I recommend
both highly. Just sided a semi coming at me with both of us running at 60
mph. The seat side bag blew, and I had not a scratch. $8,000.00 later my
2004 Limited is now good as new. A no brainier! The blown bag sure does
smell funny.

Richard.

 

Do you have any headroom issues with the side bags?

 

Based on the '92 model we kept for 10 years, the trailer towing packages
seems to have been a good idea. Driving around in Houston summers, the fans
got a workout, but the van's temp would never go above the "warmed up" temp,
even when idiling with the A/C on in 99 degree humid weather for over 30
min. The only possible drawback is the van seemed to go through batteries
quickly, possibly because the larger alternator was charging them too fast.

With experience from a '98 model and an '02 model, the load leveling has
never given any trouble and seems to be useful. A fully-loaded van will
give the typical 'back-heavy' look until you drive for a few minutes. Once
leveled, nobody would even know you have all the stuff/people inside.

Have on the '02 model... useful for setting in heavy loads, but had to be
repaired once under warranty.

HTH - Scott

 

My 2004 just has the side bags, the head bags were added with the new fold
away seats for 2005.

Richard.