[Ansteorra] Minivans pulling trailers?

[April Gillilan]

JP and I have been thinking of getting a more economical vehicle – one that
can carry more people and still be able to tow our trailer to events.  We
currently have a 99 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab truck and a 6’ tall, 8’ long
Haulmark Cub trailer, with electric brakes.  Fully loaded, the trailer
weighs about 2600 pounds.  At best, we can take two other people with us to
events and be able to tow the trailer easily (although gas mileage is very
poor).  After perusing our calendar, we’ve figured that we will tow the
trailer a maximum of about 13 times a year, anywhere from 50 miles to 3000
miles.

 

As the subject suggests, a minivan is our top choice at the moment.  It can
carry up to six people comfortably, gets better gas mileage than our truck,
and are rated for 3500 or 3800 pounds towing capacity.  I’ve been reading
some of the minivan forums and newsgroups and they recommend only using 75%
of a minivans towing capacity, including people and stuff in the van.  If
this is the case, then a minivan may not be our best choice.

 

We are wondering if anyone out there pulls a trailer (that is taller than
their minivan) on a regular enough basis to tell if the weight of the
trailer and people in the van are detrimental to the performance of the
minivan.  Does the gas mileage drop drastically?  Can the minivan still pass
other vehicles at highway speeds?

 

Thanks,

 

Gilyan & JP


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