dodge durango

camper70 · 06-08-2017, 11:58 AM

Does anyone on here tow with a Dodge Durango. I need a tow vehicle and do not want a pickup. The 7000 lb capacity would be enough for me with the V8. Can anyone shed some insight?

**bikendan** · 06-08-2017, 12:49 PM

Since it is a SUV, they are infamous for low payload capacities, compared to their towing capacities.

So if you're looking at one, first check the driver's door yellow sticker for the payload capacity.

It would help if you posted the trailer's specs.

llr · 06-08-2017, 12:59 PM

which engine and rear end? I forget the exact numbers but we have a 2003 with the small V8 and lowest ratio axles. We towed a KZ 242sbh 6000 gross weight with it.

Once the hitch (cheap chain hitch) dialed in it was plenty stable, however severely lacking in power even on the small SW Ohio roads and it was overheating fairly often.

Depending on exactly what the trailer and Durango is it may be OK but it may not

camper70 · 06-08-2017, 03:25 PM

Hi! towing a Apex 249rbs with a gvwr of just over 4900 lbs. Looking at used Durango's with the 5.7L hemi. Don't know for sure about the tranny but I think the tow pkg uses a 3.45 rear end.

hank bron · 06-08-2017, 05:38 PM

I have a 2015 Durango w/ 5.7 Hemi, I tow a coachman freedom express 192 rbs 3900lb dry pulls it very well no issues, the Durango is rated at 7200lbs

**bikendan** · 06-08-2017, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camper70

Hi! towing a Apex 249rbs with a gvwr of just over 4900 lbs.

You mixed up the weights.
The GVWR is 7000lbs, not 4900lbs.

4900lbs is probably the factory sticker weight.

camper70 · 06-09-2017, 09:46 PM

Sorry Bikendan your right it did come in just over 4900 lbs. I'm figuring I'll be between 5600-6000 lbs once fully loaded.

Jeff_and_Abby · 06-09-2017, 10:29 PM

Be wary of keeping your transmission sufficiently cooled ... Chrysler's offerings are particularly succeptible to problems in this area. School of hard knocks speaking.

jgroff · 06-09-2017, 10:39 PM

I have a 2007 Chrysler Aspen. 5.7 hemi with 3.55 gears. Towed a roo 233s with it. Great tow vehicle. Every time I hear about the tranny issues that Chrysler supposedly has I always laugh. I have never had a tranny issue with any Chrysler I have owned. Both of Mine has the 545rfe. No issues. The 66rfe is the upgrade and now they have the 8 speed which is a beast. I don't see temps over 160 towing. So my opinion is go for it. Durangos are good tow vehicles. Oh and my ccc on the Aspen is 1365 with 2 3900 lbs axles.

rockfordroo · 06-09-2017, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgroff

I have a 2007 Chrysler Aspen. 5.7 hemi with 3.55 gears. Towed a roo 233s with it. Great tow vehicle. Every time I hear about the tranny issues that Chrysler supposedly has I always laugh. I have never had a tranny issue with any Chrysler I have owned. Both of Mine has the 545rfe. No issues. The 66rfe is the upgrade and now they have the 8 speed which is a beast. I don't see temps over 160 towing. So my opinion is go for it. Durangos are good tow vehicles. Oh and my ccc on the Aspen is 1365 with 2 3900 lbs axles.

I had 3 Chrysler (Dodge) minivans. All 3 of them needed a new tranny at 30-35K. They they went another 100K+ with no problems. Makes no sense. #4 was a Honda Odyssey. (OK, I'm a slow learner! - actually, it wasn't until a few years after I'd bought the 3rd Dodge that the Odyssey became a "real" minivan (3rd gen) IMHO.)

gectisme · 06-10-2017, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

I had 3 Chrysler (Dodge) minivans. All 3 of them needed a new tranny at 30-35K. They they went another 100K+ with no problems. Makes no sense. #4 was a Honda Odyssey. (OK, I'm a slow learner! - actually, it wasn't until a few years after I'd bought the 3rd Dodge that the Odyssey became a "real" minivan (3rd gen) IMHO.)

Up until 3 years ago, I had 3 Caravans from 2004 and they all went 75k miles + with no issues with the transmission. They were fleet vehicles and all the guys I worked with had the same minivans and same thing, no issues. I think the transmission problems were back in the 90's...

hank bron · 06-10-2017, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gectisme

Up until 3 years ago, I had 3 Caravans from 2004 and they all went 75k miles + with no issues with the transmission. They were fleet vehicles and all the guys I worked with had the same minivans and same thing, no issues. I think the transmission problems were back in the 90's...

Back to the Durango which has a totally different trans then the mini van. The newer Durango's share the 8 spd trans same one that is in the Mercedes GL SUV's. You will not go wrong buying the Durango as a tow vehicle Consumer Reports also gives the Durango raves on the towing aspects

camper70 · 06-10-2017, 11:30 AM

Thank's to everyone for your valuable info. the 8 speed trany has been mentioned a lot . I can't swing a new vehicle now so I'm in the used market. I'm looking at a 2013 Durango R/T with just over 40000 mi. It has the 5.7L hemi. Don't know what tranny and 3.55 rear end. I that is correct on the rear end. I just don't want to jump into a vehicle and then find out it what do what I need it to do. That is to tow about 6000lbs comfortably. A long story is connected to all this uneasiness.

TeachTexas · 06-10-2017, 06:59 PM

I have the 2006 Durango w/HEMI. Currently pulling 2016 Rockwood 2608WS. Have had no problems. I am within the carrying and hitch weights needed. I am considering raising the diff to a 4.1 to get more ability.

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