My experiences...
I towed this combo for about an hour plus of highway driving. It was adequate.
For my trip, I had nothing else in the van other than myself and my young daughter in a booster seat. I would say that I kept my speeds under 70 mph because the load generally felt more comfortable there.
My other option is to tow with the Ole Gov't Mule. Even with just the base 5.4L engine this towing combo was effortless.
Even worse than towing with the Minivan was the one time I tow dollied a Toyota Avalon with my old Montero. The Montero is generally an underpowered vehicle to begin with though rated to tow 5,000lbs. This really hits the max of its capabilities. My trip of an hour was all two lane, flat roads but any touch of the throttle caused a downshift which therefore required that I keep the transmission down a gear at all time.
So, my recommendation is, yes, a Minivan can do the job but know the limitations. I think you will be limited as to how much additional weight you can bring with you in the cabin of the van. Do you typically bring a lot of tools and spares to the track?
Also, I think I have this right but on the Mopar vans, in 2012 they went to the 300hp, 3.6L engine. You'll want that. Then in 2014 they went to larger front brakes...you'll want those too. I think a earlier van can be easily junkyard updated to the big brakes...or just order the bigger rotors and calipers. That then means 2012 and do upgrades or 2014 and its all there.
See the last posting on page 1 and into page 2 of this thread for some words on what doesn't come with the stripped Grand Caravan known as the American Value Package.
In my Grand Caravan thread I had posted this info I found on a Canadian website:
The trailer tow capacity of all models of Caravan and T&C is a Max. of 3600 lbs.
It breaks down as follows:
- 3600lb + 2 persons + 50 lbs. luggage ea.
- 3350lbs + 3-5 people +50lbs luggage ea
- 3000lbs + 6-7 people + 50 lbs luggage ea
- (Single person weight = 150lbs. luggage est 50lbs/person or… occupant and luggage weight of 200 lbs)
- Transmission fluid change if towing is 104k. (this may be kms not miles or about 65k miles)
In slight contradiction, Curt, my trailer hitch manufacturer, lists the capability of their hitch at 4000 pound and 400 pound tongue weight
In my Grand Caravan thread, another GRM'er shared his set up and says he is very happy with it. This a equally small car as yours and a very small trailer
