I'm in the market for another boat but have some doubts on the tow ability. I currently tow a bass boat which is about 1500 lbs with no issues. I'm looking to buy a bigger boat that weighs 6000lbs. My Durango is the Hemi with 3.55 axle ratio.

If you've towed with 5000+ lbs, I'd like to hear your experiences especially with braking, weight distribution, and climbing hills. Thanks

And not to leave anyone out, if you've towed anything - lets hear your experiences and give weight of load. thanks

 

I have the hemi with 3.55s. I have towed an old pickup bed trailer down the moutains here in wyoming with little problems braking wise. Use the towing setting on the tranny and in some cases 4 low on really steep rough portions of the road and no problems. I don't have a clue to the weight, but I can usually fit about a cord of seasoned pine on the trailer. I imagine pulling up hill isn't that much of a problem, just have to take your time and use the appropriate gearing as to not over heat the tranny.

 

You will need larger gears than those 3.55's. I would suggest 4.10's personally. You might be able to do it with 3.93's though too. those 3.55's are good for 4k lbs anything else is too much stress. You may also want to get a brake controller for the trailer since it's that heavy but other than that you will have all the power you need.

 

Thanks for the responses guys. I'm having the dealer change to 3.92 this Friday.

 

I tow a 5500 lb boat with my D/4.7L and 3.55 gears. It does an adequate job on the flat terrain here in Fl, but I get the impression that if I had to tow up any hills the 3.92 would be required. I don't tow very often or I would change gear ratio even for the flat terrain, but since most of the time I am not towing, I want to keep the gas mileage as high as possible. Again, this is not the hemi.

Flea

 

i tow this with my 05 Hemi LTD with tow package http://usedrvs.net/units/768.html

28ft packs all the punches. 2 slides bunks and still a lite weight!!! Options include johnny seat, exterior speakers, 10000 gallon water filter, heated mattress pads and room to bring the whole family.

Year 2005
Manufacturer Cherokee
Model 28A+
Length (ft.) 28
Sleeping Capacity 8
Water Capacity 50
Num Air Conditioners 1
Weight (lbs.) 5780 dry


[IMG]local://upfiles/18092/F8907BE4B9CA40109D295F6D5BB67A15.jpg[/IMG]

 

How much are you paying for that, I priced it out and the parts alone were 1500 plus at least 8hrs at 85/hr.

i have found a set of cheap quality 3.90 at a cheaper price but dont want to spare the quality. so if i do it i wil go to a set of motive gear 4.10's that i found.

by the way i tow a jeep yj on a 15' solid deck trailer. my trailer weight is comming in at 5600. I am using a prodigy digital brake controler and my trailer has 4 wheel brakes. It towes good. solid feel, just not going to win any races. On flat terrain the speed is ok, but on the hills i take my time.



The trailer rating from dodge is as follows:

2004 dodge durango st 4.7L 4x4
3.55 ratio=trailer rating is 5850, gcvwr is 11000
3.92 ratio=trailer rating is 7200, gcvwr is 12500

2004 dodge durango slt 5.7l 4x4
3.55 ratio=trailer rating is 7200, gcvwr is 12500
3.92 ratio=trailer rating is 8700, gcvwr is 14000

this is per dodge.com/towing

 

WOW! Those second gens can pull 7200 with 3.55's? The 1st gens have to have a 3.93 (I think but it may even be a 4.10) to pull like that. The 3.55's are only good for 4000 lbs on 1st gens... What's the difference because the 360's have all the power they need for towing that weight the only thing that is limiting them is the gearing...

 

The parts came to 1,200 which included Fr & R Disc Ring & Pinions, Bearing, fluids etc. Labor is 1,300. Thats at a discounted price so I asked for a further discount and deal is $2000.

Now you got me doubting myself. Anyone think this is worth the money? If not, looks like I need to find a smaller boat......

 

if you have the hemi, you will be fine with a 6000lb boat, with the gears you have. the gearing will get you a little better of the line and passing speed. For me it would not be worth it. I would probably go with motive gears 4.10's. Keep in mind that if you do re-gear you gas mileage will suffer a little. Should not be huge but a little. You could also find a reputable 4x4 shop that does gears and it might be slightly cheaper than the dealership. I will be doing it myself if i do decide to do it, so considering that the motive gears are like 200 each i will save alot of money.

Give Randys Ring and Pinion a call. www.ringandpinion.com for a little more insite. The front axle is a c205f also known as a chrysler 8"ifs by many gear makers and the rear is a chrysler 8.25".

Good Luck