I read online that a "properly equipped" Aspen with the 4.7 liter V8 can tow 7500lbs.
Problem is, I can't find out what constitutes "properly equipped."

I have the Aspen Limited 2WD, with the 4.7l engine. I don't know of anything extra on this car, and am thinking of using it to tow a camper and/or a boat (not together).
It did not come with the tow package option, but I've found a nice frame-mounted Class 3 hitch assembly made for the Aspen.

For an added measure of safety, I'm limiting my tow weight to around 4500, which would be 60% of listed capacity. Maybe a couple hundred more, but never over 4800lbs.

Would I need to beef up the rear shocks or springs?
Anything else I need to look at or modify on the Aspen to ensure a dependable, safe, tow?

 

The 4x2 model tows more than the 4x4, so that's part of the "properly equipped" equation. The other part is probably the tow package, which includes the hitch and wiring harness, and a heavy-duty service group that includes a transmission cooler and power steering cooler. If you have the 4x4, the tow package also comes with the skid plate group.

There must have been changes between the 07 and 08 model, because the 08 4.7 (4x2) only tows 5,950 (max. trailer weight).

The stock shocks are junk on the Aspen. I upgraded to Bilstein HD, and they've been much much better. I'm sure they would also do well with towing.

 

Ahhh, forgot about a tranny cooler! Thanks for reminding me.

 

I think I found a good hitch. A CURT model 13296, which is a Class III, and bolts directly onto the frame.
Now, a little confused about the tow ball mount, and how much of a "drop" I should get. Intended purpose will be for towing a boat. I'm thinking a 2" or a 4" drop.
What is everyone else using?

 

Randy,

If you would like to send me the last eight characters of your VIN number, I would be happy to provide you with a build sheet and advise you of the tow specs for your vehicle.

 

Hey, Thank you! it is

7F557325

 

VIN 1A8HX58N07F557325
Vehicle Description CHRYSLER ASPEN LIMITED 4X2 SPORT UTILITY 4-DOOR
Model Year 2007
Body Model HG 1 P 74

Sales Code --- Description
*S7 Cloth Bucket Seats
-DB Dk/Lt Slate Gray
AFHS Interior Convenience Group
APAS Monotone Paint
AWRS Ambient Light Group
BABS 160 Amp Alternator
BCQS 750 Amp Maintenance Free Battery
BCSS Battery Run Down Protection
BNBS Electronic Stability Control
BRTS Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
CACP Low Back Bucket Seats
CBZS Prem Vinyl Door Trim w/Map Pocket
CFPS 3rd Row Seat
CFQS 2nd Row 40/20/40 Folding Seat
CGSS Supplemental Side Air Bags
CG3S Advanced Multistage Front Air Bags**
CJ5P Supp. Side Curtain All Rows Air Bags
CKAS Carpets - Floor and Cargo Area
CKTS Cargo Tie Down Loops
CSRS Passenger Assist Handles
CUNS Overhead Console
CURS Rear Compartment Storage Tray
CVMS Full Length Flr Console Prem Arm/Rest
DGQ 5-Spd Automatic 545RFE Transmission
DMDS 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio
DRBS Corporate 9.25 LD Rear Axle
EVA 4.7L V8 MPI Engine
GBBS Tinted Windshield Glass
GCBS Front Door Tinted Glass
GEGS Deep Tint Sunscreen Glass
GFAS Rear Window Defroster
GNAS Rear View Day/Night Mirror
GNCP Sun Visors w/Illum Vanity Mirrors
GTSS Power Heated Mirrors, Fold-Away
GXRS Keyless Entry
GXXS Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System
HAAS Air Conditioning
HBBS Rear Air Conditioning w/Heater
JAMS Soft Touch Instr. Panel w/Woodgrain
JA2S Instrument Cluster w/Tach
JBGS Instrument Panel Woodgrain Bezel
JCBS 120 MPH Primary Speedometer
JHAS Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers
JHDS Rear Var Intermittent Wiper/Washer
JJBS Dual Note Electric Horns
JJJS 12V Power Outlet Mounted in IP
JJMS Auxiliary 12-Volt Rear Power Outlet
JKPP 12V Auxiliary Power Outlet
JKVS 115V Auxiliary Power Outlet
JNBP Instr Pnl w/Ambient Lighting Bezel
JPBS Power Locks
JPVS Power 8-Way Driver Seat
JP3S Pwr Front Windows, 1-Touch,Up & Down
LABS Tire Pressure Monitoring Warning LP
LACS Illuminated Entry
LAFS Key in Ign/Seat Belt Warning Buzzer
LAJS Headlamps On Warning Chimes
LALS Low Washer Fluid Warning Signal
LAMS Door Ajar Warning Lamp
LANS Decklid/Liftgate Ajar Warning Lamp
LAZP Vehicle Information Center
LBPP Liftgate LED Lamps
LBRS Front & Rear Aimable LED Lamps
LCEP Rear Courtesy/Reading Lamps
LMBS Halogen Headlamps
LMGP Automatic Headlamps
LNJS Fog Lamps
LPSS CHMSL Lamp
LSAS Security Alarm
MCXS Body Color Fascias w/Bright Insert
MDAS Front License Plate Bracket
MFMS Black/Bright Grille
MHAS Black Windshield Moldings
MJBS Chrome Bodyside Molding
MMSS Bright Belt Moldings
MNCS Bright Door Handles
MNPS Bright License Plate Brow
MVAS Limited Badge
MV9S Pro 4X Decal
MWHS Rear Wheelhouse Liners
MWPS Body Color/Bright Side Roof Rails
MYRS Aspen Badge
NAE California Emissions
NFJS 27 Gallon Fuel Tank
NHMS Speed Control
NZDS Next Generation Engine Controller
PDM Mineral Gray Met. Clear Coat
RCDS 4 Speakers
RDDS Fixed Long Mast Antenna
RDZS Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Ctrls
REFS AM/FM Compact Disc Radio
SBAS Power Rack and Pinion Steering
SCKS Luxury Steering Wheel
SDBS Heavy Duty Suspension
SFBS Front Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
SGBS Rear Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
SHCS Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars
SUAS Tilt Steering Column
TBBS Full Size Spare Tire
TBMS Tire Carrier Winch
TP5S P265/60R18 BSW On/Off Road Tires
TZAP Goodyear Brand Tires
WF1P 17" Steel Spare Wheel
WPRS 18X8.0 Aluminum Wheels
XA8S Non Adjustable Pedals
XBNS Tip Start
XDXS Scissor Type Jack
XGDP Universal Garage Door Opener
XGQS Synthetic Rear Axle Lube
XGWP Stain Repel Seat Fabric
XSLS Brake/Park Interlock
X81S Instrument Panel Parts Module
X88S Tire & Wheel Parts Module
YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications
ZBAP Spring - Left Front
ZBRP Spring - Left Rear
ZPAP Spring - Right Front
ZPRP Spring - Right Rear
Z1DS GVW Rating - 6450#
4FJA Fleet Daily Rental W/Client Code
5I2S Two Wheel Drive (2WD)/(4X2)

Maximum Trailer Weight = 7350 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) = 6500 lbs
Payload = 1501 lbs
Curb Weight = 4999 lbs
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) = 12500 lbs

 

Thanks so much for all that info!
So now I know for sure that my Aspen can tow up to 7350lbs.
I'll definately be getting a heavy duty aux tranny cooler and beefier rear shocks. Maybe even some helper springs, though I might find the ride a bit too stiff when not towing anything (which will only be the occasional need).

I'm still going to do my best to limit the total tow weight to around 4500lbs (60%) so I don't put that much strain on the auto tranny.

 

Hello,

I'm new to the forum so please forgive me if I'm doing this wrong. I am considering an '08 Aspen Limited 4.7 RWD for towing a new 19' Shasta camper that weighs 3300 lbs wet. I'd like to get a build sheet for it from Chrysler Cares. The last 8 of the VIN are: 8F134221. I am finding that all the Aspens that I've looked at have tranny coolers and a tow/haul button on the gear shift selector regardless of if it has a hitch or not so am I to assume that they all came this way with a "Tow Prep" Package? If so can I bolt on a Class III hitch on it and add a 7-pin plug and a brake controller and be good to go? I am hoping to make an offer on it soon.

Thank you so much!

 

I'm in a smililar situation with my 07 aspen. need to put a hitch on. I assume after I have the hitch and wiring professionally installed i'll be ready to tow my 27' camper (5000lbs). What did you find out Dave?