I am contemplating buying a 2013 crew w/hemi. How have your durangos performed on the beach and in deep sand? Any limitations? Thanks in advance for your input.

 

Ground clearance of the front fascia will be your biggest problem. You'll be a giant sand plow.

 

I would definitely get AWD if I knew that I was going to be playing in the sand.

That said, here is a comparison that came out in for taking crossovers off road....out of the vehicles tested, the Durango was the one that did the best in the sand. It did so well, they used it to pull the others out when they got stuck.

See link for the article, it covers exactly what you want to know.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...?click=main_sr

 

Thanks for the link to that article...great reading. I think that made my mind up. I am going to pick her up today...2012 crew hemi 5.7. I'll post again and properly introduce myself once I get her...

 

great info... thanx!

 

I didn't run mine on the beach this past summer, but will next summer. From what I read the Durango should do pretty well, at least the v6, because it has real AWD. Meaning all tires have equal power going to them at all times, not just kicking in when needed.

 

I think you read it wrong, the AWD system does not drive all the wheels at the same time. It just has a different AWD system then most others.
It starts with being RWD based, and power runs through the rear wheels during normal driving. When the rear wheels slip the fronts kick in. The system that engages the fronts is also different than most others, as it is not going to overheat and shut off after prolonged use.

 

I'm not sure.. what your describing sounds like the 2-speed on demand transfer case that's in the v8 Durango. Is different than what's in the v6.