We’ve talked extensively about the Chrysler Pacifica, its capabilities, and its features on this blog. Today, we will take it a step further and tell you everything about the towing with it. This includes the maximum towing capacity and so much more information. Let’s start with a quick answer:
The 2016 – 2022 Chrysler Pacifica has a maximum towing capacity of 3,600 lbs (1,632kg) with a towing package and 1,500 lbs (680kg) without. The 2004 – 2008 Pacifica has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs (1,600kg) with an engine oil cooler and 2,600 lbs (1,179kg) without.
However, that certainly doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we’ve also outlined how the towing capacity changes with the number of occupants. Furthermore, we’ve written down everything you need to know regarding the maximum tongue load weight, what rules and recommendations Chrysler has concerning towing with a Pacifica. We have written down a complete checklist for every generation that you can go through before towing at the end of this article. Read on!
Also read: Types Of Gas A Chrysler Pacifica Takes (All Generations)
Towing With A 2016 – 2022 Chrysler Pacifica
First of all it’s important to note that both the 2016 – 2020 and 2021 – Present-day Pacifica are two different generations. However, after close inspection we can say that both generations have the same towing capacities, limits and requirements. Therefore, we’ve combined them in one subheading.
Towing Capacity And Tongue Weight
As you can see, there are more number in this chart than just the towing capacity. This is because there’s more information needed than just the towing capacity of the car in order to calculate how much you can actually tow. One of those numbers is the number op occupants. This is because the towing capacity decreases when the number of occupants increases.
Also, make sure loading does not exceed GAWR of front or rear axles. GAWR is found on sticker in the driver’s side door jamb.
Determening Towing And Tongue Weight
If you want to tow with a Chrysler Pacifica, the tow above placed images have all the necessary information. We’ll use an example below to show you how you can calculate your own towing numbers. Follow these steps to determine the total weight the vehicle can carry:
Determine the cargo capacity of your vehicle.
- Load Capacity = GVWR – Curb (weight of vehicle, full fluids, no occupants).
Determine occupant count. (For calculation purposes, average weight of an occupant is 150 lb (68 kg)).
EXAMPLE:
- GVWR = 6,005 lb (2,723 kg)
- CURB = 4,500 lb (2,041 kg)
- Load Capacity = GVWR – CURB = 6,005 lb (2,723 kg) – 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) = 1,505 lb (682 kg)
4 Occupants (at 150 lb [68 kg]) + Max Trailer = 1,505 lb (682 kg) – 600 lb (272 kg) (4 x 150 lb [68 kg]) – 360 lb (163 kg) (10% of 3,600 lb [1,632 kg]) = 545 lb (247 kg) of cargo in vehicle
All you have to do know is determine wether the tongue weight of the trailer is within the limits of the vehicle. For this you can use a general rule of thumb which is that the tongue weight of a trailer is around 10% of the total trailer weight.
Also read: The Complete Cost Of Maintaining A Chrysler
What Can The 2016 – 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Tow?
| Trailer Type | Average Empty Weight (lbs.) | Average Total Loaded Weight (lbs.) | Can A 2016 – 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Tow It? |
| Canoe / Kayak Trailer | 200 | 400 | Yes |
| Jet Ski Trailer | 300 | 1,800 | Only with towing package |
| Motorcycle Trailer | 500 | 2,400 | Only with towing package |
| Teardrop Trailer | 1,700 | 2,400 | Only with towing package |
| Small Open Utility Trailer | 700 | 2,500 | Only with towing package |
| A-Frame Camper | 1,700 | 2,900 | Only with towing package |
| Small Enclosed Utility Trailer | 1,000 | 3,200 | Only with towing package |
| Fishing Boat Trailer | 600 | 3,300 | Only with towing package |
| Pop Up Camper | 2,300 | 3,400 | Only with towing package |
| Small Travel Trailer | 2,800 | 3,600 | Only with towing package |
| Tow Dolly | 600 | 4,000 | Yes, only empty |
| Large Enclosed Utility Trailer | 2,700 | 7,100 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Small Horse Trailer | 2,900 | 7,200 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Large Travel Trailer | 6,700 | 8,300 | No |
| Car Trailer | 1,900 | 9,000 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Large Flatbed Trailer | 3,000 | 10,400 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Large Boat Trailer | 2,200 | 13,600 | Yes, empty with towing package |
| Dump Trailer | 4,500 | 16,900 | No |
| Toy Hauler | 7,600 | 17,900 | No |
| Large Livestock Trailer | 7,300 | 18,700 | No |
| 5th Wheel Camper | 12,700 | 18,700 | No |
| Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer | 7,200 | 23,200 | No |
Towing With A 2004 – 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
The 2004 – 2008 Pacifica, unlike the modern-day Pacifica was actually a crossover. Naturally, this also meant the car had a higher towing capacity. However, it’s good to know that there are differences within the generation. This depends on wether or not the car has an engine oil cooler and how many occupants the car has. Reference the table below for more information.
Towing Capacity And Tongue Weight
The towing capacity of a 2004 – 2008 Chrysler Pacific without an engine oil cooler:
The towing capacity of a 2004 – 2008 Chrysler Pacific with an engine oil cooler:
If you want to determine how much weight you can now tow, please reference “Determening Towing And Tongue Weight” in the subheading about the 2016 – 2022 Pacifica at the beginning of this article.
Also read: 17 Common Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Problems
What Can The 2004 – 2008 Chrysler Pacifica Tow?
| Trailer Type | Average Empty Weight (lbs.) | Average Total Loaded Weight (lbs.) | Can A 2004 – 2008 Chrysler Pacifica Tow It? |
| Canoe / Kayak Trailer | 200 | 400 | Yes |
| Jet Ski Trailer | 300 | 1,800 | Yes |
| Motorcycle Trailer | 500 | 2,400 | Yes |
| Teardrop Trailer | 1,700 | 2,400 | Yes |
| Small Open Utility Trailer | 700 | 2,500 | Yes |
| A-Frame Camper | 1,700 | 2,900 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Small Enclosed Utility Trailer | 1,000 | 3,200 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Fishing Boat Trailer | 600 | 3,300 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Pop Up Camper | 2,300 | 3,400 | Yes, only with towing package |
| Small Travel Trailer | 2,800 | 3,600 | Yes, only empty with towing package |
| Tow Dolly | 600 | 4,000 | Yes, only empty |
| Large Enclosed Utility Trailer | 2,700 | 7,100 | Yes, only empty with towing package |
| Small Horse Trailer | 2,900 | 7,200 | Yes, only empty with towing package |
| Large Travel Trailer | 6,700 | 8,300 | No |
| Car Trailer | 1,900 | 9,000 | Yes, only empty with towing package |
| Large Flatbed Trailer | 3,000 | 10,400 | Yes, only empty with towing package |
| Large Boat Trailer | 2,200 | 13,600 | Yes, only empty |
| Dump Trailer | 4,500 | 16,900 | No |
| Toy Hauler | 7,600 | 17,900 | No |
| Large Livestock Trailer | 7,300 | 18,700 | No |
| 5th Wheel Camper | 12,700 | 18,700 | No |
| Gooseneck Flatbed Trailer | 7,200 | 23,200 | No |
Before You Start Towing
Before you start towing with any generation of the Pacifica it’s important to keep important safety precautions in mind. Below we’ve listed the precautions and limitations that are mentioned in the manual. It’s good to know that these count for both generations of the Pacifica (both the 2004 – 2008 one and the ones manufactured after 2016).
- Do not tow a trailer during the first 500 miles (805 kilometers) of a new Chrysler Pacifica. Doing so can result in damage to the engine, transmission, body parts or frame of the vehicle.
- If you tow a trailer for the first time with a new Chrysler Pacifica, don’t cross 50 mph (80 km/h) in the first 500 miles (805 kilometers) that you ride with the vehicle. Also, do not make starts at full throttle during this period.
- Do not tow a trailer with a compact spare tire.
Trailer Brakes
- Trailer brakes are recommended if you’re towing a load over a 1,000 lbs (453 kg). They are required if the load exceeds 2,000 lbs (906 kg).
- Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking and possible personal injury.
- An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is required when towing a trailer with electronically actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic brake controller is not required.
- Depending on the Pacifica you have, the pin connector will look like this with the corresponding pins:
Trailer Lights And Wiring
- Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
required for motoring safety. The Trailer Tow Package may include a four and
seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and connector. - Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring harness. The electrical connections are all complete to the
vehicle but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector. Refer to the following illustrations. - Disconnect trailer wiring connector from the vehicle before launching a boat (or any other device plugged into vehicle’s electrical connect) into water. Be sure to reconnect once clear from water area.
Automatic Transmission
- Select the DRIVE range when towing. The transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing. For increased engine braking on steep downhill grades, select the LOW range.
Cruise Control (If Equipped)
- Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
- When using the Cruise Control, if you experience speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until you can get back to cruising speed.
- Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency
Sources
- https://www.carmanual.org/chrysler-owners-manuals/2008-chrysler-pacifica-owners-manual-2134/
- https://gimmemanuals.com/owners/2019/12/CHF-202032-Chrysler-2020-Chrysler-Pacifica-Owners-Manual.pdf
- https://carmanuals2.com/get/chrysler-pacifica-2022-owner-s-manual-119605
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
Read more about our fantastic team on our about page!