Dodge Durango Towing Guide: The Muscle Car of SUVs

Know Your Engine: V6 vs. V8 vs. Tow 'n Go

Your towing capacity is determined by three things: your engine, your drivetrain (AWD/RWD), and the all-important "Tow 'n Go" package.

• The 3.6L Pentastar V6 (6,200 lbs): Don't overlook the base engine. Rated for 6,200 lbs (when equipped with the Trailer Tow Group IV), it outperforms the Explorer, Highlander, and Pilot by over 1,000 lbs.

  • Best Match: Forest River Grey Wolf 23MK or Jayco Jay Feather 24BH.

• The 5.7L HEMI V8 (7,200 – 7,400 lbs): The legendary HEMI V8 offers stump-pulling torque. Standard R/T and Citadel models are rated for 7,400 lbs (RWD) or 7,200 lbs (AWD). This is perfect for heavier fiberglass campers.

  • Best Match: Grand Design Imagine or Rockwood Mini Lite.

• The "Tow 'n Go" & SRT Models (8,700 lbs): This is the king of the hill. If you have an SRT 392, Hellcat, or an R/T / Citadel with the Tow 'n Go Package, your capacity jumps to a massive 8,700 lbs. The Tow 'n Go package adds Brembo brakes, active suspension, and an electronic limited-slip differential to handle this weight.

  • Best Match: Jayco Eagle HT, Forest River Cherokee, or heavy Toy Haulers.

What Can I Tow With a Durango?

• Toy Haulers (Tow 'n Go Required): With 8,700 lbs of capacity, the Durango is one of the few SUVs capable of pulling a Travel Trailer Toy Hauler loaded with a pair of jet skis or heavy motorbikes.

• Wide-Body Travel Trailers: You can step up to 8-foot wide trailers with deep slide-outs. The Durango's long wheelbase and heavy curb weight make it feel incredibly stable with these larger units.

• Performance Boats: The Durango was practically built for the boat ramp. With AWD and the electronic limited-slip differential (on Tow 'n Go models), pulling a 26-foot wake boat out of the water is effortless.

Critical Equipment: The Brake Controller

• 2025+ Models: Good news! For 2025, Dodge finally added a factory Integrated Trailer Brake Controller as part of the Trailer Tow Group. It is built right into the dashboard for a clean look.

• 2011–2024 Models: Most Durangos from this era do not have a factory controller on the dash. You typically need to install an aftermarket unit. Our Service Department recommends the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite, which can be installed with a tiny knob that looks like a factory part, preserving your interior's style.

The "Load Leveling" Secret

Almost all Durangos with the Trailer Tow Group IV come with Rear Load-Leveling Suspension.

• How it Works: It uses the shock absorbers to mechanically pump up the rear end as you drive, keeping the vehicle level even with a heavy trailer tongue.

• Pro Tip: This system works too well sometimes. When setting up your Weight Distribution Hitch, you must account for this leveling action to ensure you are actually transferring weight to the front wheels, not just hiding the sag.

Ready to Rumble?

Your Durango has the power; now it needs a purpose.

• Shop Heavy Duty: Filter our inventory for Travel Trailers Under 8,500 lbs to see the massive floorplans you can access.

• Verify Your Package: Unsure if you have "Tow 'n Go" or just the standard hitch? Visit our Towing Guide Resource Center to check your window sticker.

• Get Hitched: Need a brake controller installed in your 2023 R/T? Schedule an appointment with our Service Team today.