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Old 07-09-2013, 03:07 PM   #1
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Chrysler Aspen Pulling 26DBH Grey Wolf ??

I hope you do not mind me jumping in here I have a similiar question for you campers! We have just purchased a 2007 Chrysler Aspen (purchased, serviced and traded at the same Chrysler dealership-one owner , garage kept, brand new inside & out!) We would LOVE to buy a travel trailer that can fit 8 so we can spend time with our sons before they leave for college. We have 4 sons -the older two teenagers 6"2 ...we need room. Really like the Grey Wolf 26DBH 2014 Travel Trailer...but I do not know if this is too much trailer for the suv? Please Help I confess our total ignorance up front...(my husband is prior military) and even he had no idea how much is taken into consideration for the tts!
Here is what we know is on our car ("supposedly" we have the tow package on this car..by what the Chyrsler dealership said--but there is no hitch and I do not see "tow package " on any paperwork?)
Chrysler Aspen V8 5.7 Hemi (335 horsepower/370lbs torque)4x4-with 2 speed transfer-both transfers feature 48/52 torque split b/w front & rear axles when AWD mode is selected: Electronic Stability Program(ESP) standard w/ trailer sway control & Electronic Roll Mitigation: Has Tow/Haul on Tranmission lever?: Does have on paperwork-Skid Plate Group-Tow hooks, Fuel tank skid Plates shields, Transfer Case Skid Plate Shields. It has a towing capacity of 8950lbs and rear suspension supports 6700lbs GVWR & the wheelbase is 119.2 (3027).

The 26DBH Grey Wolf Travel Trailer has an unloaded weight of 5750 lbs and a GVWR of 7,740 lbs and a dry hitch weight of 740lbs.The exterior length is 31.7 I am "assuming this is a 26ft trailer?

Plus, we will have 1050 lbs of people in the suv

Mainly traveling 2 hrs to the beach

(1)What exactly do we need to add to this car to tow--after looking at these forums it sounds like a lot- hitch, stability, sway bars, etc??? Where is the best place to have this purchased and installed properly?

(2)Can the Aspen tow this tt safely and not harm or overwork the Aspen?

Thank You to All and again I apologize for the ignorance!
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Old 07-09-2013, 03:21 PM   #2
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Thanks Chap!
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Old 07-09-2013, 03:48 PM   #3
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The Chrysler Aspen fits 7 adults & 7 seat belts! The rear 3rd row seat is not for kids but adults. It is very large and roomy and why we purchased it- always have at least one of the boy's friends with us!
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Old 07-09-2013, 03:50 PM   #4
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I had a similar set up several years ago with a 2004 Dodge Durango with a 28BH. The HEMI power wasn't the problem, but the short wheel base of the tow vehicle made it very challenging on windy days. I had several "white knuckle" experiences on 25+MPH windy days. I think the Aspen will pull the TT fine, but you will want a very very good hitch set up and brake controller.

Best of luck and happy camping.
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Old 07-09-2013, 03:53 PM   #5
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The problem is with that amount of passengers and some gear that the payload capacity of the Aspen is all but used up before you've hooked up the camper. If you look on the door pillar there should be a maximum payload number (on the tire and pressures sticker) for the Aspen assuming full fuel and one, 150 lb driver. Everyone and thing you load into it reduces this number.

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Old 07-09-2013, 03:54 PM   #6
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Many Thanks...any suggestions on the set-up?
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Old 07-09-2013, 04:00 PM   #7
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Many Thanks...any suggestions on the set-up?
Mose people on this site like the Reese.

As for your payload, Dave is right. You will need to keep a close eye on that as it will be very easy to go over that number.
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Old 07-09-2013, 04:01 PM   #8
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Thanks- I just took a quick look- I hope I got the right figure. ..max 7 passengers and weight 1317 lbs of passenger weight.
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Old 07-09-2013, 04:03 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by Dave_Monica View Post
The problem is with that amount of passengers and some gear that the payload capacity of the Aspen is all but used up before you've hooked up the camper. If you look on the door pillar there should be a maximum payload number (on the tire and pressures sticker) for it Aspen assuming full fuel and one, 150 lb driver. Everyone and thing you load into it reduces this number.

Dave


X2...

This being said though, doesn't mean you couldn't take two vehicles.

I would definitely suggest air bags for the rear end so you can level the SUV to the load of the camper as well as this will help stable the vehicle in the event of any cross wind. A good equalizer hitch with sway control built in is what I would suggest. The dealer where I am at suggested the Fastway E2 round bar setup for ours when we bought the 26dbh... It was a great fit and had no issues with it! Still using it for our newer longer and heavier trailer. I would also say you NEED a brake controller.

Any camper dealer should be able to install any/all of these for you... You will pay a higher amount going through the dealer of course but if you are unable to do these yourself definitely worth having someone install all of them while knowing what you plan on doing in the end...

I feel the aspen will pull the camper just fine! It will be a thirsty combination, but will do it all day for you! I would definitely watch how many people you put in it though to limit the weight... Considering you are wanting 8 people to go along a second vehicle would be a smart idea...
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Old 07-09-2013, 04:03 PM   #10
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Many Thanks...any suggestions on the set-up?
Before you get to set up I'd do as dave says and look at cargo capacity on your tire sticker on doot jamb or drivers door.
As he said you may have used up your cargo capacity before you even hookup the trailer.
Can u see what that number is and report back?

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Old 07-09-2013, 04:04 PM   #11
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Thanks- I just took a quick look- I hope I got the right figure. ..max 7 passengers and weight 1317 lbs of passenger weight.
Ok so that leaves you with a trailer hitch weight of less than 300 lbs.

A good hitch weighs 100 lbs with sway bars now your down to 200 lbs.

Lol your in the small pop up world now !
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Old 07-09-2013, 04:08 PM   #12
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With 1050 lb of people plus some gear and a estimated tongue weight of 910 lb (estimated loaded camper weight of 7000 lb x 13%) I don't think this set-up would be acceptable and wouldn't recommend it.

Dave

Edit: With the size of your crew, something like a SUV on a 3/4 chassis like 2500 Suburban or Excursion would be the TV to have.
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Old 07-09-2013, 04:16 PM   #13
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Thank You Dave!
Either the 18 or 17 year old could take their car (Just trying to avoid it so to keep them close to us for a week-Ha!- But, after a week in that close of quarters may wish they brought their car!)
Thanks for the equipment info..we do NOT know what we need and hoping we really do have the tow package on the car ! I would hate to damage the transmission , etc!
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Old 07-09-2013, 04:16 PM   #14
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With 1050 lb of people plus some gear and a estimated tongue weight of 910 lb (estimated loaded camper weight of 7000 lb x 13%) I don't think this set-up would be acceptable and wouldn't recommend it.

Dave

Edit: With the size of your crew, something like a SUV on a 3/4 chassis like 2500 Suburban or Excursion would be the TV to have.
Yep aspen isn't even close to working for any amount of trailer with their cargo requirements.
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Old 07-09-2013, 04:24 PM   #15
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0k- now you guys have totally confused me?
Will it or will it Not work? If two cars are taken -will it work?

Mamma is not doing a pop up ! What size camper do you suggest?
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Old 07-09-2013, 04:32 PM   #16
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I still don't think so.
With a camper hitch weight dry of 900lbs that's going to go up as you load the camper add a good wdh and your at 1000 lbs before you load the camper and still not including your cargo and passengers in your tv.
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Old 07-09-2013, 04:33 PM   #17
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For you stay within the payload maximum of 1317 lb for the Aspen, you could tow that camper with only 2-3 people in the car. Does it already have the hitch, 7 pin plug and tow/haul? If it does, it has the factory tow package.

Dave
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Old 07-09-2013, 04:37 PM   #18
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As mentioned before, you have a very short wheel base. With a 119" you probably should be in the 22-23 foot range. Can you tow it...yes. Will you enjoy towing it.....no.
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Old 07-09-2013, 04:39 PM   #19
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I still don't think so.
With a camper hitch weight dry of 900lbs that's going to go up as you load the camper add a good wdh and your at 1000 lbs before you load the camper and still not including your cargo and passengers in your tv.
Ron, the camper specs are 5750 dry, GVWR of 7740, dry hitch 740. I assumed 7000 for the loaded camper which at 13% is 910 lb hitch weight.

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Old 07-09-2013, 04:41 PM   #20
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I still don't think so.
With a camper hitch weight dry of 900lbs that's going to go up as you load the camper add a good wdh and your at 1000 lbs before you load the camper and still not including your cargo and passengers in your tv.
All the weight does not go in front of the axles which will take wt off the tongue. A majority of the wt in our 5er is behind the axles.
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