Can I tow Freedom Express 261SE with Durango?

bobcny · 02-28-2014, 02:41 PM

Looking for some feedback on a new setup for our family.

I just bought a 2013 Dodge Durango AWD (V6) with the factory towing package. Dealer says book says 6,200 lbs towing capacity.

I'm looking at a new Coachmen Freedom Express 261SE. That dealer shows sticker weight at 4,475 lbs.

Anyone have a yes or no vote whether we can safely tow this? We would only tow within 2 hours of our home, less then ten times a year.

**bikendan** · 02-28-2014, 02:56 PM

i find it hard to believe that a 28' bunkhouse TT, only weighs 4,475lbs.

that even sounds low for a stripped-down "dry" version of it, certainly not what it weighs when it leaves the factory.
this model is not even listedo on Coachmen's website and i can't find any specs on the internet.
ask the dealer what the yellow sticker weight is.

without seeing its actual specs, i don't think that a 28' bunkhouse TT will be a good match to a v-6 Durango.

bobcny · 02-28-2014, 03:01 PM

Thanks a lot for the response. Here's a link to the dealer's site showing the yellow sticker weight:

2014 Coachmen FREEDOM EXPRESS FREEDOM EXPRESS TT Cicero, New York | Burdick's Truck Center

**bikendan** · 02-28-2014, 03:08 PM

well, i have to eat my words.

what the hitch weight of this trailer? and you'll need a really good WDH with built-in sway control.
something like an Equal-i-zer or Reese Dual-Cam.
even better since the Durango's wheelbase will have difficulty with a 28' TT, a Hensley or ProPride WDH.

bobcny · 02-28-2014, 03:11 PM

I'll have to ask on hitch weight of trailer, I'm not sure on that one.

And good point on weight distribution. I may have to secure a good one as part of a deal with the dealer.

Thanks.

thebrakeman · 02-28-2014, 03:48 PM

My 27' 261T (rear bunkhouse, front hybrid-queen tipout) is under 4000 lbs dry. Under 4500 lbs for a non-hybrid 28' doesn't sound odd to me.

600-1000 lbs over dry weight is a good estimate of loaded weight, depending on how you pack and length of trip. Using 800, that's about 5300 lbs. That leaves about 900 lbs for passengers and cargo in the truck.

I would only do this if you you are sure you will remain on only generally flat areas, and camp a low percentage of the year. Otherwise, should have got the Hemi.

For reference, my Mountaineer V8 has just a tad under 7,000 lbs max tow rating. It has (probably) a shorter wheelbase than the Durango, but it's a smooth tow with the Equil-i-zer and Prodigy.

GlacierGus · 02-28-2014, 04:11 PM

bobcny, I have a 2006 Durango 5.7 V8 Hemi. My TT is 21.6 feet with a dry weight of about 3600 pounds. This Durango tows this TT very well. Last summer I took a trip to Alaska and had no problems with the mountains. I would be concerned about your set up. A 28' TT would be a lot of length to haul with the Durangos 119" wheelbase. Also you need to look at the GCWR. I couldn't find it for your Durango. That is the total weight of your Durango with passengers and cargo, your TT weight and cargo and the tongue weight. I think you would be exceeding the GCWR by quite a bit. See if the GCWR is posted on you Durango. If my memory serves me right (and that's a big "if") the GCWR on my Durango was around 11,000 pounds.

I do use an Equilizer WD hitch and it works very well. You just have to get used to the sqeaking. I like the Durango but I think you need to look at a smaller TT.

Good luck with your hunt.

TURBS · 02-28-2014, 04:15 PM

What is the "ccc"or cargo carrying capacity of the durango?
Tire loading sticker on the door jamb.
I used to have a durango and it had a high tow capacity but a very very low cargo carrying capacity.
Things that affect the ccc.
Tounge weight of trailer.
Passengers.
Dogs
Any luggage or items stored in durango excluding driver and full tank of fuel.

Look at this sticker.

TURBS

Think spring!
The last man standing also has a sharpie

RollingDownTheHighway · 03-01-2014, 08:24 PM

personally, I wouldn't even tempt it. I had a 09 durango V8 that stuggled towing a 6k boat. Remember moast dealers show a dry weight, what is the GW of the TV? I'd check out the manu's site first.

Specifications - Freedom Express - Coachmen RV

I see nothing listed for that weight mentioned.

TURBS · 03-01-2014, 10:27 PM

On most suvs you'll almost always run out of ccc before you get to max towing weight.

TURBS

Think spring!
The last man standing also has a sharpie

TeresaInCAL · 03-01-2014, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcny

Looking for some feedback on a new setup for our family.

I just bought a 2013 Dodge Durango AWD (V6) with the factory towing package. Dealer says book says 6,200 lbs towing capacity.

I'm looking at a new Coachmen Freedom Express 261SE. That dealer shows sticker weight at 4,475 lbs.

Anyone have a yes or no vote whether we can safely tow this? We would only tow within 2 hours of our home, less then ten times a year.

Even IF you do manage to squeak under you max towing capacity, do you really want to have have to worry about the weight of the family dog, or bringing a friend camping with you to put your family in jeopardy?

jgroff · 03-02-2014, 06:47 AM

I have a 2007 Chrysler aspen that I towed a rockwood roo 233s that had a dry weight of 4453 lbs. it did it no problem but I have the 5.7 hemi. the only issue I see is the engine and tranny. you will definitely work them both!

what are you planning on putting in the Durango and what is you ccc ?

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