Using a Durango for towing? - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

XTRMTOY · 08-22-2002, 06:20 PM

I'm considering buying a new SUV and am looking at the Durango with the 5.9L. My wife will drive it most of the time and she does not want a full size. That's the reason for the Durango. As big as I can go without going full size.

Anyway... I plan on towing a 4700lb 4Runner on a car trailer (to be purchased). I will try to go with a fairly light trailer. I'm assuming 1500 lbs for the trailer, so this Durango will tow around 6200lbs plus some gear and spare parts. I know Dodge gives a max towing capacity of around 7200lbs, but will it tow this load reasonably well and safe?
Most of my towing trips (5-8 a year) will range between 150 and 600 miles.

Thanks for the opinions.

Mat

chevota01 · 08-22-2002, 07:55 PM

A few years back I had a Grand Cherokee with the small V8. It toed like a muther. Surprised many on our 23 hour trip to Tellico. Pulled a 4500lb Jeep on an 1800lb trailer with ease. Shocked the others towing with 3/4 -1 ton pickups. I would probalbly put an auxillary cooler for both tranny and engine and run an equilizer hitch. It still makes me smile when I think how that rig ran up those hills in Tenessee.

FYRMAN · 08-23-2002, 12:24 AM

The Durango screams for an equalizer hitch when you throw a car trailer behind it. They squat real bad and get loose in the rear.

Oxjockey · 08-23-2002, 08:16 AM

4700lb 4Runner?

I didn't know they could be that heavy.

I'd look into a Featherlite or other aluminum trailer. They weigh in at like 1800 lb or something. How much is a Durango rated to tow? You might need the 2WD to keep weights down.

Edit: 4x2 and the 5.9L is 7550lb.
Edit: CW is 6050 on the 4x2, 6400 on the 4x4.

Bryan

XTRMTOY · 08-23-2002, 08:35 AM

Yep! I weighed the runner at the truck scales a couple weeks ago and got 4690 lbs. Of course my runner does have a 350 Chev, TH350, dual tcases, 37" boggers, custom bumpers, custom nerfs, and a full roll cage. And actually that weight is without a top and rear glass.

I just cheched and the max recommended trailer weight for the 4x4 Durango with the 5.9L and 3.92 gears is 7300lbs. I'll be ok from that point of view. I'm more concerned if it will have enough power, what braking will be like and how stable it will be.

Mat

Oxjockey · 08-23-2002, 08:42 AM

With a brake controller and good electric brakes you'll be fine. Sway away and good rear antisway bar will be in order if there's a problem.

Bryan

Eskimo · 08-23-2002, 10:35 AM

I don't get it... everyone says don't tow with a 1/2 ton truck, like a Ram 1500, and then tells someone to tow with a 4-door Dakota (AKA Durango), smaller than a 1500?

JMHO, I'm guessing it'll be SLOW going up the mountain passes, better have brakes on both trailer axles to stop (since the trailer & load will weigh as much or more than the tow vehicle), and the tranny won't like it much at all.

Wasn't there a special on TV about a year ago that many SUV's are close to their max GVWR with just 4 average people in them, and not much else?

I'm shying away from a Tundra tow rig (rated 7100lbs towing) for this reason.

My rig is around 5000lbs + trailer. Going oil-burner.

GRMhick · 08-23-2002, 04:32 PM

i looked into them. they have the power, but they are narrower than a fullsize, and they squat BAD. i would put a load equalizing hitch on it, and maybe some air bags over the springs. anything to get the rear up, because i see them towing and they sway bad..

BigDan · 08-24-2002, 01:08 PM

I would stay away from the 5.9L powerplant. Its the last model there making them, the desighn has been aroung for 20+ years and is really outdated. Wait a month or so and get the brand new 5.7L "Hemi" its hat 320+ HP and is a "next generation" engine. The old dinosaur 5.9L only has 10 more HP then the new 4.7L dodge and mercedes-benz designed engine 3 years ago. It won engine of the year a few years back. So IMHO WAIT for the new 5.7LHemi.
I actually drove a 02 1500 ram with the 5.9L and I WAS NOT impressed, I walked away and bought a CUMMINS...but that is a whole other topic

XTRMTOY · 08-24-2002, 02:58 PM

I've put the Durango purchase on hold for a month or two untill I can find out what the 2003 model will be like and if it will have any changes. According to the dealer I talked to, no changes for 2003. I have a feeling the Durango will get a redesign and hopefully the new 5.7L in 2004. I guess we'll see.

Anyway, I may be getting a new F150 as a company vehicle. I should find out mid September. If that happens, I'll just use that for towing the 4Runner.

Mat

GRMhick · 08-24-2002, 06:49 PM

yeah, the 5.9 is an older motor, but then so is the 350 that eveyone is using. I have a 5.2, and almost bought a 5.2 durango, IMO, the 5.9 durango with 3.92's will have plenty of power, i really like them, but i guess it is just me.

scwafish · 08-27-2002, 08:43 PM

I had a Durango and it squatted like crazy towing my zuk on a small light trailer...loved it for everything else. You'll need airbags or something.

TEX · 08-29-2002, 05:49 AM

Buddy of mine tows a 25' travel trailer with his 5.9 Durango. I had to make a Bonzai run up to get his trailer for him a couple of weeks ago 'cause the Durango broke down. Motor's shot, he figured the tranny would go first (me too actually). At any rate, his trailer was clearly lighter than what I tow - '80 Toy Longbed on 16' trailer. And he says it pushes his Durango all over the road. He's looking at 8600 GVWR crewcabs as a replacement.

TEX

GRMhick · 08-29-2002, 08:30 AM

Yeah, i have heard of a few engines going out at 35-40k miles in durangos, but not in rams

Never quite understood that. Maybe that is one of the reasons why i bought a 4 runner insted of the durango.

TEX · 08-29-2002, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hick
Yeah, i have heard of a few engines going out at 35-40k miles in durangos, but not in rams Never quite understood that.

Owner of our local tire shop had his crap out at 37k in a Ram. My buddy's was at 66k. My dad's '94 5.9 Ram has 115k and is fine. Two trannies though

TEX

Oxjockey · 08-29-2002, 08:38 AM

I like the power I had in my 5.9L, but it pinged like a bitch and ran hot - constantly. I just ran plus and dealt with it. I was also on my second tranny at 100k miles when I traded it in...before I got a third!

Bryan

Travis Waldher · 08-29-2002, 10:13 AM

The 5.9L Magnums:

At least my 96 REQUIRED 92 Octane, any less and it would ping, almost idling. It does say premium required on the dash.

It has been running warm lately.. can't find the cause, thinking free flowing exhaust and 4 core radiator may cure it. But, I would rather find a bigger rig.

08-22-2002, 06:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
XTRMTOY Granite Guru Join Date: Feb 2001 Member # 3309 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 577	Using a Durango for towing? I'm considering buying a new SUV and am looking at the Durango with the 5.9L. My wife will drive it most of the time and she does not want a full size. That's the reason for the Durango. As big as I can go without going full size. Anyway... I plan on towing a 4700lb 4Runner on a car trailer (to be purchased). I will try to go with a fairly light trailer. I'm assuming 1500 lbs for the trailer, so this Durango will tow around 6200lbs plus some gear and spare parts. I know Dodge gives a max towing capacity of around 7200lbs, but will it tow this load reasonably well and safe? Most of my towing trips (5-8 a year) will range between 150 and 600 miles. Thanks for the opinions. Mat

08-22-2002, 07:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
chevota01 Wheeler Join Date: Aug 2001 Member # 6579 Location: North East Posts: 112	A few years back I had a Grand Cherokee with the small V8. It toed like a muther. Surprised many on our 23 hour trip to Tellico. Pulled a 4500lb Jeep on an 1800lb trailer with ease. Shocked the others towing with 3/4 -1 ton pickups. I would probalbly put an auxillary cooler for both tranny and engine and run an equilizer hitch. It still makes me smile when I think how that rig ran up those hills in Tenessee. __________________ It's just a Zuk

08-23-2002, 12:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
FYRMAN Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Member # 4358 Location: otHELLo, Washington Posts: 3,700	The Durango screams for an equalizer hitch when you throw a car trailer behind it. They squat real bad and get loose in the rear. __________________ [COLOR="Red"]Central Washington Muff Dive and Rescue Team[/COLOR]

08-23-2002, 08:16 AM	#4 (permalink)
Oxjockey Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Member # 7163 Location: PA Posts: 1,863	4700lb 4Runner? I didn't know they could be that heavy. I'd look into a Featherlite or other aluminum trailer. They weigh in at like 1800 lb or something. How much is a Durango rated to tow? You might need the 2WD to keep weights down. Edit: 4x2 and the 5.9L is 7550lb. Edit: CW is 6050 on the 4x2, 6400 on the 4x4. Bryan Last edited by Oxjockey; 08-23-2002 at 08:23 AM.

08-23-2002, 10:35 AM	#7 (permalink)
Eskimo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Member # 10429 Location: Danville, PA Posts: 4,456	I don't get it... everyone says don't tow with a 1/2 ton truck, like a Ram 1500, and then tells someone to tow with a 4-door Dakota (AKA Durango), smaller than a 1500? JMHO, I'm guessing it'll be SLOW going up the mountain passes, better have brakes on both trailer axles to stop (since the trailer & load will weigh as much or more than the tow vehicle), and the tranny won't like it much at all. Wasn't there a special on TV about a year ago that many SUV's are close to their max GVWR with just 4 average people in them, and not much else? I'm shying away from a Tundra tow rig (rated 7100lbs towing) for this reason. My rig is around 5000lbs + trailer. Going oil-burner. __________________ Rich Q. FJ-40 Cruggy - tuned 5.3/4WS rockwells/linked/ORI's/42's

08-23-2002, 08:35 AM	#5 (permalink)
XTRMTOY Granite Guru Join Date: Feb 2001 Member # 3309 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 577	Yep! I weighed the runner at the truck scales a couple weeks ago and got 4690 lbs. Of course my runner does have a 350 Chev, TH350, dual tcases, 37" boggers, custom bumpers, custom nerfs, and a full roll cage. And actually that weight is without a top and rear glass. I just cheched and the max recommended trailer weight for the 4x4 Durango with the 5.9L and 3.92 gears is 7300lbs. I'll be ok from that point of view. I'm more concerned if it will have enough power, what braking will be like and how stable it will be. Mat

08-23-2002, 08:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
Oxjockey Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Member # 7163 Location: PA Posts: 1,863	With a brake controller and good electric brakes you'll be fine. Sway away and good rear antisway bar will be in order if there's a problem. Bryan

08-23-2002, 04:32 PM	#8 (permalink)
GRMhick Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2000 Member # 87 Location: I live in hotels tear out the walls I have accountants pay for it all Posts: 7,203	i looked into them. they have the power, but they are narrower than a fullsize, and they squat BAD. i would put a load equalizing hitch on it, and maybe some air bags over the springs. anything to get the rear up, because i see them towing and they sway bad..

08-24-2002, 01:08 PM	#9 (permalink)
BigDan Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Member # 745 Location: Pollock Pines, CA Posts: 1,327	I would stay away from the 5.9L powerplant. Its the last model there making them, the desighn has been aroung for 20+ years and is really outdated. Wait a month or so and get the brand new 5.7L "Hemi" its hat 320+ HP and is a "next generation" engine. The old dinosaur 5.9L only has 10 more HP then the new 4.7L dodge and mercedes-benz designed engine 3 years ago. It won engine of the year a few years back. So IMHO WAIT for the new 5.7LHemi. I actually drove a 02 1500 ram with the 5.9L and I WAS NOT impressed, I walked away and bought a CUMMINS...but that is a whole other topic __________________ 1979 Toyota LS1, TH400, Stak 3 speed, D60/14 Bolt, 42" IROK's

08-24-2002, 02:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
XTRMTOY Granite Guru Join Date: Feb 2001 Member # 3309 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 577	I've put the Durango purchase on hold for a month or two untill I can find out what the 2003 model will be like and if it will have any changes. According to the dealer I talked to, no changes for 2003. I have a feeling the Durango will get a redesign and hopefully the new 5.7L in 2004. I guess we'll see. Anyway, I may be getting a new F150 as a company vehicle. I should find out mid September. If that happens, I'll just use that for towing the 4Runner. Mat

08-24-2002, 06:49 PM	#11 (permalink)
GRMhick Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2000 Member # 87 Location: I live in hotels tear out the walls I have accountants pay for it all Posts: 7,203	yeah, the 5.9 is an older motor, but then so is the 350 that eveyone is using. I have a 5.2, and almost bought a 5.2 durango, IMO, the 5.9 durango with 3.92's will have plenty of power, i really like them, but i guess it is just me.

08-27-2002, 08:43 PM	#12 (permalink)
scwafish Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Member # 977 Location: Ukiah CA Posts: 3,170	I had a Durango and it squatted like crazy towing my zuk on a small light trailer...loved it for everything else. You'll need airbags or something. __________________ eXtreme web-wheeler!

08-29-2002, 05:49 AM	#13 (permalink)
TEX Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Member # 603 Location: Missouri, USA Posts: 14,194	Buddy of mine tows a 25' travel trailer with his 5.9 Durango. I had to make a Bonzai run up to get his trailer for him a couple of weeks ago 'cause the Durango broke down. Motor's shot, he figured the tranny would go first (me too actually). At any rate, his trailer was clearly lighter than what I tow - '80 Toy Longbed on 16' trailer. And he says it pushes his Durango all over the road. He's looking at 8600 GVWR crewcabs as a replacement. TEX __________________ www.probog.com Thanks to: www.heiseroil.com Extreme Performance www.kmelectronics.com Bear Creek Auto Recyclers www.svrehorsepower.com

08-29-2002, 08:30 AM	#14 (permalink)
GRMhick Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2000 Member # 87 Location: I live in hotels tear out the walls I have accountants pay for it all Posts: 7,203	Yeah, i have heard of a few engines going out at 35-40k miles in durangos, but not in rams Never quite understood that. Maybe that is one of the reasons why i bought a 4 runner insted of the durango.

08-29-2002, 08:38 AM	#16 (permalink)
Oxjockey Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Member # 7163 Location: PA Posts: 1,863	I like the power I had in my 5.9L, but it pinged like a bitch and ran hot - constantly. I just ran plus and dealt with it. I was also on my second tranny at 100k miles when I traded it in...before I got a third! Bryan

08-29-2002, 10:13 AM	#17 (permalink)
Travis Waldher Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: May 2001 Member # 4878 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 7,523	The 5.9L Magnums: At least my 96 REQUIRED 92 Octane, any less and it would ping, almost idling. It does say premium required on the dash. It has been running warm lately.. can't find the cause, thinking free flowing exhaust and 4 core radiator may cure it. But, I would rather find a bigger rig.

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