van boat combo

[warning]

Hello, I'm new here with a question already.
Have a Van caravan 2006 believe a 3.7 L, 6 cilynder engine front wheel drive pulling a 16 foot valco/westcoaster model with a 25 hp honda I just purchased van has a frame mounted 2" heavy duty receiver. Do you gents see something negative that I don't. Planning a trip to baja first of the year I will appreciate any and all comments. Thank you all.

 

[DJ]

Re: van boat combo

Valcos are aluminum, as I recall. That rig should be quite light. I don't see any issues.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: van boat combo

Those vans had either a 3.3 or 3.8L V6. Either one should handle the rather light load ok. If you have the 3.3 you might notice frequent torque converter locking/unlocking (feels like a shift). If that's happening you are advised to shift out of overdrive.

 

[warning]

Re: van boat combo

Thank you both, correct the boat is aluminum, and is also correct the engine is a 3.3L. Thank you again for the info and responses.
It will be a very long trip but flat terrain from Carson City Nevada, via las Vegas about 3000 miles round trip to the tip of Baja.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: van boat combo

I would suggest that you consider adding a transmission cooler. If there is not a factory "tow package" add on that would bolt on really easily, you can pick up a lot of efficient options from any auto parts store. I did mine myself, but I bet most tranny shops would do one pretty reasonably.

Wouldn't you feel a lot better on that trip knowing there is no additional heat building up in the transmission -- especially since heat is the ultimate killer of trannys.

When I tow with my van I stay out of OD unless its real flat and I know there will not be a lot of shifting in and out.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: van boat combo

That outfit should not be an issue.....but for peace of mind as said above put a tranny cooler on it and stay out of overdrive. I have bad experience of towing with a minivan even with all the towing goodies on it. Half the weight limit on the back and "bang" goes the tranny. It was a Windstar. Many good threads in this section about towing with minivans. Do a search and you will get some very interesting reading.
Enjoy the trip.

 

[warning]

Re: van boat combo

Thank you all for your comments it is appreciated.....

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: van boat combo

By the way welcome to iboats

 

[John_S]

Re: van boat combo

As others have said, towing this shouldn't be any issue. Given the 3000 mile tow, in a hot climate, that trans cooler may be a very good idea.

I would also check your owners manual for towing capacity and how it is effected by the cargo/people in the mini van. If you are loading the mini van with people and allot of camping equipment, food, drinks, fishing gear, gas etc, you might end up closer to the limits than you think. For that length of trip, you would want some head room, and not want to be on the maximum edge of towing capacity. It might mean taking a second vehicle to handle the cargo chores.

 

[SFT2]

Re: van boat combo

Even with your light boat, you might want to think about a weight distributing hitch setup. Adding weight to the rear end means less weight on the front wheels. Not such a good thing with a FWD vehicle.

 

[warning]

Re: van boat combo

Thank's....I do have an equilizer hitch. very very heavy set up I do not know how much weigth will add up to the rear end od the vehicle I use the set up for my hunting trailer,trailer has a set uo mounted for the equilizer,boat trailer does not.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: van boat combo

I don't use one with a heavier boat than you will be pulling, and I have no problems with the front wheel drive being unweighted.