Hi, Kardon,
He sounds awesome. A BIG fellow! Both breeds are super dogs. I hear you about the hair...fawn pugs have an undercoat that won't quit.
We're in opposite corners of the country...hope the weather is tolerable there! The news sounds COLD...drizzly and a bit windy here, nearing the upper 40s right now; a fairly mild winter.
I can see why you'd want a little van to give him room!
Our girls took a while to get used to being crated in the van...the older one (13, the mom) still howls for up to several hours when we start out, but she finally gives up and for the rest of the trip only makes a few half-hearted attempts.
OH--bit of 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan info: When we bought our
amerigo, it had an electronic jack on it and we thought, "cool" but then found we could NOT open the back van door! So we had to get a different jack and had it welded to the tongue further back. Be aware the back hatch/lift/cargo door needs clearance! Hoping to save you a bit of cost and hassle (and surprise, at least) I hope.