[vtncus]

Hello!
I never owned a vehicle with towing features... so I am trying to learn a little bit about it.
I read the manual, and the more I read the more confused I got. I have the Limited with tow package, which gives me 1500 lbs towing capacity...

Would you be so kind and check the manual: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...xOwgS7Lt5-_Ybz01g&sig2=cqooiadLRAceaXhik3Z0kA

and explain on page 513 the chart ? Does it mean if I put 7 people in , I can only tow 95 lbs? I appreciate any help.

PS: the link looks crazy, I promise is safe, in case you want to double check, just google: 2017 Pacifica Manual , that is the first google link.

Thanks

 

[Nails1]

Vtncus: First, the max trailer weight with a tow package is 3500 lbs. You have to deduct 100 lbs for stow-n-go seats (see asterisk on chart in manual). The max trailer tongue weight is 360 lbs. Next, look at your yellow & white tire & loading sticker (driver's door). Take note of what the max loading weight (cargo + occupants + trailer tongue weight) is. This is the first weight limit you need to know.

Second, look at the white mfg. vehicle label. Take note of GVWR weight limit. This is the second weight limit you need to know.

Third, look for the mfg. sticker on your trailer for what it's unloaded weight is. This is the third weight limit you need to know. If you still have calculated capacity available, you can look at the max loading weight limit of the trailer. I always hold off on that until I can calculate available capacity.

Please post back the Max loading limit and GVWR for your van and I will respond back with some sample calculations. It is true that as occupants & cargo weight goes up, the amount of weight that can be towed goes down. The manual states the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is 8600 lbs. For example, if the van is loaded to max, you may only be able to tow a trailer weighing 2500 lbs without exceeding GCWR.

 

[BrettP]

The rightmost column is not talking about weight inside the trailer (the graphic is misleading).

The chart on page 513 already assumes you have Chrysler's Tow Package and have attached a maximum weight 3600(3500) pound trailer. A properly balanced trailer should have 90% of its weight supported by the trailer's own wheels/tires/springs but the other 10% of 3600 = 360 pounds (tongue weight) is pushing straight down on the back of your Pacifica (and has to be supported by the Pacifica's springs/wheels/tires) so you must reduce your maximum inside-the-van cargo carrying weight by 360 pounds. 455-360=95 pounds of cargo inside (or on) the van (in their example). Some experts say tongue weight can be between 10%-15% but I'm using 10% here as is Chrysler

If the trailer weighed just 1000 pounds and you balance the weight properly for a 10/90 split on your level trailer then the trailer's wheels carry 900 pounds and the Pacifica carries 100 pounds of the trailer weight so now you can carry 260 more pounds of cargo and/or people.

People or cargo...you can carry ~1500 (1505) pounds inside your Pacifica. That's the number to remember. Distribute that 1505 max load capacity among people, interior cargo weight AND trailer tongue weight but you have to include all three and cannot go over 1505 pounds. Don't pull more that 3500 pounds of trailer if you have the factory tow package or you stress the engine, tranny, brakes, etc. and don't put more cargo inside (or on) the van than 1505 pounds (people + trailer tongue weight + inside van cargo weight). Exceeding either or both is dangerous.

You can use a bathroom scale to determine your tongue weight just make sure the trailer is level when you measure. The trailer should remain level even after attaching it to your hitch ball. Raise or lower the ball to keep your trailer approximately level.

 

[Nails1]

BrettP: I'm going to disagree with your statement that the manual
language allows you to carry a load of 1505 lbs and pull 3500 lbs of trailer. If you carry a fully loaded up van at max weight, you will have a lower max trailer weight to avoid going over the GCWR of 8600 pounds.

I'll use my van (Touring L Plus 8 pssgr w/ Tow Pkg) as an example.
4765 lbs Vehicle Curb Weight +
1240 lbs Max Load (Per Mfg. Label) =
6005 lbs GVWR (Per Mfg. Label)

6005 lbs Max GVWR +
2595 lbs Max Trailer Weight =
8600 lbs GCWR (Per Mfg. Manual)

When my Pacifica is loaded to max, I can only tow a trailer weighing no more than 2595 lbs. Side note, it is very easy to over load these vans. 8 passengers weighing 150 lbs each puts me at my load limit. Myself, wife and 4 teenage kids plus our luggage puts me at my load limit. Adding trailer tongue weight puts me over. These vans are not ideal tow vehicles even with a tow package.

 

[BrettP]

BrettP: I'm going to disagree with your statement that the manual
language allows you to carry a load of 1505 lbs and pull 3500 lbs of trailer.

Fair enough...I accept your point! Must not exceed GCWR, GVWR and GAWR simultaneously.

 

[vtncus]

Thank you so much. I think I'm starting to get. There is a laguange barrier on my side which doesn't help,to understand the terms.
Here are the numbers: Image - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting

Sorry for the ad site, but I couldn't find a way to,upload here from the ipad

Thanks a lot for you help!!

 

[Nails1]

Vtncus: Per your photo, the GVWR of your van is 6055 lbs (top part of the mfg. label). Can you provide what the max load is (or photo) from the yellow and white Tire & Loading Information label as well? This label has a figure of a tire on the left side and is on the driver's side door or door frame. Can't recall exactly...

 

[vtncus]

Sure can! I will look at it tomorrow morning and post it here. Thanks a lot for your interest in making me understand

 

[Damoncaravanman]

You also can add things such as airbags to the rear and that makes a diff on the tongue weight. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OMVCFK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
My neighbors who just ordered a Pacifica with towing are replacing the 2011 Chrysler Town and Country they have that they used for 80K miles worth of towing. Canada, most of the US, Alaska, so they used it hard. It pulled a Casita camper (2410 dry weight pnds.) and 2 people with months of items both in camper and the van. Never an issue!