When properly equipped, certain minivans have tow ratings up to 3,800 pounds. That capacity is typically good for a pair of jet skis, small cargo trailer or popup camper.
It’s common to pay extra in for a trailer package to get the maximum capacity. For example, a 2010 Chrysler Town and Country has a standard 1,800-pound capacity. Its available 3,800-pound capacity comes with a $600 Towing preparation package that includes a load-leveling suspension and additional engine cooling.
Also note that a trailer hitch receiver, hitch and ball typically cost extra and installed at the dealership.
Minivan Towing Capacity
2010 Chrysler Town & Country
Maximum: 3,800 lbs.
2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
Maximum: 3,800 lbs.
2010 Honda Odyssey
Maximum: 3,500 lbs.
2009 Kia Sedona
Maximum: 3,500 lbs.
2009 Nissan Quest
Maximum: 3,500 lbs.
2010 Toyota Sienna
Maximum: 3,500 lbs.
2009 Volkswagen Routan
Maximum: 3,500 lbs.
Source: Automaker data
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obviously the person who made the first post clearly is a jerk for spouting off un true facts about the six speed transmission it is 62te & if you go to the web address http://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/62TE.html
you will soon discover the above writer has no idea what their taking about.
as for the 4 speed it was not great but if you check the web you will soon see Toyota & Honda have some trans problems also. I have A 2010 Grand Caravan SXT Plus with 4.0L engine 6 speed trany, trailer towing package, as I tow a trailer 3,600lbs. Love this Van!
This is my 4th Chrysler Minnie van since 1986 & it definitely is the best model.
I owned the Grand Caravan and replaced the transmission (fortunately under warranty). When it came time to sell, at about 4 years old, there wasn't a single GC of the same year that wasn't advertised with the statement "new transmission". Every single one of the vans (about 12 at the time) listed a replaced transmission. Resale value on the GC is horrible, expect to loose about 75% in 4-5 years. Definately a vehicle that should only be purchased used!
My Dodge Durango's transmission has held up. I have it's transmission serviced every single year! I drive it about 3,000-6,000 miles per year, almost exclusively towing my boat. Not sure which gets worse gas mileage, my boat or the Durango.
Chrysler transmissions have a long history of failure, anybody claiming otherwise is fooling themselves. Too bad, I like the look of their vehicles. Not until they come out with a 200K transmission warranty would I ever consider buying a brand new Chrysler!
Further on resale values, after I sold the GC (prior post), we got a Honda. Drove it for 3 years. Bought it used at 1 year old for 85% of the new price. Sold it for 75% of what we paid for it. Lost it's transmission too! It too was replaced under warranty. It was one of the first years they were making the Odyssey's in North America - unspurprisingly at the peak of Honda's quality issues.
If at all possible, when buying a foreign branded car, you are almost always better buying the models that are made in the manufacturer's home countries vs. the USA or China(ie. look for Japan or Germany) to insure you get the better quality built units.
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I would worry about the trannys holding up on the Chryslers.The 41TE is a horror show and the "new" 6 speed is just a 41TE with added gears.