[Dewey]

I was looking at ordering the tow package but instead found a great deal at quarter-end (4.25% below invoice). So we pulled the trigger on a Limited yesterday.

I'm not looking to tow anything significant. I have the F150 in the stable for that. However, we used a cargo carrier on the Acadia that the Pacifica is replacing for extra capacity on road trips like the one below.

750 lb. Capacity Heavy Duty Folding Cargo Carrier

I wanted to see if anyone had installed an aftermarket hitch.

1) What brand/model?
2) How difficult was the install?
3) Does it look clean/flush with the bumper or hang below (pics would be ideal)?

Thanks

 

[chudoctah]

dewey,

i'm also looking for a hitch as well and have the same questions as you. if you've found anything further on your own could you please keep us posted? i'll do the same. right now just seems that the minivan is so new i'm hesitant about any hitches (curt, etrailers, uhaul)...


regards,
eric

 

[sinjin]

Curt and Draw-Tite both make Pacifica-specific hitches... both Class II and Class III. I haven't purchased or installed one either as of yet... just sharing the info I saw.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Trailer Hitches & Towing - CARiD.com

 

[markinmad]

I'm planning on ordering the Draw-tite class III from https://www.etrailer.com/

If someone hasn't updated this by then I'll let you know how the install goes, but I predict it'll be just like the past hitches I've bought through them - easy peasy.

 

[cue003]

Will you be getting/including 7 pin and 4 pin wiring as part of your order? Hopefully it goes smooth.

 

[Gohawks1224]

I was looking at ordering the tow package but instead found a great deal at quarter-end (4.25% below invoice). So we pulled the trigger on a Limited yesterday.

I'm not looking to tow anything significant. I have the F150 in the stable for that. However, we used a cargo carrier on the Acadia that the Pacifica is replacing for extra capacity on road trips like the one below.

750 lb. Capacity Heavy Duty Folding Cargo Carrier

I wanted to see if anyone had installed an aftermarket hitch.

1) What brand/model?
2) How difficult was the install?
3) Does it look clean/flush with the bumper or hang below (pics would be ideal)?

Thanks

Not sure the tongue weight (350) will support that at 750 pounds.

 

[douglas1028]

Trailer hitch

I just installed a Draw Tite 76046 on my Touring L.

I got it from: Draw-Tite Hitch | Free Shipping on DrawTite Trailer Hitch
It was then on sale for $111.99 with no tax and free shipping. It is now $139.99
They have a 1 year price match gaurantee: AutoAnything Policies and Programs

Etrailer has it for $126.95 with free shipping.

There is also a hitch/wiring package on Ebay but it is a 1.25" : 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Trailer Hitch w Wiring Kit Class II Draw Tite Brand New | eBay

I opted for the 2" receiver as more things can fit into them. (bike racks, cargo carriers,etc)

There are 2 different wiring harnesses, the 118712 for Touring L, Touring L Plus, and Limited and the 118723 for the LX and Touring.
I ended up spending $38 for mine. I usually hard wire into the lighting system but didn't want to take any chances. These kits are pretty much plug and play.

The installation was easy. I didn't have to jack up van. The instructions have you cut away more heat shield and trim panel than you have to. I only cut about 1/3 of the
recommended area. Experiment; you can always trim more. The hardest part are the rubber hangers for the exhaust. Put dish soap on them to make them easier to remove/install.
Threading the bolts wasn't too hard. I used anti-seize on the bolts and torqued them to 110 ft/lbs. Nuts above muffler required universal joint. Whole job took me about 90 minutes.

 

[redbarron55]

I could be wrong, but the towing rating for the Pacifica is 1500 lbs without the factory installed towing package.
35(6)00 lbs with the package.
Possibly the dealer could install the kit, but I don't think so.
The Ford Escape is the same.
It has to have the package factory installed and that gets you the stabilization module along with the heavy duty bits and pieces.

 

[Damoncaravanman]

Even though I ordered the tow package, I think I will be putting in the airbags in the springs......uh, oh, does the Pacifica have rear springs??
AIR LIFT 60818 1000 Series Rear Air Spring Kit is what I was thinking for no rear sag.

 

[dave_wt]

Damoncaravanman, did you find/install the airlift kit, I have an after market hitch and would like additional support

Thanks

 

[Rodeo]

I just got a Limited without the tow package and would like to add a 2" hitch for a bike rack, and sometimes a cargo container for family road trips.

Never towed anything so I'm a complete novice at this. Help from experienced members would be appreciated.

I gather that tongue weight and tow capacity are two different things. The OP talked about a 750 lb container. That seems like a LOT of weight hanging off the rear of the vehicle. Esp if there are passengers back there. The common weight capacity seems to be 500 lbs and even that seems like a lot. Steering, braking and stability would no doubt be affected, and not in a good way. Thoughts?

With a cargo carrier do we need lights, or are brake lights and turn signals just for trailers? Also, does the license plate have to be relocated? Won't it be blocked with a big box on the back of the van? Can't imagine law enforcement would be thrilled if they can't see the tags.

Finally, what is the experience here with those that have installed gear like I want? What did you use, whare did you get it, and are you happy with it?

Help on any of these questions would be much appreciated :smile2::smile2::smile2:

Thanks, Steve

 

[shawnee]

Rodeo,

Your correct, tongue weight and tow capacity are two different things but they are related. Typically you want the tongue weight to be about 15% of the trailer weight. So 85% of the trailer weight is on the trailer wheels and 15% is on the tow vehicle hitch. This provides stability while towing. Too little tongue weight and the trailer becomes unstable and will start swaying back and forth. This can become severe enough to cause loss of control. Too much tongue weight can lift the front of the vehicle resulting in loss of control.

The maximum tongue weight is 360 pounds for a Pacifica with the factory installed tow package and 149 pounds without. Yes, the load in the cargo area must be considered. If the cargo carrier obstructs the view of the rear lights or license plate then, legally, you would need to add lights and plate to you carrier. I would try to get a carrier that is low enough not to obstruct the lights or plate.

 

[Rodeo]

Rodeo,

Your correct, tongue weight and tow capacity are two different things but they are related. Typically you want the tongue weight to be about 15% of the trailer weight. So 85% of the trailer weight is on the trailer wheels and 15% is on the tow vehicle hitch. This provides stability while towing. Too little tongue weight and the trailer becomes unstable and will start swaying back and forth. This can become severe enough to cause loss of control. Too much tongue weight can lift the front of the vehicle resulting in loss of control.

The maximum tongue weight is 360 pounds for a Pacifica with the factory installed tow package and 149 pounds without. Yes, the load in the cargo area must be considered. If the cargo carrier obstructs the view of the rear lights or license plate then, legally, you would need to add lights and plate to you carrier. I would try to get a carrier that is low enough not to obstruct the lights or plate.

Thanks Shawnee, good info

150 lbs sounds reasonable, I would think that would be enough for a family trip.

Anybody carrying a cargo container on a trailer hitch? Anyone have Pics? Recommendations? I'd like to avoid rookie mistakes with your help.

Thanks, Steve

 

[generaltso]

Anybody carrying a cargo container on a trailer hitch? Anyone have Pics? Recommendations? I'd like to avoid rookie mistakes with your help.

I've used this one, but not with the Pacifica.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00152VYLQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[vinnyf]

Not half as nice as the general's but a lot cheaper:
Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier - 500 lb. Capacity

I bought it to use with my T&C, and made the poor move of not ordering a tow package for the Pacifica - thought I'd save money, with a Curtis or draw-tite going for under $150, vs Mopar at almost a grand. But seeing the machinations required for the after market I haven't done it yet.

 

[NavyChief]

Dewey,

I too am in the same boat. I have a cargo carrier that fits in a 2" trailer receiver like yours that will carry roughly 150 lbs. I have been waiting since last year for Chrysler to come out with a trailer/towing package for the Pacifica. We bought our Limited back in June of 2016. They were not supposed to hit the market until September. So needless to say they jumped the gun on some things because my Limited was supposed to come "Standard" with certain items like hands-free door sensors but did not. Additionally, there was no towing package for it either and I didn't want to install an aftermarket hitch.

In talking with the dealership, they told me that Chrysler was still working it out and didn't know if they will have to redesign the rear bumper to install the tow package. I think I am leaning towards getting the factory package. I think I would rather have the peace of mind in the long haul having the transmission cooler than not when towing my trailer.

 

[generaltso]

I think I am leaning towards getting the factory package. I think I would rather have the peace of mind in the long haul having the transmission cooler than not when towing my trailer.

I haven't seen any indication that Chrysler will be offering a factory tow package that can be added after it's built. I'm sure you could order the required parts (at a substantial cost), but you'd still be stuck with the lower towing capacity of 1500 lbs.

 

[NavyChief]

That is a good point! I did not think about that. The Dealership talked it up like it would be no problem at all to add a towing package onto it once Chrysler had it figured out. I will dig into that a little bit more. I have pulled up some of the other links posted by other folks. I may have to resort to an aftermarket. Guess that's what I get for being too motivated. Thanks for the perspective.

-Jason

 

[generaltso]

The Dealership talked it up like it would be no problem at all to add a towing package onto it once Chrysler had it figured out.

Unfortunately, some dealers will talk up just about anything if it might increase their chances of a sale.

 

[Gravitydrop]

Oem hitch is around $350, Harness $250. PLus couple small parts that the parts guy cannot locate. Installation my quote is $575 at $175/hr. Max towing 1500lbs. I didn't inquire about the sway bar and the larger radiator. Wish Chrysler comes up with towing install package.