The Dodge Grand Caravan is an undeniable choice for hauling the family around in utter comfort. However, the minivan’s size and versatility also make it a worthy contender for helping your business’ cargo carrying needs.

For professional duty, the Dodge Grand Caravan gets a name swap to Ram Cargo Van, and can be configured in many ways for a variety of purposes. Starting at $29,845, it’s also an affordable solution for professionals on the go and competes with the Ford Transit Connect.


Great capability
The 2013 Ram Cargo Van is equipped with the company’s widespread 3.6L Pentastar V6, which develops 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 12.2/7.9 L/100km city/highway.

The muscular powertrain provides the Cargo Van with a towing capacity of 3,600 lbs (or 1,633 kg) when equipped with the Class II tow hitch. For the 2013 model year, a trailer-sway damping system was added. It can also carry up to 4,089 litres (or 144.4 cubic feet) of cargo, and loading is easy with the rear liftgate and sliding doors on each side of the vehicle. There are no rear seats available.

Sixteen-inch wheels and covers are standard, wrapped with commercial Yokohama Avid C33 tires. The 2013 Ram Cargo Van also features a heavier-duty suspension with load levelling, an engine oil cooler and a block heater.

Solid side panels are standard; you can, however, choose a liftgate window with a wiper/washer system, and replace the side panelling with rear-quarter and rear-door glass. A concealed storage space under the cargo-area load floor can also be added, as can a cargo divider.

Decent amount of features
The standard equipment list includes dual-zone climate control, an overhead console, cloth upholstery, front-door power windows, a telescopic steering column, remote keyless entry, and cruise control.

Just because it’s a commercial vehicle doesn’t mean the 2013 Ram Cargo Van can’t be filled with comfort and convenience features. Uconnect 430 and 730 touchscreen infotainment systems with a USB port and navigation, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity, satellite radio, a rearview camera, a power driver’s seat, rear power windows, an alarm system, and rear air conditioning are all available options.

The 2013 Ram Cargo Van is on sale now, with a choice of five colours: Billet Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Stone White, Redline Pearl, and True Blue Pearl.