Don White wrote:

This May I plan to drive to Quebec/Ontario to find a particular model of
sailboat and tow it back home.
Trouble is...the boat + outboard + trailer will weigh about 1800 lbs. which
is 90% of what my '95 Plymouth Voyager mini-van is rated to tow. Adding to
the problem...Chrysler vehicles are known for weak transmissions.
Luckily I have the 3 speed automatic which was more reliable than the 4
speed in this model year.
To get ready for the trip, I plan to have the transmission serviced & change
fluid/clean filter plus add a cooler.
Hopefully this will keep me moving on the 1200 mile drive home.

Questions...am I pushing the envelope? I'd hate to breakdown in the middle
of nowhere at the mercy of a local 'mechanic'
waiting for a $1500.00 repair job while cooling my heels in a flea bitten
motel.
What about next winter when I'm not towing?
In your engine cooling system, you have a thermostat to hold the coolant in
the block until the temperature gets up to 195 F.
I assume the transmission fluid would never get warm as it is probably
always circulating.......when engine is on.
Would this promote premature wear?




Don:

A couple of suggestions. First, when you load up the boat for towing,
see what you can do to lower wind resistance on the boat. Anything you
can pack into the van will help. Second, make sure your trailer tires
are properly inflated. Mine take 60 pounds, but yours probably will be
less. Third, make sure the bearings on the trailer axles are properly
lubed and the wheels are spinning freely when you raise each off the
ground to check. Fourth, every couple hundred miles, when you stop for
gas, feel the exterior of the bearings. If they are too hot to touch,
you have a problem. Fifth, bring a grease gun with you. Sixth, bring an
extra trailer bearing with you. Seventh, don't drive above 55-60 mph.
Eighth, make sure your tow vehicle's tires are properly inflated. Ninth,
change your tow vehicle's oil and air filter before your trip. Tenth,
bring along some spray to kill the fleas.



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