I am interested in buying a pop up trailer that weighs 1800 pounds. I have a 2004 Chevrolet Venture. In the manual it says I can only pull 1400 pounds with up to 5 people. Although it says if you have the optional trailer towing package you can tow up to 2900 pounds. I do not have the this towing package. Can it be added?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Many tow packages consist of lower gear ratios, different geared transmission, the tow/haul button. It's a lot more then the hitch on the back. I don't exactly know what would need to be changed in a Venture though. In other words, if it can be done, it'd be expensive.

 

usually at least a transmission cooler and extra duty radiator. You should be fine...just drive easy and mindful. I had a 95' APV w/3800, 100,000miles and fresh trans.rebuild in which 1 summer, I use to tow my nephews 3500lb. boat back and forth to a local Lake and even pulled that baby up the launch!!! no problem. throw a hitch on it, change trans oil and flush radiator, have good tires and brakes and go for it..you're only talking 500lbs more..a couple people...

 

Is it front wheel drive?

Weights: gross vehicle weight rating (lbs) 5,357, curb weight (lbs) 4,431, gross trailer weight braked (lbs) 2,000 and max payload (lbs) 1,457

Front wheel drive vehicles will jack knife on gravel/sand/snow or ice with a trailer. On dry pavement it shouldn't be a problem. "usually at least a transmission cooler and extra duty radiator."
Trailer brakes would be a plus !

I towed a Prius 500 miles with a Prius on a 2 wheel dolly. Jack knifed it twice on loose gravel on paved streets... Not very safe.