Initial impressions (2016 Durango as Tow Vehicle)

gonzo628 · 08-29-2016, 11:37 AM

Well, we finally did it. We took the Durango and TM to Flagstaff for a weekend. My initial impression... I am impressed. The Durango has MORE than enough power to tow the 3124. We were able to climb the mountains to Flagstaff without issue (often passing others). As we opened up the 5.7, gas mileage suffered a bit (averaged around 15.5 mpg), but it chugged along just as happy as can be.

The zf transmission (8-speed, no tow/haul mode) was buttery smooth. There have been reports of people not being happy with the transmission (always seems to be hunting for the right gear). I can say that was not my experience. I simply set the cruise for 65mph and the transmission always found the right gear for the current conditions. If it was down in 5 or 4 to maintain speed while climbing a grade, once the grade had been summitted, the transmission slipped back into 8 and cruised along. On the downslope, the transmission downshifted to maintain speed (and kept it within 4 - 5 mph of the set speed -rarely saw a speedometer reading over 68-69 mph).

The Self-leveling rear shocks did their job quite nicely as well. I did not have the WDH set up exactly where it needed to be (was a touch low). After a few miles, the rear ride height was restored and the trailer was level. Once that weight was removed (we were uncoupled), the Durango settled back down to level again.

Hooking up the brake controller was fairly easy (once I released the connector from under the dash). Dodge included a pigtail to wire to the controller (and though the color scheme did not match, hookup was fairly easy).

Anyone know what size coupler was used on the 3124kb (06)? I seem to have a bit of play on a 2" ball...

-Ronnie

mecicon · 08-29-2016, 12:14 PM

What is the towing capacity of the Durango?

gonzo628 · 08-30-2016, 11:23 PM

the v6 (with tow package) will do 6,200lbs. the hemi (with tow) will do 7,400 (though the AWD drops it to 7,200lbs.

BrucePerens · 08-31-2016, 10:43 AM

The Dodge Durango is a longer version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have the 2015 6-cyl with the class IV tow package, with the strange contributions of Fiat having bought Chrysler: a Mercedes-designed chassis and a Porsche-designed 8-speed transmission in a relatively economical US-manufactured vehicle. AWD rather than 4WD (meaning no transaxle shifter). Fluidic level-equalizing shocks.

Tows my 3023 so well I can forget it's there. I turn off eco-mode so that it starts from 1st gear instead of 2nd. When I don't forget. I am using a Blue Ox WDH with 550 lb bars.

Got over 18 MPG heading from Ashland, OR to Chico, CA the other day. Got 17.4 MPG on average for a big loop from the SF Bay up to Oregon on the coast and then back through the central valley. I often get worse mileage driving without the trailer, I guess because I go faster, but it gets about 20 mpg if I don't speed or run air conditioning. Also, the trailer might take the load off of the alternator - it's got 400 watts of solar panels running back there.

gonzo628 · 08-31-2016, 03:19 PM

Hi Bruce, the RT has a 2-speed transfer case (AWD Hi / Low), with a second round selector knob just in front of the console. I've only spent but a few moments in low (playing around), and have yet to need it for any condition I've experienced.

BrucePerens · 08-31-2016, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzo628

Hi Bruce, the RT has a 2-speed transfer case (AWD Hi / Low), with a second round selector knob just in front of the console. I've only spent but a few moments in low (playing around), and have yet to need it for any condition I've experienced.

You would only need low for off-road. If your transaxle goes to neutral you can tow the vehicle itself on its wheels, if not you must lift all 4 wheels.