Hey guys, yes here's another towing question.

I want to tow a 5500lb travel trailer with my 2003 Durango R/T with the factory trailering package installed.
Should there be any issues with pulling power with my D if proper maintenance has / is being done?
Also, while on the highway, should I use the overdrive on/off switch while towing?
Does this have any control over the extra cooling system or will that be engaged anyway?

Thanks for any help or suggestions!

 

you should have no problem towing that much w/ an R/T, the "extra" cooling on the tow package is ALWAYS installed, and the tow/haul mode (aka overdrive off) just raises the shift points and locks you out of OD, great for pulling up hills, not so good for gas mileage, wait for someone with more towing experience to chim in on that

 

OD should always remain locked out when pulling that kind of weight!


Out of the factory you should be just fine. You will want to get 3 things in my opinion.

1. Definatly get a EQ hitch. http://www.equalizerhitch.com/
Here is the link to the one I use. http://www.equalizerhitch.com/productinfo/ and I have the 12,000 lbs for mine.

2. Install a Transgo Shift Kit into your trans. About $300 installed and WELL worth it.
http://www.transgo.com/sk_dodge.php

I also have 748 lbs tounge weight and I am pulling 7300 lbs wet and so I also installed a set of these that i run hooked up at 27 psi. (max is 100 psi for up to 3000 lbs extra capasity) I can't have that much but it's nice to have...... They are a no drill install. But with the weight you are discribing you should be fine with just a EQ hitch.
http://www.fsip.com/riderite/rrkit/k...i=215&rrk=2222
http://www.fsip.com/riderite/products/srinfo.shtml

3. Extendable mirrors.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/members...ollection.html

 

Not jacking the thread.... But my D did not come with a Hitch. I added a Curtis class 3 (maybe 4) hitch. I doubt I have any tow package what so ever. What can I tow with mine? What should I watch out for? I want to get a car trailer for my projecyt cars and just wanna make sure I wont burn anything up.

 

With the 4.7L you should have the 3:52 gearing which would put you over weight betwen the trailer and tow vehical on it. You would want to re-gear.

 

Thanks a lot for all the info. Much appreciated!!!

 

Also watch the temps on the transmission. There is an added cooler on the towing pack that you probably don't have.

HS,
How does the D feel pulling that kind of 7300lb weight?

IndyDurango

 

Make sure your brakes are adequate for the weight you are towing, otherwise, you'll have problems slowing down!

The R/T's come with tow package. Tow package adds extra heavy duty cooling, classIV hitch, and 3:92 gearing. And having a 5.9, it's good to around 7300-7500 lbs of towing.

I don't have my calc with me, but I would assume the 4.7 with the same tow package may be in the 6k lb range for max towing.

 

See ALL of the D ratings here:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...-question.html

IndyD

 

With the setup I'm talking about the D runs great! Sure you can feel the weight but I've climed 6.5% grade summits attached and did it in second and just healed 3000 RPM just fine. (I don't like to push it) I had plenty of throttle left and would pull in third but would slowly fall short. Beside I didn't want to heat the trans so I locked it in 2nd gear and set the cruise control at 3000 rpm.

Pullin from the red light I stay with traffic and usually pull away from people towing....... Talk about some looks.....LOL

I set the cruise at 3000 rpm on the freeway locked out of OD at 3000 rpm and I think I roll at 70 mph or close to it. I always have throttle left and no problems.

From the line I can usually break the tires loose!

The D handles the thing great and rolls smooth but I pu the cash in with the set up I mentioned.

I ALWAYS RUN WITH THE OVERDRIVE LOCKED OUT!!!!!! <-------- Pullin the trailer.