03 Durango as a tow rig??

JeepN1371

JeepN1371

ZJ's UP!
Joined
Dec 8, 2011
Location
Lexington, NC
This past weekend I picked up an 03 Durango for the wife. It has the slt package with awd/4x4. No mods done it it at all, bone stock. I'm looking for some suggestions/opinions on using this as my tow rig for long hauls. My 97 zj will stay street legal for the time being, but if I travel anymore than 60 miles I want to tow. When I say long hauls, I mean SC, TN and Virginia. Nothing states away(for now). Do you think it would be worthy enough to tow that far at least? Like I said before, just looking for some opinions.
Btw, it has the 4.7 motor.

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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.682268,-80.487286
 
I used to tow my ZJ with a 99 Tahoe, it did the job but I doubt it could have handled an emergency stop. The brakes were my biggest complaint. Next was the fact the Tahoe didn't out weigh the jeep by much. In your case the Durango and the ZJ are going to weigh pretty close to the same; so the Durango is going to be close to maxed out in the towing deparmtent.

In short, I think the Durango can do it, but it won't be easy.

Essentials for towing with the durango would be to have trailer brakes (brakes on both axles would be best), a good brake controller, and a weight distributing hitch. Helper air bags in the rear would probably make the ride a little easier and take some strain off the rear suspension.

Side note - nice looking Durango!
 
I don't think i'd try it. Durango will be a short wheelbase and about the same weight as the zj plus the brakes are small. What happens if the brake controller fails? It's happened to me! Sure the durango could pull it but I bet its only rated for 5000 lb tow capacity, that's trailer and rig combined.

Personally i'd save up a couple thousand and look for a mid 90s or early 2000s 3/4 ton truck from the brand of your choosing, gas motor would be fine for you. It'll suck on the hills, just like the durango, but it'll have a longer wheelbase for stability, and way bigger brakes.
 
Both of these guys are right. A 2500 truck is bare minimum for towing a jeep and trailer. Dont learn the hard way. In the rain. Like I did. The fact it may go down the road with it is the least of your towing concerns. Stopping with out blowing thru a stop light on a wet road is. A 3/4 ton (2500) and GOOD trailer brakes. Word.:Rockon:
 
We have 2 chevy z71's. 1 is a 98 and 1 is a 97. I was just looking at the Durango as a possibility for the kids and wife to have a Comfortable ride. Our z71's are not exactly perfect. They are work trucks and have there flaws, BUT will get the job done. Thanks for the responses!
 
BigClay said:
Same here, on the way back from Harlan this summer! :D
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Happened to me in town once. Bet you're glad you had those 2500 dodge truck brakes coming back from harlan, huh Clay?
 
Tim C said:
Happened to me in town once. Bet you're glad you had those 2500 dodge truck brakes coming back from harlan, huh Clay?
Click to expand...

That and a manual transmission
 
I tow my TJ and trailer with my 04 F150....the 150 does it but doesnt like it at all when it comes to hills let alone mountains (I would hate to tow up to the Flats). Now my truck is VERY abused and is slacking in the power dept. but I personally wouldnt tow a trailer and jeep with ANYTHING less than a 1/2 pick up!
 
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