Hi Scotty, I own a 2021 Promaster 3500 camper van (Thor build). Just weighed it at just over 9k lbs loaded. It has the 6 speed tranny, which I think is the same as the Caravan. Please correct me if I'm mistaken. At 30,000 miles, I had the dealer service the tranny. Dropped the pan, cleaned it, new filter. Sucked out fluid, replaced it. They told me they don't flush the transmission on the PM 3500s. The tech said the fluid was nasty. Makes sense as I drove the van around the US, 20k miles in 6 months. I didn't wait until 60k to service the tranny. No way! I knew it needed attention. Question: I'd like to tow a small enclosed utility trailer (3k lbs loaded) behind it and flat-land tow only. Will the PM 3500 tranny be able to handle it? You are THE MAN Scotty! Thank you!
Just weighed it at just over 9k lbs loaded
9,000 lbs is 4.5 tons. I'm not sure what the curb weight is of your vehicle... maybe 6,000 lbs.
Which means you're hauling 1.5 tons. "3500" model trucks/vans (be it GM, Ford, or RAM) are typically referred to as "one ton" vehicles.
So you're probably overweight.
I'd like to tow a small enclosed utility trailer (3k lbs loaded) behind it
So, on top of the other 1.5 tons?
I don't think the powertrain will last very long, especially since this is a rebadged Fiat Ducato
The "nasty" fluid should tell you that.
Many models have a "towing package" as an option. One of the key components is usually a transmission cooler or an upgrade of the regular trans cooler. You might see if you can install or upgrade what you have.
That should keep your trans fluid from degrading as quickly.
Do you have owner's manual?
Just weighed it at just over 9k Ibs
As it is currently, the GWWR is already brushing up against the max (perhaps above max).
I'd like to tow a small enclosed utility trailer (3k Ibs loaded)
The GCWR* is between 11,500 and 12,000 Ibs depending on the exact configuration.
Adding a trailer (assuming it's going to be under 3k Ibs total) is pushing it to the absolute max.
Will the PM 3500 tranny be able to handle it?
Depends on how long you expect it to last - but it's really NOT an amazing idea...
It has the 6 speed tranny, which I think is the same as the Caravan
Yes, it is the 62TE that was installed on the Dodge Caravan (and on some other models too)
It's not a great transmission for a commercial vehicle as it's kinda week even on passenger cars.
At 30,000 miles (...) The tech said the fluid was nasty
Yes, that's a passenger car tranny (y'know also from cars like the Chrysler 200) that's being used to move 9,000 pounds...
I'd recommend servicing every 10k-15k.
Also check that the transmission temperature does not exceed 90-95 degrees celsius.
Similarly you might want to replace engine oil more frequently as the engine is also just an engine from a passenger car...
2021 Promaster 3500 camper van (Thor build)
It must be awesome, I love campers.
I've been considering building a camper for years!
- GCWR: The maximum loaded weight of your vehicle (excl. additional trailer)
- GVWR: The maximum total combined weight of both the vehicle and trailer.
