The Chrysler Pacifica can be equipped with a tow package and has a towing capacity of 3,600 pounds. Therefore, it can safely haul some campers. However, it is best to stick with a lightweight camper under 2,500 pounds or even an ultralight under 1,800 pounds. This is because you have to leave a weight capacity for passengers, personal belongings, furnishings, full tanks, and everything else you will keep in your camper and van's cargo space. Additionally, it is best not to haul the maximum weight to avoid overstraining your Pacifica for safety and mechanical reasons.
What You'll Learn
The Chrysler Pacifica's towing capacity is 3,600 lbs
The Chrysler Pacifica's towing capacity is enough for campers that range between 12' to 17' in length. These campers usually sleep two people, but some can sleep up to five. They have minimal amenities, but some have air conditioning and a TV. You can expect very basic cooking facilities and limited storage. These campers are very compact and are basically a step above tent camping.
There are also campers in a slightly heavier weight class that the Chrysler Pacifica can tow. These campers are a bit longer and larger, and can accommodate more people and amenities, giving you more of the comforts of home. You start to find full kitchens and bathrooms in this size camper. Pop-up campers or folding campers are a common type that falls into this class. The combination of fibreglass and tent-like walls expands when the camper is fully constructed, allowing more room for a lighter weight. It also allows for more compact storage when not in use.
When towing with a Chrysler Pacifica, there are some cautions to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure your minivan is in top condition as towing puts a strain on the vehicle. If there are any mechanical weaknesses, they will show up when the vehicle is under a heavy load. This can cause the vehicle to overheat if pushed too hard, especially when towing in extremely hot weather or over mountainous roads. Additionally, the braking system will be under additional strain, so it is a good idea to install brakes on the camper and a brake controller.
Another thing to consider is that campers easily catch the wind, which can cause an overturned camper and possibly the vehicle. Even if that doesn't happen, the wind can push your load around on the road and into another vehicle. In windy conditions, it is best not to tow with a lighter vehicle such as a minivan. Always make sure to do a pre-trip inspection and check that your safety chains and pins are secure, all lights are working, and your tires are properly inflated and have good tread levels.
To enable towing with the Chrysler Pacifica, you can equip it with a tow package. The Trailer-Tow group is an available package option on all models of the Chrysler Pacifica and costs $1,000. If you are a skilled DIYer, you can also add an aftermarket tow hitch and receiver, but this does not have all the features of the Pacifica tow package. The tow package includes a 7-pin and 4-pin trailer-tow wiring harness, a hitch with a 2-inch receiver, and trailer sway damping.
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The Pacifica can tow a camper, but not all campers
The Chrysler Pacifica can be equipped with a tow package and has a towing capacity of 3,600 pounds. Therefore, it can safely tow some campers, but not all.
The Pacifica is not suitable for every camper, and it is recommended to stick with a lightweight camper under 2,500 pounds or even an ultralight under 1,800 pounds. This is because you need to leave weight capacity for passengers, personal belongings, furnishings, full tanks, and other items in the camper and van's cargo space. It is also best not to haul the maximum weight to avoid overstraining the Pacifica for safety and mechanical reasons.
There are several camper models available that weigh less than 2,500 pounds, such as:
- Roulette ProLite: 590-1,900 pounds
- Armadillo Trailers: 1,800 pounds
- Scamp Travel Trailers: 1,200-2,900 pounds
- Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro: 1,763-3,433 pounds
- Jayco JayFeather Micro: 1,585-4,660 pounds
Campers in the ultralight weight class are usually between 12'-17' in length and sleep two to five people. They have minimal amenities, although some may have air conditioning and a TV. These campers have very basic cooking facilities and limited storage, so they are a step above tent camping.
It is important to note that even with these models, some have a top weight of up to 4,500 pounds, so it is crucial not to overload the camper with extras and still stay under the dry weight that the Pacifica can handle.
When towing with a minivan, it is crucial to keep the vehicle well-maintained as towing puts a strain on the engine and braking system. Additionally, campers can easily catch the wind, affecting the stability of the entire load. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid towing in windy conditions with a lighter vehicle like a minivan. Always perform a pre-trip safety check to ensure that safety chains and pins are secure, lights are functioning, and tires are properly inflated and have good tread levels.
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Stick with a lightweight camper under 2,500 lbs or an ultralight under 1,800 lbs
If you're looking to tow a camper with your Pacifica, it's important to keep in mind the towing capacity of your vehicle. The towing capacity of a Pacifica is 3500 lbs, which is suitable for smaller campers. However, it's essential to note that the Pacifica hybrid model is not designed for towing and can significantly reduce battery life if used for this purpose. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for the gas-powered Pacifica if you intend to tow a camper.
When considering a camper, sticking with a lightweight option under 2500 lbs or an ultralight option under 1800 lbs is a wise choice. These campers can be towed by mid-size SUVs or lightweight trucks and offer a more manoeuvrable and fuel-efficient option. While they may lack some amenities found in larger campers, they provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience.
- Happier Camper HC1: Weighing only 1100 lbs, this customisable fiberglass trailer offers a cute and compact option.
- Rockwood Geo Pro 12RK: With a dry weight of 1252 lbs, this teardrop-style trailer features a sleeping area, cabinetry, double doors, and an outdoor kitchen.
- MeerKat: Designed by Little Guy Trailers, this 900-lb trailer includes a tiny kitchen, a convertible dinette, and an interior cabinet for a portable toilet.
- Alaskan Campers Truck Camper Cabover: This classic pop-up camper has a dry weight of 1390 lbs and includes a double bed, dinette, fridge, sink, stove, and optional toilet.
- TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth: Weighing 1310 lbs, this innovative camper sleeps up to four people and offers both indoor and rooftop tent sleeping options.
- Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E12RK: This teardrop-style trailer has a dry weight of 1252 lbs and features a spacious sleeping area and a rear kitchen hatch.
These options provide a range of features and amenities while staying within the suitable weight range for a Pacifica. Remember to consider the weight of your gear, liquids, and other factors when calculating the total weight of your camper setup. Additionally, ensure that you have the proper towing equipment, such as a trailer hitch and brake controller, for a safe and enjoyable camping experience with your Pacifica.
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The Pacifica's transmission is the weak point in the whole towing system
The transmission of the Chrysler Pacifica is the weak point in the whole towing system. It tends to stay in high gears for fuel efficiency, which can make towing on hills difficult. This can be fixed by giving more gas, but it requires a bit of a learning curve. The transmission can also be unpredictable, with some users reporting that it lurches every few seconds at certain speeds.
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The Pacifica is a good towing vehicle
The Pacifica's towing package includes features such as a 7-pin and 4-pin trailer-tow wiring harness, a hitch with a 2-inch receiver, and trailer sway damping, which help to make towing safer and more comfortable. Additionally, some users have recommended adding a mechanical anti-sway bar, which can be helpful when towing in windy conditions.
Several people have shared their positive experiences towing campers with the Pacifica. One user towed a popup camper with a dry weight of 2,400-2,500 lbs and reported that the Pacifica handled it well, with only some minor issues with the transmission and braking. Another user towed a pop-up trailer weighing about 2,500 lbs and was thoroughly impressed with the towing capability and handling of the Pacifica, especially with the tow package's sway control.
It is important to note that the Pacifica Hybrid will not be able to pull a camper. Only the gas-powered Pacifica is suitable for towing. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain your vehicle and perform pre-trip safety checks to ensure a safe and enjoyable towing experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a Chrysler Pacifica can pull a camper. The Pacifica can be equipped with a tow package and has a towing capacity of 3,600 pounds.
The Chrysler Pacifica can tow campers that weigh less than 2,500 pounds. Some campers that fall under this weight include the Roulette ProLite, Armadillo Trailers, and Scamp Travel Trailers.
The Trailer-Tow package option available on each model of the Chrysler Pacifica includes a 7-pin and 4-pin Trailer-Tow Wiring Harness, Hitch with 2-inch Receiver, and Trailer Sway Damping.