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Old 06-18-2005, 07:14 AM   #4
RockyMtnRay
TrailManor Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 816
Default Durango might be iffy as a tow vehicle

Quote:
Originally Posted by one504

We're going to look at a 2720 this weekend, so I'll hopefully be a little smarter - but I'd love to hear from anyone who has an opinion on this model for 2 adults & 3 kids. I think the big things for us is beds and a bathroom - I can't imagine we would even do much cooking in it, except in bad weather. My TV is an '02 Durango with the 4.7 V8.

thanks!
As Ted (tritterbrew) notes above, your Durango might be iffy as a tow vehicle for even a 2720 model TM. Although the 4.7 V8 has plenty of torque (nearly 300 ft-lbs) for even decent mountain towing, the problem is the relatively "high" (numerically low) standard rear axle gear ratio of only 3.55. On a 2WD model that limits the "tow rating" to about 4700 lbs; the 4WD models have 300 lbs less or 4400 lbs. On the other hand, if your Durango is equipped with the optional 3.92 axle, then the tow rating is about 1300 lbs higher. Unfortunately, if the vehicle wasn't specifically sold for towing, it most likely has the 3.55 gears because they're just slightly more economical than the 3.92 gears and thus the usual equipment.

The ugly facts about "tow ratings" from vehicle makers and "dry weights" from RV makers is that both are based on bare bones, no options, empty vehicles.
And every pound of people, cargo, options, and fuel in the tow vehicle is a pound you have to take off the "tow rating". So...assuming you have the usual range of factory/dealer options (including AC, roof racks, a hitch receiver, etc.) on the Durango, that's about 500 lbs off the tow rating immediately. And then you gotta subtract the weight of wife and kids (and any of your weight over the 150 lb "standard" driver used for weight specs), a full tank of gas (weight specs are done with 3 gallons in the tank), and finally all the "stuff" you'll be bringing in the Durango for yourself and 3 little kids (and there will be lots of stuff when a 6 month old is part of the deal). Let's say all that adds up to around 800 lbs (lottsa room inside a Durango for stuff ). Subtracting 1300 lbs (options, gas, people, & cargo) from the published "tow ratings" means your real tow rating is only about 3100 lbs if you have 3.55 gears and 4WD and 3400 lbs if you have 3.55 gears and 2WD. If you're fortunate enough to have the 3.92 gears, then your real tow ratings are respectively 4400 and 4700 lbs for 4WD and 2WD models.

On the trailer side of the equation, the problem is similar...the "dry" weight of a 2720 is around 2800 lbs...but by the time you add in the normal options like AC, swing tongue, TV antenna, overhead cabinet, awning, etc. the actual "empty" weight is more like 3300 lbs. And then if you add propane, a load of food, some clothing and camping gear, the loaded weight is typically around 3600 lbs. If you're thinking of filling the fresh and water heater tanks before departure (so you have water on arrival at a prmitive (no hookups) campground), then you need to increase the total weight to around 3700 lbs (or more). As a point of reference, my 2720SL weighs around 3900 lbs in a fully-loaded-for-camping configuration.

Soooo, if your Durango has the standard 3.55 axles, you will be substantially overloading it if you put a typical load of family and family stuff inside and then try to pull a typically loaded 2720. If you have the optional 3.92 axles, you'll have some margin of extra capacity though even then you'll really notice the weight when climbing mountain grades. I should note that it's possible to regear your Durango's differential with 3.92 (or other like 4.10) gears if it does have the 3.55 gears...and your tow capacity will rise to whatever the factory spec is for that ratio. Regearing costs around $500 to $1000 per axle depending on who does the work and what kind (OEM or aftermarket) parts are used...so it's a fairly cost effective modification if you have 2WD but can become pretty pricey if you have 4WD.

The one good aspect of your Durango is it does indeed have enough wheelbase to properly control a 2720 TrailManor. TMs, because of their low profile and inherent sway resistance don't really come under the standard wheelbase/trailer length rule...you can tow a TM with a shorter wheelbase vehicle than would be safe with a standard high profile, sway prone travel trailer.
__________________
Ray

I use my TM as a base camp for hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and climbing Colorado's 14ers


The Trailer: 2002 TM Model 2720SL ( Mods: Solar Panels (170 Watts), Dual T-105 Batteries, Electric Tongue Jack, Side AC, Programmable Thermostat, Doran TP Monitor System)

The Tow Vehicle: 2003 Toyota Tundra V8 SR5 4X4 w/Tow Package (Towing & Performance Mods: JBA Headers, Gibson Muffler, 4.30 gears, Michelin LTX M/S Tires, Prodigy Brake Controller, Transmission Temperature Gauge)


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