How to Tow With a Chrysler Pacifica

There are many concerns to address when towing with a Pacifica. These include good brake and tire condition, proper hitch selection and mounting, signal light connection and weight distribution. The transmission is a maintenance concern since towing generates a lot of additional heat. Proper preparation for towing will insure a safe trip and minimal strain on your vehicle.

Things You'll Need

  • Trailer hitch
  • Electrical connectors
  • Electronic brake actuator for trailer
  • Transmission oil cooler (optional)
  • Tire gauge

Preparing Your Pacifica

  • Check your tire pressure and inflate the tires to 33 psi for 17-inch wheel models. Examine the tires for wear. If they are bald or have very shallow treads, replace them. Tires are more prone to blowout as they near the end of their life. A compact spare should never be used when towing.

  • Insure that you have properly functioning trailer brakes. This prevents “fish tailing” and provides the extra braking power needed. The factory Pacifica brake system is not designed to safely handle a large additional weight source. Use an electronically controlled brake interface instead. This activates the trailer brakes without affecting yours.

  • Inspect for proper signaling capability. A wiring harness connects the blinkers, running lights and brake lights from the Pacifica to the trailer. This is essential for safety. If you have the factory trailer tow package, this is pre-wired for you. Connect the trailer plug to the vehicle harness. Do not splice or otherwise modify the plug. Test it before hitting the road.

  • Install an external oil cooler for heavier loads. A large amount of additional heat is created by the towing process. Service the transmission every 60,000 miles if you tow regularly instead of the 120,000 miles prescribed for "normal" driving. Improper towing may void your warranty and create unsafe driving conditions.

Preparing to Tow

  • Weigh the trailer and its content if possible. The manual for the vehicle clearly outlines the weight limitations: 3,500 pounds for trailer and contents is the absolute maximum. Your Pacifica may already have a towing package.

    Boat trailers waiting to work.
    Boat trailers waiting to work.
  • Make sure the weight is dispersed properly with approximately 60 percent of the trailer weight in the forward half of the unit. Use a weight-distributing hitch for heavier loads of a ton or more. It provides greater stability, a more level ride and better braking control.

  • Load trailer so that 10 percent to 15 percent of the total weight is pressing on the hitch. This “tongue weight” is the downward force applied by the trailer ball. Too much or too little weight on the tongue is dangerous and could cause loss of control. The manual advises 350 pounds of tongue weight as the maximum, 260 pounds if you don’t have an external transmission cooler. These numbers vary slightly depending on the number of passengers and vehicle cargo weight; a table is included in the owner’s manual.

  • Familiarize yourself with backing, turning, etc. before hitting the road, especially if it’s your first time to tow a particular item. Towing is a “sluggish” experience compared to ordinary driving.