Many Chrysler Pacifica owners consider this versatile minivan for more than just family duties. The question of towing capacity often arises, especially when considering aftermarket hitch options. Can a Chrysler Pacifica, particularly with an aftermarket hitch, handle towing tasks effectively? This article delves into a real-world towing experience to provide insights into the towing capacity of a Chrysler Pacifica and how it performs under demanding conditions.
Towing with an Aftermarket Hitch: A Rocky Mountain Test
This account details a personal experience towing with a Chrysler Pacifica equipped with an aftermarket class 3 hitch. The journey involved towing a 2850lb compact car on a 750lb U-Haul car dolly through the challenging Rocky Mountains. Adding to the load was approximately 600lb of cargo and passenger weight within the van itself. It’s also worth noting that the tongue weight likely exceeded the aftermarket hitch’s specified limit of 149lb, although it remained under the OEM tow package limit of 360lb. In essence, the vehicle was operating at its maximum towing capacity.
Despite being maxed out, the Chrysler Pacifica demonstrated commendable performance throughout the trip. Remarkably, trailer sway was never encountered, even when navigating bumps, curves, and uneven road construction. Ambient temperatures ranged from 45-70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the transmission temperature remained consistently between 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit. During two significant uphill ascents, the transmission temperature briefly peaked at 195 and 203 degrees Fahrenheit, but quickly returned to the normal range. Coolant and oil temperatures also stayed within their typical operating zones throughout the journey.
While most descents were gentle enough to allow coasting with minimal braking, some steeper declines required moderate intermittent braking. During these instances, some minor brake fade was perceptible. The absence of surge brakes on the car dolly became apparent, highlighting their potential benefit for heavier towing scenarios.
Performance and Handling on the Road
Maintaining pace with traffic was easily achievable, even on inclines, although a more conservative, slower speed with a larger following distance was adopted for safety. The Pacifica’s transmission shifting was particularly impressive. It adeptly held higher RPMs during steep ascents, even when easing off the accelerator, ensuring consistent power delivery. While cruise control’s downshifting on descents is useful for maintaining set speeds, its disengagement upon braking made it less practical for this towing trip. Manually controlling RPMs through gear selection proved more effective for managing speed and braking on downhill stretches.
Conclusion: Aftermarket Hitch Towing Capability
This real-world towing experience suggests that a Chrysler Pacifica, when equipped with an aftermarket hitch, is indeed capable for towing. Under favorable conditions, such as moderate ambient temperatures and minimal crosswinds, its towing performance can closely mirror that of a Pacifica with the factory-installed OEM tow package. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the increased demands placed on the braking system, particularly when towing loads exceeding 2,000lb without trailer brakes. While the Chrysler Pacifica exhibits a robust towing capacity, responsible towing practices, including cautious braking and awareness of load limits, are essential for safety and optimal performance.
