Hi guys, first time poster.
My question is will a 2000 Durango (5.2, 3.55 rear end) be able to pull a 93 ram 2500 (single cab shortbed 5.9 magnum) on a dolly? The distance is from southern Georgia to the middle of North Carolina. So its all interstate driving with little to no hills. A friend was on vacation when his ram decided it no longer needed its transfer case so i volunteered to tow him back. The towing weight for the Durango is around 4700 pounds and his truck (we have weighed it at 5400) is more. I plan to take it very slow and am in no rush. Im asking for thoughts on this matter. We plan to stop every few hours to allow the transmission time to cool. Thanks for any advice.

 

Well for one thing you need to check the load capacity of the dolly. Second you probably could do it just have to start in a lower gear

 

We will be renting a U-Haul dolly in the correct weight rating. I am more concerned about putting that much stress on the Durango. Can they handle it?

 

if you take it easy you will be fine, the biggest issue you will encounter will likely be trying to stop, the brakes on these trucks are a little lacking so allow enough space to stop safely.

Also make sure to lock out OD to save the transmission.

 

Do i need to lock out the overdrive on highway driving? i imagine that will kill my gas millage. Not that it is any good to start with

 

You're hauling 5000 pounds. Don't think mileage will matter.

 

Exactly, I had to tow a 5000lbs trailer last weekend and it didn't matter if it was in O/D or not as far as mileage, 9mpg, but it pulls much nicer with the O/D off and will take off a lot of stress and consequently less tranny temp. You will be fine. I haven't had any trouble stopping big loads with my D without trailer brakes but if you are really worried you can always engine brake too.

 

yes you should keep OD locked out even on the highway

 

you will be fine, just take your time and don't drive it like your trying to get track position.

 

Watch the gauges and night time temperature is better than day time. Go easy on braking. When in doubt stop and let it. Cool.