niagaraowner

Did you go with a RF brake controller? I did and it works great. As you stated towing any TT without a truck is open for many opinions (I have also towed with a truck). I decided to tow with my DJ after doing some research. This is what I found...from what I researched the structure of the vehicle did not change from 2010, which had a GCWR of 8300 lbs, so I don't think the reduction in tow cap has anything to do with body structure. As mentioned the Caravan with same engine and trans combo with exact shift pattern is rated for 3600 lbs with the only addition being an auto level rear suspension, nothing else, so I don't think it has anything to do with engine and trans. Also my DJ crew has a trans cooler, found the part number on it and looked it up. The only other change was the rear suspension which may account for the reduction as mentioned in my last post. Also, with seven passengers and their luggage you could be close to rear GAWR as well as the GVWR, so that leaves no room for added tonque weight, Dodge needed to take this into account as well. As far as being safe there are a few 4000 lbs vehicles rated to tow 5000 lbs. I feel safer knowing my tow vehicle weighs 1000 lbs more than my trailer rather than rely on a manufacture rating their vehicle to tow a trailer that's a 1000 lbs more than their vehicle. Just keep an eye on all temps, and pay attention to shifting, as you should no matter what you tow with. Happy camping!

Hi Jeff, I have a 2012 DJ crew. I just started towing a TT this summer exactly like you are looking at. I travel as light as possible, the trailer is 2500 lbs. The curb weight of the DJ is 4000 lbs so if you use the new (after 2010) GCWR of 7300 you don’t have much allowance for gear and passengers. I have an equalizer weight distribution hitch and as others have posted it tows very well, I monitored all temps with no issues . I am not new to towing TT's. I have towed similar weight trailers with other CUV's and a dodge truck for comparison. Of course you know it’s there as you would with any 4000 lb tow vehicle, regardless of its towing capacity (and most v6 4000lbs vehicles are rated for 3500 lbs). One thing I think may have contributed to the lower towing capacity from 2010 is the redesigned rear suspension. BEFORE I started towing I had to adjust the rear suspension due to negative camber. As I was told by the tech (and I agree) the suspension is soft. The weight distribution does a nice job of keeping the weight off the rear of the DJ. The Caravan (with same engine and trans specs) as you mentioned is good for 3600 lbs towing, but that is with a different rear suspension and added airbags with the tow package. Hope this helps.