Durango Tow Capabilities

[Chewy]

I agree about the 3rd Gen's being less in GCWR...I called Dodge Corporate about mine when I wanted to know...that is how I found that I dropped almost 2k because of gearing...

[08flagvlite]

WIDTH and shortness are the 3rd gen. Durango's downsides. The THIRD gen. has a 3:92 available- 2011's are FOURTH generation, and UNIBODY-no frame. I own an 04 Dur. 5.7 hemi,with the tow package, and a 3:54 rear. Also own an 06 Ram 1500 shortbed quadcab with the exact same drivetrain. ulls good with the ram- scary as hack after 55 with the Durango, and you can't see a darn thing behind you, due to it's NARROWER width. Probably would be okay with a smaller camper, or a hybrid, but I had both vehicles when I owned my Coleman Fleetwood UTAH, one of the largest pop ups, and I could pull it without the friction sway bar on with the Ram, but Definitely not with the Durango. It would wag the dog excessively after about 55 mph. In my opinion, you need the width from a wider wheelbase, and the extra length behind the axle. Randy

[Pkdennis0504]

I have a 2004 Avalanche 1500. After I came down to earth after initial TT lust, I got a Grey Wolf 25rb, which is plenty of room for wife and me, plus I am comfortable towing with my truck.

[Chewy]

2011 is 3rd Gen...
2nd Gen is 2004-09
1st Gen is 98-03

Width is def. A downside but a good hitch/sway setup will keep any suv much safer...my 33' tracer has been pulled in 45mph crosswinds at 60-65mph down I-44 in MO and only swayed 2x...

[scor1pion]

I've been looking at the used 08 and 09 durango slt with the 5.7 hemi. A 3.92 rear ratio was offered for those years and that model. Finding one may not be so easy though. We're leaning more towards the roo 23ss or 21ss now vs the 2702ss originally.

[08flagvlite]

I believe the hemi 4x4's have the 3:92 rear std., at least they did in 04 when I bought mine. Also, your'e right chewy on the 2011's being third gen- MY BAD!! I had a brain malfunction! Randy

[Hybrid21SS]

Originally Posted by scor1pion

I've been looking at the used 08 and 09 durango slt with the 5.7 hemi. A 3.92 rear ratio was offered for those years and that model. Finding one may not be so easy though. We're leaning more towards the roo 23ss or 21ss now vs the 2702ss originally.

We just got a 21SS hybrid and our 03 Avalanche pulls it great with the 4:10 gears. She makes it up graded roads like the one we live on, but I wish I had the 6.0L offered on later years. I would not feel comfortable hauling anything heavier with my current TV..

[Terier]

Originally Posted by scor1pion

Thanks for all the input. A larger SUV would be out of our price range. As much as I would like the larger trailer I think going to smaller footprint will be better all the way around. Lighter and shorter. Will probably look in to hybrids more seriously now.

I have a snug budget so I can't get that large SUV to tow with either without breaking the bank. Like you I am considering my options and going with what is best for me and it sounds like you are doing the same. The good news is that there are options and choices for you to consider. There are some really nice smaller footprints out there so it's just a matter of finding out what will work for you.

Good luck and take care,
T.