Keep in mind that when they say 7,000lb towing you subtract the weight of the Durango and the weight of the individuals in the car. Then you have your actual towing capacity.

Just FYI.

I think you are incorrect. With that thinking, the Durango can pull around 1500-2000 lbs.

I think you are refering to GCWR (gross combined weight rating). The 5.7L is rated at 13,100 lbs. This is a combination of the vehicle and trailer weight.

Just FYI that is completely false. You only subtract the weight of the passengers and stuff in your car. You do not subtract the weight of your SUV to get towing capacity. If you subtracted the weight of the Durango you would only have a towing capacity of about 3,000 lbs.

Well, I used to work as a District Service Manager for GM and that was what we held strong by. From talking to other reps I know Ford and Dodge were the same. Many a warranty claims were denied because dealer/owner didn't follow this mantra.

With that logic a 5200 lb Durango with 4 adults on board would not even be able to pull an empty U-Haul trailer. How do you explain the Dodge commercial with the Durango towing a 5,000lb Ford Explorer along with several other things to demonstrate the 7400lb capacity????

+1. You are obviously correct.

Anyone subtracting the weight of the Durango from the overall towing capacity lacks the understanding of how maximum tow weights are established. Given that and in the end, a simple education can solve their misconceptions.

I understand your logic as an owner, but as a rep I can tell you that MANY a warranty claim were denied because of it. Have at it.

I think you are misunderstanding the conversation, or you have very poor knowledge of the product you sell.

From the Dodge website.

http://www.dodge.com/hostc/towing/basics/glossary.do

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The weight of the trailer plus all the cargo in it. This is measured by putting a fully loaded trailer on a scale.

Gross Combination Weight (GCW)
Total weight of a fully equipped vehicle and trailer with cargo, driver and passengers, fuel, coolant, equipment, etc.(13,100 max)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The maximum allowable total weight of the tow vehicle, including driver, passengers, any special equipment (options, accessories and upfitted equipment), cargo, fuel, coolant, etc. (7100 max)

With your argument, you cannot tow with the Dodge Caravan. It has a 3600 tow rating and weighs 4500 lbs. Just ignore that they show it pulling a small camper on their website.

I appreciate your input, but i think i have my answer.

This conversation isn't about owner logic.....it's about you making a very misinformed and incorrect statement to the potential detriment of other members. Factory stated towing capacity does NOT include the weight of the vehicle itself. If you still think it does then explain the 3500lb towing capacity of the Acura MDX which weighs 4400lbs itself. I guess the warranty was voided the moment the factory installed the hitch and before it was shipped. According to your math the towing capacity would be negative 900lbs.

LMAO!!! this post really nails down Why I will NEVER Buy own lease or drive a GM car again in any of my lifetimes.
Incompetence at its finest, and prob the reason why when my LS2 engine blew a rod with 37k miles, 1k miles past the weak 36k warranty on 06's, they ignored me and offered me $1k off on a new GM instead of fixing my $5k+ motor or giving my 06 the same warranty as the mechanically the same 07-09 which had 100k mile warranty (08-09 got 100k warranty 07 got grandfathered in, 06 the SAME exact vehicle DID NOT get included!?! WTF WHERES THE LOGIC? Missing again!)
clueless from engineering down to the sales and service floor.
STAY FAR AWAY from GM the shadiest, most incompetent brand on any market