The Conservative Cave

Interests => Around the House & In the Garage => Topic started by: Gina on April 12, 2013, 09:54:45 AM

Title: need car spec help
Post by: Gina on April 12, 2013, 09:54:45 AM
Ok, I am getting rid of that lemon I bought from Carmax (they are buying it back in full, no loss for me).  It was a 3.3L engine. 

I pull boats and trailers with my vehicle.  I have found something I really love.  It's a Dodge again but fully loaded with warranty and it has

4.0L engine
259 torque@4100rpm
251 horsepower@6000rpm

Is that good enough for doing what I want? pulling boats and trailers?
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Chris_ on April 12, 2013, 10:00:06 AM
Is there a GVWR specified for the vehicle?  That should tell you how much you can tow.
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Gina on April 12, 2013, 10:04:28 AM
Is there a GVWR specified for the vehicle?  That should tell you how much you can tow.

I don't see that word anywhere
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Chris_ on April 12, 2013, 10:06:12 AM
It would be on a plate on the door jamb or glove compartment.
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Gina on April 12, 2013, 10:06:33 AM
I found this

  SXT
Engines   
3.3L 175 hp V6 N/A
3.3L 175 hp V6 N/A
3.8L 197 hp V6 Std.
4.0L 251 hp V6 Opt.
Transmissions   
4-Speed Automatic Overdrive N/A
6-Speed Automatic Overdrive Std.
Payload & Towing
  SXT
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) 156.10
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) 32.30
Standard Towing (lb.) 1800
Maximum Towing (lb.) 3800
Standard Payload (lb.) No data
Maximum Payload (lb.) No data
Standard GVWR (lb.) 5700
Maximum GVWR (lb.) 5700
Fuel Capacity
  SXT
Tank (US gallons) 20.00
Final Assembly
  SXT
Location United States
Canada
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Gina on April 12, 2013, 10:10:41 AM
and this

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/spec_engines.aspx?year=2010&make=Dodge&model=Grand+Caravan&trimid=110413


Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Eupher on April 12, 2013, 10:10:55 AM
I found this

  SXT
Engines  
3.3L 175 hp V6 N/A
3.3L 175 hp V6 N/A
3.8L 197 hp V6 Std.
4.0L 251 hp V6 Opt.
Transmissions  
4-Speed Automatic Overdrive N/A
6-Speed Automatic Overdrive Std.
Payload & Towing
  SXT
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) 156.10
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) 32.30
Standard Towing (lb.) 1800
Maximum Towing (lb.) 3800
Standard Payload (lb.) No data
Maximum Payload (lb.) No data
Standard GVWR (lb.) 5700
Maximum GVWR (lb.) 5700
Fuel Capacity
  SXT
Tank (US gallons) 20.00
Final Assembly
  SXT
Location United States
Canada


Looks like the 4.0 L engine pulls up to 5,700 lbs. There are ratings of hitches and things (I don't recall those offhand), but obviously you'll need a hitch and hookup for lights that corresponds to the weight of the boats & trailers you're pulling.

I'd say 251 hp and torque that goes with that would be plenty of power to handle almost 3 tons, which should be most of what you'd be pulling, unless you've got the Queen Mary 2 sitting in your driveway.  :-)
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: EagleKeeper on April 12, 2013, 10:23:10 AM
Could you be a little more specific about what you'd be towing?

What kind of boat and what kind of trailer, length and whatnot.


Edit to add: What I am getting at is trying to figure out approximately what kind of tongue weight your looking at as compared to the rear suspension and transmission of the prospective vehicle.
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Gina on April 12, 2013, 10:33:51 AM
Could you be a little more specific about what you'd be towing?

What kind of boat and what kind of trailer, length and whatnot.

I would be pulling a basic bass boat (greet metal/john boat) or I would be pulling my trailer that is big enough for a car to ride on (I put all my camping and kayaks on when I go trout fishing)

My current is a 3.3 l and well I am stoked right now because I never thought about all this shit  :thatsright: when buying a damn vehicle.  I pray it will get me up those hills out in the woods I go to when camping.

the 3.3 l was horrible.  It was so slow going up hills
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: EagleKeeper on April 12, 2013, 10:48:50 AM
I think these are the 2 figures that you need to consider.

Quote
Standard Towing (lb.) 1800
Maximum Towing (lb.) 3800

Once you start to get above the standard towing weight then you need to start thinking about things like transmission coolers.

Also, once you get above standard towing weight then it starts to get uncomfortable due to the load swaying back and forth which will make the back of the vehicle also move back and forth.

Thats the problem I had using a ford F-150 pulling a 23 ft searay seville. It did the job but it just was not comfortable.
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Gina on April 12, 2013, 10:59:17 AM
I think these are the 2 figures that you need to consider.

Once you start to get above the standard towing weight then you need to start thinking about things like transmission coolers.

Also, once you get above standard towing weight then it starts to get uncomfortable due to the load swaying back and forth which will make the back of the vehicle also move back and forth.

Thats the problem I had using a ford F-150 pulling a 23 ft searay seville. It did the job but it just was not comfortable.

I don't even think the boat or trailer would way anything near maximum towing, do you?
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: EagleKeeper on April 12, 2013, 11:01:23 AM
I don't even think the boat or trailer would way anything near maximum towing, do you?

No, certainly not the boat although if you were to actually put a car on the trailer then I might start to worry.
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Gina on April 12, 2013, 11:03:51 AM
No, certainly not the boat although if you were to actually put a car on the trailer then I might start to worry.

yeh, no car towing.  I am really excited because I like alotta oomph and I think I am gonna like that oomph
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: EagleKeeper on April 12, 2013, 11:11:27 AM
Also, your going to have a real hitch installed as opposed to a ball on the rear bumper right?
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: CG6468 on April 12, 2013, 11:20:31 AM
Also, your going to have a real hitch installed as opposed to a ball on the rear bumper right?

She had better do this.
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Gina on April 12, 2013, 11:28:19 AM
Also, your going to have a real hitch installed as opposed to a ball on the rear bumper right?

Hubby installed one of these

(http://www.suspensionconnection.com/images/items/800x700/12264_a_trailer_hitch.jpg)

is that good enough?
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: EagleKeeper on April 12, 2013, 11:33:30 AM
Hubby installed one of these

(http://www.suspensionconnection.com/images/items/800x700/12264_a_trailer_hitch.jpg)

is that good enough?

Probably so as long as you can hook up trailer chains and operate trailer turn signals and brake lights.
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Mike B the Cajun on April 23, 2013, 08:00:19 AM
Hubby installed one of these

(http://www.suspensionconnection.com/images/items/800x700/12264_a_trailer_hitch.jpg)

is that good enough?

Also, your tow vehice should have the "trailer towing package", which usually includes a wiring package that isolates the vehicle wiring (marker lights, brake, stop,  and turn signals) from the trailer wiring. That way, if there is a fault in the trailer wiring wirig short, etc.) it wonn't affect the vehicle systems.

If it doesn't, aftermarket kits are available, and bUilding one is also easy.

Just a thought.
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Wineslob on April 23, 2013, 09:49:09 AM
The hitch looks OK, but (go by the pic) I'd rather have a class III hitch.That one looks a little light.
 The HP and torque rating look good for towing. Also, the weight of the trailer won't cause the trailer to sway, it's not enough tongue weight that will cause that. You want more weight towards the front of the trailer to get it to track correctly.


http://www.etrailer.com/faq-hitchclasses.aspx
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Gina on May 03, 2013, 08:36:45 AM
Thanks yall!  :-*
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Dori on May 03, 2013, 08:16:37 PM
Once you start to get above the standard towing weight then you need to start thinking about things like transmission coolers.

Our transmission caught on fire once pulling an incline with a trailer....scary

We had the helicopters overhead and the fire dept.  Thank goodness we and a passing motorist had fire extinguishers and got the fire out before we burned  down the forest.....
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Chris_ on May 03, 2013, 08:19:10 PM
A transmission cooler is a good idea on any car.  Both my Datuns and my MGB have them.  The Datsun's was built in to the main radiator... the MG has a separate intercooler.
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: freedumb2003b on May 24, 2013, 08:14:04 PM
Quote from: Eaglekeeper
Also, your going to have a real hitch installed as opposed to a ball on the rear bumper right?
She had better do this.
Would this be a bad time to suggest removing the chrome from said hitch...?

;)
Title: Re: need car spec help
Post by: Gina on May 30, 2013, 11:54:51 AM

Would this be a bad time to suggest removing the chrome from said hitch...?

;)

No chrome, just black paint.   :popcorn: