Hello.. I have a 1999 Durango SLT with the 5.2. I not have a trailer hitch and was thinking of getting one installed. What would I need to do to make it capable of towing a Land Rover Discovery on a trailer? I know that i will need a transmission cooler, and upgraded brakes, but is there anything else I need to do or is this a waste of time? The Discovery weighs 4,434 lbs or so and I'm sure the trailer will weigh quite a bit also. I am not sure what gear ratio I have and I am hoping that a gear change isn't necessary. I was planning on towing it from Philadelphia to the Outerbanks. The trip will be in August and the Durangois only being used now for local driving. I love the Durangoand my wife is into it also. We have 3 kids and the 3 rows of seats helps ina major way. Any help you guys can offer will be appreciated.Ben

 

You will need to check your axle gear rating to get a better picture of what you need to get to tow. But I would have to say to be safe, you need at least a class IV hitch to pull 4434 lbs plus the trailer weight. Most durangos that comes with the tow package has the class IV hitch installed.

If your D is just a 2WD 5.2, I would assume your gear ratio may be 3:55 gear ratio. With this taller gearing, you are pretty near the max of 5000 lbs of towing I think. To increase the tow to the max of 7500 lbs, you may need to change the axle gear to 3:92. Definitely you will need to turn off OD gear if you are pulling at your maximum tow allowances.

It would never hurt to add a heavy duty tranny cooler to preserve the life of your tranny towing or not towing.

 

Your axle ratio should be listed on a label in the glove box.

 

Thanks fellas. I am going to look in the glovebox when my wife gets home. The Durango is a4x4 and for some reason I keep thinking it has a 3.08 gear ratio. I hope that isn't the case, but I'll find out soon. With a brake upgrade and a tranny cooler, do you think I'll be ok with the tow? What else would you guys add?

 

3:08 gears are possible if it is a 2WD, but as you said it is a 4WD, I am pretty comfortable to say it should be at minimum a 3:55 gear ratio which should be rated around 5000 lbs. 3:92 gear ratio gives the the maximum 7500 lb towing capacity.

 

My understanding as well is 4x4 had 3:55 minimum w/ 3:92 optional.

Also, I would concur that a gear ratio change is not necessary and that the disconnect of OD during towing is critical at these weights and distance. Trans cooler is also good idea. Furthermore, if you have any doubts about your radiator/cooling (it is almost 10yrs old) I'd invest in the cooling system.

Good luck, I tow w/ mine regurlary (though a 5.9) and 3:55's and have had no problems.