Thanks guys.
I'll drive the rig like a little old lady heading to church on Sunday.

Frank Taylor, Jr. wrote in message
...
Don,

I think you have the right idea in getting the transmission serviced and
an
oil cooler installed. I have a 24 foot cruiser that I tow with a 2000
Durango. The towed weight is about 95 percent of the trucks tow rating
(5900 lbs). After many trips between Atlanta and various parts of
Florida,
I have had no transmission problems at all and the engine is still strong
after 115,000 miles. The key is that I take good care of it. I change th
oil, get the transmission serviced regularly and it has a transmission
cooler as well. I never go above 60 mph when towing and I drive it like a
baby. For that it has served me well.

Good luck with your new toy.

Frank


"Don White" wrote in message
news
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?