How can I increase towing capacity on my '03 T&C

[icebox114]

I have an '03 T&C 3.8L engine with AWD. It does not have the towing package, but I did put on Reese hitch. What would it take to increase the towing capacity? In the manual it gives ratings for the same engine with a towing package. Does it have something to do with a different transmission, suspension, etc? I really like the van and I'm looking into getting a camper that when loaded would be around 3000 lbs, a T&C with a towing package would be able to pull something around 3500 lbs.

[AWP9521]

Originally Posted by icebox114

I have an '03 T&C 3.8L engine with AWD. It does not have the towing package, but I did put on Reese hitch. What would it take to increase the towing capacity? In the manual it gives ratings for the same engine with a towing package. Does it have something to do with a different transmission, suspension, etc? I really like the van and I'm looking into getting a camper that when loaded would be around 3000 lbs, a T&C with a towing package would be able to pull something around 3500 lbs.

There could be a lot of things changed to make a vehicle "tow worthy". They may add a heavy duty auxiliary cooler on the transmission to handle the extra heat from towing as well as a higher numerical final drive ratio to help give it some more pulling torque. The engine may have a larger capacity radiator to handle the more heat generated from the added towing loads. The suspension may have heavier springs and other components to handle the extra weight on the back of the vehicle. Most likely a wiring harness for trailer lighting would be added and the battery and charging system upgraded to handle the extra electrical load, and so on.

You may want to do some research on your T&C to see what the factory does when they add a towing package option to the vehicle.