minivan

I'll be selling a full size van in about 1 month if you'd be interested in that.

But, as for minivans, the best ones are the older ones that were built on the truck chassis. Ford Aerostars (you'll have to check what years) and Chevy Safari (I think that's it, but I know it is something close to that) both were on a truck chassis and would be the best bet at possibly towing that load.

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Bill
Planet 6 Racing
bill (at) planet6racing (dot) com
 
Though I wouldn't call it a minivan (because it's truck-based), I run a VW EuroVan.

I tow a 1990 Mazda Miata in Spec Miata trim with an open aluminum trailer. Total towed weight is about 2,800 pounds, with about 100 pounds or so of gear inside the van.

The van has a 200 horsepower V6 and handles the load without a problem on the interstates and in the hills around Lime Rock. It's stable and brakes very well.

Mine is the MV model, which has a folding table, two removable jumpseats (which opens up a lot of cargo room), and a rear bench that converts to a bed. The rear bench is also removable. When you remove the rear bench, the cargo volume is massive.

The downside is that the 2003 model year was the last in the United States. You might find a few stragglers at the dealerships, but more than likely you'll have to buy used.
 
If you are looking for a new van the only choice is the Chevy Astro/GMC Safari.

I would shy away from Aerostars. They are fords.
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Even many small SUV's are only rated for 3500lbs, too small for doing much with.

The Envoy/TrailBlazer are an exception to this rule.
 
I have a 2002 Chevy Astro workvan. I believe it is rated @ 5000 lbs tow.It has very strong motor(spins wheels with a posi rear). But the rear springs are very soft so I would be worried about tongue weight.
 
I tow with a 2004 Envoy...CRX weighs 2140, probably 2400 loaded and a 1000 lb trailer with no trailer brakes...no problem. The Envoy comes with 17" Michelins and 4 wheel disc as well as the tow receiver factory installed. I drive it in D3 to keep the torque up.
 
Well, I have had great success this past year towing with a 2004 Chrysler Town & Country! It has the full towing prep package - including heavy duty coolers and rear load leveling shocks. The 3.8 litre engine does real well, I tow about 3800 pounds. The low floor height makes it handle quite well. I do have a weight distributing hitch, and had to play around with car position on the trailer to get the tonque weight to around 400#. Just watch you GVWR, and you'll be suprised how well it does. I got 16 mph fully loaded down the east coast to Road Atlanta. Rock on Minivans!
 
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