I have seen these that bolt right on the existing rear cross menber for under $100.00

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...cleid=20075587

 

Yes, Thanks

I had seen them on line and they appear to be the same as the factory hitch. But I don't like how the rear cross member is just a bolt-on that hangs past the frame rails... I think I will have the guys build something like that but also tied directly to the frame.

10 pounds of steel and another hour in the shop for some peace of mind.

 

The factory rear cross member is a huge 2" plus sqaure box. I added the factory hitch to mine as it didnt come from the factory with one.

 

Mine has the hitch just like in the pics, but no plug and wires. Where and what would I need to complete the setup?

 

I just purchased:
Curt 13297 (hitch)
and
Curt 55597 (wiring)

from this ebay seller: http://stores.ebay.com/discountautoexperts
Have not received or installed.
I will report back when all is done.

I would prefer a wiring kit to include a 7 prong lead to include trailer brakes but I can have my local auto electric shop make the poroper jumpers and wire my brake controller.


PS: The vendor return policy is Not Good.

Doing other business with this seller now: http://stores.ebay.com/autoanything
Their return policy is great and the response to questions is far superior, however I did not shop there first because the web search tools were not quite so easy.

 

the factory wiring has several relays in the harness for the lights. Its more than just wiring.


$144 and a few hours work all plug an play

 

A good solution MIKEon22s

the Curt 55597 includes the relays needed for the lights
http://www.smartchamp.com/images/pro..._55597_INS.PDF
I will have my local auto electric shop make the proper jumpers and wire my brake controller with a separate 7 prong outlet to include trailer brakes.

 

The Durango without factory tow package or heavy Duty cooling package is only rated to tow 2000lb. You can add the beefiest hitch out there, but if the engine can't cool itself you are in for trouble.
With factory tow (cooling) and the 3.55 gears, you are good to 7200lb, and with 3.92 gears (rare it seems) good for 8900lb. This is according to the manual. that is with the Hemi, with 4.7L it is less. (I don;t recall what though as I have a hemi)
I am sure it can do more, but safely or for any amount of time is anyone's guess. If you are pulled over, they go by what the factory manual and weight placards say. Your modifications mean little. Be careful is all I can say, and would not recommend it.

 

Sounds like I will be good for a 8700 lbs. trailer.

The lower Axle Ratio was an option, and was not part of the Tow Group. A lower ratio would not effect safety issues.
My car already has the big battery and both aux. oil coolers
Hitch and wires and I am good to go.

===
SLT 5.7-liter 4WD
GVWR lbs. (kg) Curb Weight lbs. (kg) Payload lbs, (kg)
6600 (2994) 5079 (2304) 1520 (690)

Axle Ratio GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) Maximum Trailer Weight
3.55 12500 lbs. (5670 kg) 7200 lbs. (3266kg)
3.92 14000 lbs. (6350 kg) 8700 lbs. (3946kg)

All models can tow trailers up to 2000 pounds with the addition of a trailer hitch. For towing heavier trailers up to the Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings shown in the following chart, the vehicle must be equipped with the Trailer Tow Group.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) is the maximum allowable combined weight of loaded vehicle and trailer. It includes the weight of passengers, cargo and fuel in the vehicle and cargo in the trailer.
Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings include cargo and fluids in the trailer and 150 lbs. for the driver and must be decreased by the weight of optional equipment, trailer hitch, cargo and passengers. Load equalizing hitch recommended for trailers over 2000 lbs.All dimensions are in inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted. All dimensions measured at curb weight with standard tires and wheels.

Trailer Tow Group includes:
- 2" Hitch Receiver
- 7 and 4 pin wiring-harness
- 6" x 9" power heated foldaway exterior mirrors
- 750 amps maintenance free battery
- auxiliary transmission fluid cooler
- auxiliary power steering fluid cooler

PS: trailer brakes required