Long-Term Road Tests - 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT: Crossing the line

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT: Crossing the line

You've got to know where the line is before you know if you want to cross it, right?

Thanks to the clever folk at Chrysler LLC, I know exactly where the line is. You see, the company has thoughtfully molded into gray hatchback sill cover a raised line to show you exactly how far your junk can protrude from the cargo area and still manage to close the hatch. And helpfully, the company also molded the words "LOAD TO THIS LINE" into the piece. This way, as you accumulate stuff in the back, you'll know exactly when you cross the line.

Cram something back there that has a little flex to it -- say like a folded double-kid stroller -- and you can cross the line with impunity. The power-door motor has the mustard to compress the load a bit and cinch the hatch closed. Next time I carry a load of loose decorative ceramic figurines and crystal champagne flutes though, I will keep them well inside the line.

Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit @ 1,420 miles

Posted by Daniel Apr 30, 2008 7:20 am

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Categories: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT

Comments

mopar424 - May 1, 2008 10:18 am (#10 Total: 10)

Do other vans really not have this?

hoops26 - Apr 30, 2008 12:37 pm (#9 Total: 10)

Nice touch, Chrysler Corp. (pre LLC, pre Daimler)

dalaw - Apr 30, 2008 12:14 pm (#8 Total: 10)

CA United States of America

My dad has a 96 voyager too, which has that line. he is still driving it today

06scooby - Apr 30, 2008 12:00 pm (#7 Total: 10)

our old 1996 plymouth voyager had that... it is a cool touch on something with such a big hatch that you aren't quite sure where it's going to line up.

joebar - Apr 30, 2008 9:41 am (#6 Total: 10)

Our 2003 T&C has this as well.

dougtheeng - Apr 30, 2008 9:01 am (#5 Total: 10)

Niagara, Ontario, Canada

This seems really useful, good to know.

jerrywimer - Apr 30, 2008 8:44 am (#4 Total: 10)

United States of America, loud'n'proud!

True. The last government Dodge Caravan I drove (2005?) had this. I wish other companies were half as innovative and inventive as Chrysler has been on interior and storage touches.

skierx420 - Apr 30, 2008 8:03 am (#3 Total: 10)

Ok, Chrysler has had this feature in many of its vans. I don't know exactly what year it came into being but its been there for years. Also notice the handy plastic bag hanger in the photo. Also been there on Chrysler minivans for years. But, this is one area where Chrysler has an advantage. They have been doing minivans since '83. Its the little things sometimes.

2002blksle - Apr 30, 2008 8:03 am (#2 Total: 10)

United States of America

Smart thinkin. For me the "load to level" question on a van/SUV is usually higher up due to the forward rake and the placement of the rear glass.

When you do carry that load of loose decorative ceramic figurines and crystal champagne flutes you need to make sure you borrow Doug's newly acquired sun glasses.

canadaphant - Apr 30, 2008 7:54 am (#1 Total: 10)

Wow, that's really useful. I can't believe Chrysler were the first people to think of it, but kudos. I just wonder if they carefully measured the space using engineering drawings, or just stuck someone back there with a sharpie to mark off the line?