Hi all,

I don't own a Durango yet but my search for a budget-friendly tow vehicle has me looking at first gens. Plan is a 16' open trailer and 2000lb car (I own neither of these yet but am trying to race Spec Miata next season). Say 5klb total.

What are your honest opinions on buying one of these for towing in 2019? A low miles example seems to be a great bang for the buck option, and I like these better than the Tahoe or Explorer from the same era. I've found a nice looking 2000 RT with 110k for $4k, and a 98 5.2 with 90k for $4k locally.

Am I correct that all 03s and no others had rear discs? Would really like to have those.

Factory tow package - were these the only ones to get 3.92 gears? Should I plan on an aftermarket trans cooler?

Engines - I don't see much preference around here between 4.7, 5.2, 5.9 - is there any reason to avoid one of them specifically? Of course bigger engine = more towing.

Anything in particular to look out for when shopping for one?

Thanks!

 

My '01 R/T with 3.92 gears, 5.9L, OEM tow package (7,300 lb tow rating), and equalizing hitch has been towing a 3800 lb Jeep on a 1900 lb 16' trailer since I bought the Durango new 17.5 years ago. Towed 2000 miles in 2011 from NY to NM when I moved. Towed the rig a few times at 11,000 ft going to Silverton, CO. The trans did give out after 90,000 miles, but the rebuild is doing fine since, 123,300 miles now.

 

Just make sure to get one with the factory tow package. My 03 has it as well as a 4.7L engine. Very gas hungry, but there is simply nothing else in it's class and size that can hold 7 people AND tow over 6K lbs.

5.9L is rated for the most weight , but the4.7L in 2003 is still rated for 6600lbs (with 3.92 gears like mine).

And yes, only the 03 has factory rear discs.

 

Or he can get an 03-04 Dakota with the tow package. They have heavy duty cooling and disc brakes all around. Larger radiator, large transmission cooler and also a power steering cooler. I've had no trouble towing cars on heavy 4 wheel trailers over very long distance. Feels like there is nothing back there. BTW, the tow package has a connector plug for a trailer brake controller under the driver's dash. Once I hook up the controller, the trailer does it's own braking. I never depend on my brakes to do all the work when towing heavy... that's a recipe for disaster.

 

FWIW, My '02 4.3, without the factory tow package had little trouble with my 3200 pound boat/trailer.

 

Thanks guys! That's the confidence I was hoping for. Sounds like a low-miles 03 with 5.9 and tow package is my ideal find. I'm gonna say low miles and tow package are musts, while I can settle for a 4.7 or earlier car with drums. I do plan on running trailer brakes, I just hate drums based on principle.

While I think I'd prefer an SUV, I will definitely look out for Dakotas too. If I find a clean one close to the same price range, I may have to jump on it.

That nice RT I found doesn't look like it has a hitch on it, unfortunately.

 

Mine didn't either. It it took about a week and "tada" a hitch was there! The trailer electric kit was the "Hoppy" brand I believe. A bit of a pain to install for the 5 flat on the trailer as I had to add a lead for the brake lock out while in reverse gear.