The Dodge Durango is a powerful and versatile SUV that excels in towing capabilities, making it a top choice for those with demanding hauling needs. With its robust engine options, advanced towing technologies, and well-engineered chassis, this three-row SUV is designed to tackle even the most challenging towing tasks with ease.
The Durango's towing prowess is a result of its impressive maximum towing capacity ratings, which vary depending on the engine and trim level. Here's a breakdown of the towing capacities:
| Model/Trim | Engine | Maximum Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| SRT Hellcat, SRT 392 | 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8, 6.4L HEMI V8 | Up to 8,700 lbs |
| R/T, Citadel (with Tow N Go Package) | 5.7L HEMI V8 | Up to 8,700 lbs |
| Base Model | 3.6L Pentastar V6 | Up to 6,200 lbs |
The top-tier SRT Hellcat and SRT 392 models, equipped with the potent 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 and 6.4L HEMI V8 engines, respectively, boast a remarkable towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds. This capability allows you to tow large trailers, boats, or even small campers with confidence.
The Dodge Durango's impressive towing capabilities are the result of a combination of factors:
Powerful Engines: The available HEMI V8 engines provide ample torque and horsepower for effortless acceleration and merging onto highways, even with a heavy load in tow.
Robust Transmissions: The eight-speed automatic transmission enhances stability and control when towing.
Advanced Towing Technologies: Features like Trailer Sway Control and Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection aid in safe and stable towing.
Well-Engineered Chassis: The Durango's near-perfect weight distribution and available high-performance suspension systems contribute to exceptional handling and maneuverability with trailers.
To further enhance the Durango's towing capabilities, Dodge offers various towing packages and equipment options:
Trailer Tow Package
Class IV receiver hitch
Heavy-duty engine cooling system
Trailer brake controller
Convenience Features
Power-deployable rear backup camera
Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection
While the Dodge Durango is engineered for impressive towing capabilities, it's crucial to follow proper safety guidelines:
Proper Weight Distribution: Distribute the load evenly in the trailer, with heavier items closer to the axle for improved stability.
Trailer Braking Systems: Invest in high-quality trailer braking systems for improved stopping distances and control.
Driving Techniques: Adjust your driving style, allowing for longer stopping distances, wider turns, and slower acceleration/deceleration.
Regular Maintenance: Keep the Durango well-maintained, with regular checks on tires, brakes, suspension, and other critical components.
In addition to towing capacity, it's essential to consider the Durango's payload capacity, which refers to the maximum weight it can carry inside, including passengers and cargo.
| Model/Trim | Payload Capacity |
|---|---|
| Citadel | 1,220 lbs |
| SRT Hellcat | 1,590 lbs |
Exceeding the payload capacity can impact handling, braking, and safety. Factor in passenger and cargo weight when calculating remaining payload capacity.
To ensure safe and legal towing, it's essential to understand how to calculate the Durango's towing capacity correctly. This process involves considering several critical factors:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and fluids.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The maximum combined weight of the vehicle and the trailer it's towing.
Tongue Weight: The downward force exerted by the trailer on the vehicle's hitch, typically 10-15% of the trailer's total weight for optimal stability.
By following the manufacturer's guidelines and adhering to these calculations, you can ensure that your Dodge Durango is operating within its safe towing limits.
To illustrate the Dodge Durango's impressive towing capabilities, let's consider some real-world examples:
SRT Hellcat and SRT 392: Tow large boats up to 28-30 feet, weighing 6,600-7,000 pounds, plus a 1,630-pound trailer.
R/T and Citadel with 5.7L HEMI V8: Tow 25-27 foot boats weighing 5,900-6,450 pounds, plus a 1,400-pound trailer.
Base 3.6L Pentastar V6: Tow smaller boats up to 22 feet, weighing 3,500-4,800 pounds, plus a 1,400-pound trailer.
When compared to other popular SUVs in its class, the Dodge Durango stands out with its impressive towing capabilities:
Ford Expedition Max: up to 9,300 pounds
Chevrolet Tahoe: up to 8,400 pounds
Dodge Durango: up to 8,700 pounds (best-in-class)
The Durango's best-in-class towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds puts it ahead of many competitors, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing hauling power.
It's important to note that towing regulations and laws can vary by state or region, so it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements in your area. In many jurisdictions, there are restrictions on:
Maximum combined weight of the vehicle and trailer
Licensing requirements for towing certain weights or types of trailers
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or legal consequences, so ensure that your Dodge Durango and towing setup meet all applicable laws and regulations.
To ensure optimal towing performance and longevity, it's essential to keep your Dodge Durango well-maintained and consider upgrades:
Regular Maintenance
Fluid changes
Brake inspections
Suspension checks
Upgrades
Transmission cooler (to prevent overheating when towing heavy loads)
Heavy-duty suspension system (for improved stability and handling)
By investing in proper maintenance and upgrades, you can maximize the Durango's towing potential and enjoy a safe and enjoyable hauling experience.
The Dodge Durango's impressive towing capabilities, combined with its advanced towing technologies and robust engineering, make it a standout choice for those with demanding hauling needs. Whether you're towing a boat, camper, or trailer, the Durango delivers best-in-class performance, ensuring a confident and capable towing experience. By following proper safety guidelines, understanding towing capacity calculations, and maintaining your vehicle, you can unleash the full potential of this powerful SUV and tackle even the most challenging hauling tasks with ease.
The Dodge Durango has a best-in-class maximum towing capacity of up to 8,700 lbs when properly equipped with the available 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 or 6.4L HEMI V8 engine and Tow N Go Package.
The Durango's towing prowess is attributed to its powerful engine options, robust transmissions, advanced towing technologies, and well-engineered chassis with near-perfect weight distribution.
Dodge offers the Trailer Tow Package with a Class IV receiver hitch, heavy-duty cooling system, and trailer brake controller, as well as convenience features like a power-deployable rear backup camera and Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection.
Proper weight distribution, high-quality trailer braking systems, adjusted driving techniques, and regular maintenance are crucial for safe towing with the Durango.
The Durango's payload capacity ranges from 1,220 lbs for the Citadel trim to 1,590 lbs for the SRT Hellcat model.
Calculating towing capacity involves considering factors like the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), and tongue weight, following the manufacturer's guidelines.
With a best-in-class towing capacity of up to 8,700 lbs, the Durango outperforms many competitors like the Ford Expedition Max (9,300 lbs) and Chevrolet Tahoe (8,400 lbs).
The SRT Hellcat and SRT 392 can tow 28-30 foot boats weighing 6,600-7,000 lbs plus a 1,630-lb trailer, while the base 3.6L V6 can tow smaller 22-foot boats weighing 3,500-4,800 lbs plus a 1,400-lb trailer.
Regular maintenance like fluid changes, brake inspections, and suspension checks are essential, while upgrades like a transmission cooler and heavy-duty suspension system can further enhance towing performance.
Towing regulations and laws can vary by state or region, so it's crucial to familiarize yourself with specific requirements in your area, such as maximum combined weight limits and licensing requirements for certain towing setups.
Sarah isn't your average gearhead. With a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Technology, she dived straight into the world of car repair. After 15 years of turning wrenches at dealerships and independent shops, Sarah joined MICDOT to share her expertise and passion for making cars run like new. Her in-depth knowledge and knack for explaining complex issues in simple terms make her a valuable asset to our team.