"whitespc1" wrote...
My brother is trying to trailer a 19' boat using a 1998 Plymouth Voyager
Minivan which supposedly has some sort of "towing package 2".

His trailer has hydraulic brakes....

When he towed the boat, he said the van was "bucking".

That's rather vague. Could it be an engine or drivetrain problem unrelated to trailering?

... Can a 6-cylinder,
3.3 liter minivan trailer a 2700 pound boat? Do you think the problem is
related to the minivan or is this likely something to do with the hydraulic
brakes on the trailer? Any thoughts?

The vehicle seems a little light to be towing this heavy a boat, what do you suppose the trailer &
motor & everything loaded into the boat weigh? Good thing he has trailer brakes!




Frank and Ronnie Maier wrote:
I've towed my 3500# skiboat with a minivan for 20,000-plus miles.

That doesn't make it smart, or safe. Sorry, but if you were exceeding the GCVW then that's bad. I am
happy for you that you did not have an accident or shred some key drivetrain component.

Remember, the van not only has to get the trailer moving, it also has to stop it (although trailer
brakes help a lot) and steer it too. Check the owners manual, if you are exceeding the weight rating
then you deserve a big ticket and/or a busted tranny. Nobody wants you killing their family on the
highway with an unsafe vehicle.

Actually I'd suggest dropping at least 10% below the recommended max, especially for long distance
trailering.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King