Suspension Enhancement or Weight Distribution for 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Towing 21 ft Camper

Question:

I have a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew with the Tow Package and Self-Leveling Shock Absorbers. In the summer, I pull a 2800 lbs 21 foot camper and I have noticed that the rear is sagging even with my self-leveling shock absorbers. Is the TDVRRT right for me and if so, how do I install it?

asked by: Philip A

Expert Reply:

The Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System you mention is primarily meant to suspend weight carried in the cargo area of the vehicle itself, but it would not necessarily be the best choice to act against the sag caused when the trailer is hitched to the vehicle. While the tongue weight does compress the rear suspension of the vehicle, it also unloads the front suspension which will reduce braking and steering performance. As you can see from the video I have linked you to, the Timbren springs are simply pushed into the cups that hold the factory bump stops in the rear coil springs.

The best course of action is to use a weight distribution system that will transfer a portion of the trailer tongue weight to the front vehicle axle, evening out the ride height between the two axles and maintaining safe braking and steering response. I have linked you to an FAQ article that goes into more detail about how weight distribution works. You will need to check your hitch to make sure it is rated for use with weight distribution. Check the sticker on the hitch, you should see two weight capacities, one for towing and one for weight distribution.

The first step in choosing the correct system for your needs is to determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of the camper, see the linked FAQ that shows how to determine this. The weight of anything stowed behind the rear axle of your Grand Caravan also needs to be considered as tongue weight.

Once you find the fully loaded camper tongue weight plus the weight of anything loaded in the cargo area behind the rear axle of your Grand Caravan, choose a system whose effective capacity range includes your tongue weight. The Reese Trunnion System, part # RP66540 is rated for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 200-600 lbs, which should include your camper. The trunnion bars provide excellent ground clearance, which is an important consideration with minivans. The system includes the weight distributing shank, but the appropriately-sized trailer ball is sold separately. For a 2 inch ball, use part # A-90 or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

expert reply by: Mike L