Anyone tow with a Durango?

[COVEJEEPSXJ]

I am tossing around the idea of buying a 2000 Durango with the 5.9L in it to get my XJ to and from the trail. If you tow with a Durango how does it perform? I realize it will be no powerhouse or tug like diesel, but I am just looking for something to pull a trailer and my XJ about once or twice a month to and from the trail.

[caseylee]

Just because it has the v8 in it doesn't mean it can handle the load..... That would be one hell of a scary ride. I towed my Jeep with my 1/2 ton once and said I would never do it again I just can't imagine what it would be like with anything smaller.

[crawlin'YJ]

Depends how much weight you're towing. I think I know the Durango you're talking about, is he selling it with the WD hitch, or did he already sell that off? I know he towed his old jeep up to crozet a couple times, he said it towed fine.
IMHO, You could find an older truck for the same $$$ and be better off towing, but on the other hand the durango is nicer for a DD and you won't be towing your jeep every weekend anyways.

[ChiXJeff]

A friend of mine (while he was still wheeling) towed an XJ with a Durango. He said it towed one heckuva lot better with a set of overload airbags installed. Don't know about a transmission cooler, but I'd certainly add one.

It should have enough power, but will it have enough STOP? Make sure your trailer has working brakes.

[4x4not]

I think I know what Durango you are talking about too.... it will handle it (with the WD hitch) but I still wouldn't do it every weekend. The trailer simply can outcontrol the vehicle. And yes, make sure you have brakes on BOTH trailer axles.

[Travis Waldher]

The durango will be no more unstable than a short bed regular cab truck. Wheelbases are about the same.

Because of hte softer suspension, I would throw some airbags on the back to help out, get a good brake controller, and make sure a tranny cooler was on it.

That durango in question has the same drivetrain as a 1/2 ton dodge. Same engine, same tranny(IIRC), same rear axle.

[Trailer Guy]

I think I know what Durango you are talking about too.... it will handle it (with the WD hitch) but I still wouldn't do it every weekend.
The WD hitch is what is going to help the most. The hitch won't be rated to tow that much weight, and the rig will sag out pretty far. A set of air bags would help with the sag, but it won't change how the weight sits on the Durango. A WD hitch will help with the sag and also redirect some of the tongue weight and leverage it more to the front of the vehicle. This will allow the rig to handle better, turn and brake, which means you have more control of it. I would do the WD hitch over the air bags in this case. I'm a big fan of air bags, but not in this case.

[Go2Guy]

I used to all the time- search will get my input- no problems is the short version, but I did have a flyweight trailer and the 5.2/3.92's

[EarlKann]

I towed my 4runner with my Dakota before, 4.7 auto 4x4. I agree with most everything already posted. Sagged my rear suspension pretty hard, any one of the WD hitch / airbags/ overloads suggestions would help. Power was fine on the flat stuff, but the steep grades kicked its ass.:( The truck brakes were way overwhelmed.:eek: Must have trailer brakes.

[Travis Waldher]

The WD hitch is what is going to help the most. The hitch won't be rated to tow that much weight, and the rig will sag out pretty far. A set of air bags would help with the sag, but it won't change how the weight sits on the Durango. A WD hitch will help with the sag and also redirect some of the tongue weight and leverage it more to the front of the vehicle. This will allow the rig to handle better, turn and brake, which means you have more control of it. I would do the WD hitch over the air bags in this case. I'm a big fan of air bags, but not in this case.

I should have been more specific.

I would recommend doing both. Both the WD hitch and airbags.

[COVEJEEPSXJ]

I think I know the Durango you're talking about, is he selling it with the WD hitch, or did he already sell that off? I know he towed his old jeep up to crozet a couple times, he said it towed fine.


I think I know what Durango you are talking about too.... it will handle it (with the WD hitch) but I still wouldn't do it every weekend.

I know which one you guys are talking about also, the one I am/was looking at isnt' the same one though. But I believe the one with the WD hitch is still available.

Thanks for everyones input.

[Philly2Crazy]

I know which one you guys are talking about also, the one I am/was looking at isnt' the same one though. But I believe the one with the WD hitch is still available.

Thanks for everyones input.

I have been in the one they were talking about a few times in tow and it was fine. We towed to Big Dogs with it, no issues, it did fine on the hills, etc. That one also has a good trailer break, which helped. I think you would be fine with that one or one with a similar set-up

[COVEJEEPSXJ]

I have been in the one they were talking about a few times in tow and it was fine. We towed to Big Dogs with it, no issues, it did fine on the hills, etc. That one also has a good trailer break, which helped. I think you would be fine with that one or one with a similar set-up

Yea. Twiss' Durango. Right?? Is he gonna have it at RC this weekend? If so I will have to check his setup out.

[ludakris]

although it should tow fine..with some upgrades, I would look for something bigger..
I have a Dakota QC 4X4 4.7L Auto... it has all the same running gear as a 1/2 ton, with a little less payload.. so helper springs will help.. I plan on towing my XJ with this set up... but only because I own the truck already, am somewhat upside down in it, and the wife hasnt given me the go-ahead to buy a bigger truck.. I have been researching it, and I think my biggest draw back will be power on the hills, and transmission temps/weakness...
When I bought the truck, I had towing in the back of my mind, now that I am ready to tow and know a bit more, I would have stepped up to a 2500..

twice a month is alot.. I would suggest a bigger platform to start with..

[Philly2Crazy]

Twiss backed out of going, so his Durango will not be there... My F-250 will with on-board beer