I am looking to buy a trailer for our newly purchased van to tow, and wondering if the weight will be too much or if we can tow ok as is with our van (or upgrade gear ratio). We live in AZ, so almost every trip involves driving into the mountains with some inclines (AZ, UT, CO, WY).

We prefer option 1, but it is heavier and longer. Do you think we would be ok?

Van Specs:

• 2016 Express 3500 Extended passenger (V8 - 6.0L)
  • Stock Differential - (3.42?)
  • Curt Class V Hitch
  • Prodigy P3 Brake Controller
  • ProPride 3P 1400 Weight Distribution Hitch
  • 3 kids + 2 Adults+ 1 dog + luggage

Option 1:

• Total Length (ball to bumper): 35' 11"
• Unloaded Weight: 7,750 lbs
• Max Weight rating: 9,700 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 900

Option 2:

• Total Length (ball to bumper): 34' 2"
• Unloaded Weight: 7,221 lbs
• Max Weight rating: 9,999 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 859

Option 3:
(prefer not to do this option since it has large schwintek slide, which seem to brake a lot)

• Total Length (ball to bumper): 33' 5"
• Unloaded Weight: 6,208 lbs
• Max Weight rating: 7,932 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 752

Grateful for this group's help and advice with experienced/seasoned towers.

 

Two things you will want to pay attention to: first, your vehicle and trailer's combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Even for trailers that you can tow 'on paper', you may begin to run into limitations with the total weight of both + passengers, luggage, cargo, etc. The second thing to look out for is dry weight vs wet weight for the trailer. Dry weight might fit your towing capacity but it's not actually reality once the water tanks are full, and you've got the trailer decked out with clothing, food, etc etc.

The other thing to think about is that the closer you get to maxing out the capacity of your vehicle for towing, the less fun the driving experience is. It's stressful to be towing at the limit of what your vehicle can safely handle. I currently have a truck that can tow up to 9,000 lbs. My trailer is around 4,500 and tows quite well, but I am very happy I didn't go with something heavier.

TLDR - lighter is better, and do the math on what the actual weight will be when fully loaded.