Trailer Towing

[tekkisan]

Has anyone had any experiance towing a trailer with a Dodge Caliber. I am thinking about towing a pop-up camper
Steve

[Prop1]

I haven't yet, but keep in mind that the towing limit is 1000 pounds. I would also install a transmission cooler. Keeping that oil cool while towing will extend the life of the tranny.

[tekkisan]

Thanks Brad
1000 lbs is not much, maybe good enough for a utility trailer. I read in Consumer Reports the max was 2000 lbs.

Steve

[drewhosick]

From my research at the dealership here's the details I got from them and I believe they got it from some of their personal brochures and other methods(calling Chrysler probably)... 1000lbs if you have the 1.8 or 2.0 without the towing package(has a cooler with the package)... with the package you can pull 1500lbs with the 2.0 and the 2.4 will pull 2000lbs with the ptowing package... I don't know if the 2.4 will pull more than 1000lbs without the package but I would say it's worth getting the package anyways... At least that's what I was told...

[STL_HEMI]

Guys your talking about a trailer and 2 jet ski's.

[HSKR]

Yeah, these are just little 4cyls. Not really made for towing.

[drewhosick]

Yeah but if you think of it it's perfect for a young couple or a small family with a tent trailer which isn't that heavy either... SOmething like that...

[Prop1]

I found it interesting that in the manual, Dodge went out of their way to stress that prolonged loading of the CVT can cause overheating. This will cause the computer to reduce your speed until the overheating condition subsides. That almost makes me think that any towing package should include a tranny cooler. I also wonder if someone living in warm climates should put a cooler on just to be safe.:confused:

[HSKR]

The factory towing package does include a tranny cooler.

[STL_HEMI]

Yeah but if you think of it it's perfect for a young couple or a small family with a tent trailer which isn't that heavy either... SOmething like that...

That I agree with.

[MetroAWD]

I've read that there isn't yet a 'kit' upgrade for the towing package, meaning if you didn't get it installed at the factory, you'll have to buy the individual pieces to have them installed... tow hitch + wiring + transmission cooler + cooler lines.

[Prop1]

I'm sure if you have the dealer do it they will install it like the factory would have.;)

[HSKR]

I'm sure if you have the dealer do it they will install it like the factory would have.;)

LMAO!!! Yeah, that'll be the day. I hope you aren't serious. Judging by the smiley, you aren't.

[Prop1]

LMAO!!! Yeah, that'll be the day. I hope you aren't serious. Judging by the smiley, you aren't.

If I was serious...remember, I used to own a Land Rover!:gy:

[NiteTech]

Why would you need a cooler with the CVT2? There's no liquid in it just a steel belt.:confused:

[Prop1]

Why would you need a cooler with the CVT2? There's no liquid in it just a steel belt.:confused:

Oh yes there is, and it runs hotter then a conventional auto trans. That's why a special high temp lube is used. If the tranny overheats it will actually slow you down until it cools down. The fluid runs at very high pressure in order to very the size of the pulleys.

[NiteTech]

Cool (pun intended). Thanks for the info.

[canadian scroller]

I have an Apache popup which is 1500 lbs dry. I have stripped a lot from the inside but I am still not crazy about towing it with the Caliber.
I would not want to void the warranty. Perhaps after it expires I will be a little more daring. Actually it is my wife I fear more than the factory :D

The other point is the Rocky Mountains do tend to load a vehicle down at the best of times.
I think the cooling package is a must.
Most of the 4 cylinder cars are rated for 1500 pound or less. You would think in this day and age the trailer and car companies would end up on the same page.