The Chrysler Minivan Fan Club Forums banner

New 2020 Grand Caravan RT

6.4K views 36 replies 12 participants last post by  J Wikoff  
#1 ·
Well, I bought another Grand Caravan. I took my 2008 SXT in for an ABS Module. None were available at parts stores. I had to leave the car there, and I had been thinking of getting another vehicle. They had just one Grand Caravan so I bought it. It has so much stuff on it that it will take me a long time (if ever) to learn how to use it. I will have to get used to changing oil on the 3.6 L.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Thank you. I think I will enjoy it. I will use the 2008 for more of a work vehicle
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Some oil change tidbits based on my experience:
6 liters of oil for fluid and filter change.

Drain plug: 13 mm:

Oil filter cap: 25 mm, 18.4 ft.lbs, (says torque on cover). Used articulated socket wrench, shallow socket. Space is tight so may need to make room by disconnecting hose, nothing major.

Filter comes with new upper "O" ring gasket. Lubricate that and the bottom small "O" ring gasket as well.

Last oil change Nov. 20, 2020 @ 119,313 km. 13,010 km/205 engine hours interval, using Valvoline Daily Protection 5W-30 conventional oil, which contains a little synthetic. Averaged 63.4 km per engine hour.
I target for 10,000 km oil change, slipped up a bit. Used a FRAM TG 11665 oil filter from previous change, left it in place, rated for 24,000 km.

Previous oil change June 10, 2020 @106,303 km. 15467 km/247 engine hours interval, using Valvoline Daily Protection 5W-30 conventional oil. Averaged 62.6 km per engine hour. Used a FRAM TG 11665 oil filter.

This long interval was deliberate as the oil was Pennzoil Synthetic oil, so I left the oil in until the oil change monitor told me it was due for a change. It was a test.

My typical driving time is about 50/50 highway vs secondary roads, very little City driving.
Thank you very much for that information. I have started using 5w-30 in my 2008 3.8L. I figured that the 5W-20 was only for economy and easier starting. I have been pretty busy since getting the car yesterday. I have not even raised the hood on it. I will get a chance to go over it more thoroughly. Thanks again.
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
I'm not disappointed, but I guess things I read had me thinking the 3.6 would be more responsive than the 3.8. I cannot feel that. It seems like now that the 3.8 is a little peppier than the 3.6. Not a problem, but I was just expecting more.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
So far, I haven't driven it much. It was just not obviously more responsive. I am hoping for a little better gas mileage also. Since moving to Texas most of my driving has been city driving, so I haven't really seen what it will do.
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
Nice looking vehicles. (y)

Had to clean some road tar off of mind today.. That didn't look so nice. Looks better now though. Are you one of these guys that's frequently washing/waxing their vehicles, giving them the clay bar treatment? Not me though. :)
Thank you. I am not one who details my vehicles regularly. I try to keep them decent, but often fail. I had cleaned the 2008 recently, then the rain and snow helped as I didn't move it until afterwards. The 2020 was cleaned at the dealer before I got it and hasn't gotten dirty yet.
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
I just noticed on a text from Dodge that my Grand Caravan is a 2020 SXT Blacktop. All I had seen before said RT. It doesn't have that anywhere on the vehicle that I have seen.
 
Discussion starter · #23 ·
RT was what was on the paperwork I got from the dealer. My 2008 had SXT on the back of the van. This one had nothing like that. I just finally saw a text from Dodge that showed what it was. I would rather not have the Blacktop trim, but it was what they had.
 
Discussion starter · #28 ·
I was glad mine didn't have a roof rack. My 2008 came with one. I took the rails off immediately and stored them. I still have them unused. It is just more to deal with when cleaning it.
 
Discussion starter · #30 ·
That would work better than mine. Of course I never intended to use them anyway.
 
Discussion starter · #33 ·
I got my oil and filter for my first oil change, which with 328 miles on it may be a while. I took Jeepman's example and got Valvoline Daily Protection Synthetic blend 5W-30 oil. It does meet the MS6395 requirements. I got a Mopar MO-349 filter at Oreilly's for about $8 with veteran discount. I was going to order several from Rock Auto, but they don't show them anymore. The oil cost $16 something for 5 Quarts at Walmart. I got two jugs so I could add the extra quart. I am good to go whenever I change oil.
 
Discussion starter · #35 ·
Make sure you get a socket for the oil filter cap if you don't already have it (24mm or 15/16"). Seems you'll have plenty of time to find one. :p And don't go ham tightening it back on or you'll regret it. Seat then stop.
I have the socket and will be careful, Thanks.