Well, I may be of some help. I have a 232 with a 2004 Durango with the 4.7 V8. I beleive the older Durango's were built on the Dakota body, and the 04 and up are based on the Ram. My tow capacity is 5850 pounds. I currently tow with a brake controller only, I don't "need" a WD hitch, but will probably get one down the road, I do have a sway controller which I only use on the highways, and a prodigy controller which I highly recommend. I also use McKesh towing mirrors which are excellent as well. I tow with the Tow/Haul Mode on and she runs pretty good. it works on steep hills, but nothing that is worrying me. I beleive my weight was 4200 off the lot.
The length is almost 30' all said and done, I don't have a problem with the lenght, but the smaller older Durango "may", but I cannot tell you from experience.
Long story short, if I were to do it again, I would not hessitate. We love our 232, I will say I like the placement of the radio in the newest models, but I would not trade mine in for anything else. Feel free to ask any question you would like.
I also put a bike rack on the front deck for a couple of bikes, it works real well. Here are some pics...
http://picasaweb.google.com/mule0001