Towing a travel trailer with a V6 Dodge Durango 🚙 // Mechanics and tools we use // Part Time RVing

[@heavyweightcf]

This video helps me so much. I just bought my first camper and will be pulling it with my V6 Durango Citadel. I was a little worried about it but your video puts my mind at ease.

[@WinkOutdoors]

Thanks for the video. We were planning on towing a 2000 lb boat when we bought a V6 durango. Now we are looking at a travel trailer instead. I appreciate your input.

[@aaronswaim8290]

I have towed 3500 lbs from nj to nc and never got the oil above 215 and trans never hit 200...the secret is to lock the transmission into 5th gear, I found that the v6 tows best in 5th gear between 60-65 mph. Using the paddle shifters when towing is a big benefit.

[@1MoreJH]

Makes sense! Even in automatic I noticed that the transmission favors 5th gear

[@TheGenerationX894]

From CO to NY with about 2500 lbs. Manual mode sixth gear was best.

[@jamesraske5324]

Weird according to spec 6th should be the top towing gear at the 1:00 ratio. Any idea what rpm your running between 6th and 5th while towing?

[@purplekoolaid4163]

Your videos are very helpful. We appreciate how detailed they are!

[@1MoreJH]

Thanks for the kind words! Glad you're finding them helpful!

[@jwilson1165]

We just bought a 2023 Durango GT awd v6 with the tow package and the heavy duty engine cooling, we’re looking to buy a travel trailer that weighs 3500 lbs dry. Hoping to not have any problems with it. We live in the Pittsburgh area so kinda hilly.

[@joelsmithers6887]

Great video. Good info thanks.

[@1MoreJH]

Glad it was helpful!

[@katiebundrock7209]

We just got our new to us used 2017 durango sxt and we love it. Wanting to buy a camper to tow a few times vut mostly just up to our family cabin and leave for summer. Ive had ppl tell me they wouldnt they think itd be too hard on it... So I appreciate ur videos

[@1MoreJH]

That's great to hear! I'm glad the videos have been helpful!

[@MoraAdventist]

Can you put a link to the tiremate that you have. ? And the garmin as well

[@reza2251]

do you have a video showin you actually towing the trailer around? thanks.

[@1MoreJH]

I have footage sprinkled throughout the videos but not all in one place. Can make it a point to include more as we travel this season

[@reza2251]

@@1MoreJH Thanks I'm about to tow a X23B with a v8 4runner so I wanted to get an idea of how it's handling w/your vehicle.

[@joeymartinez7605]

I plan on towing from palm spring to los Angeles.

[@lorenzo.6780]

How Is The Drive?

[@Danasuzz]

Currently tow w/ a Jeep Grand Cherokee V8, Tow a 16 foot, TT GVW 3700. Have not enjoyed the tow. Power is fine but it just feels iffy. Looking today at a 2018 DD G/T w/ tow package, and a 2012 V8 DD w/ tow package. Like the idea of a newer car ('18 v '12), newer technology and really don't want another V8. We tow maybe 2 -3 times per year, so it's a lot of not-towing driving. Any thoughts anyone can share? Our TT is a single axel and somewhat high (we call it the wall of white). We typically also travel w/ kayaks, bikes, a kid and a dog. I feel like the longer wheel base of the DD will help, but it's narrower than the Jeep, I believe. Anyone with any thoughts... we know towing is better w/ v8, but at our TT weight, we come well in to the V6 allotment. The Jeep V8 is 6400, DD '18 V6 w/ tow package is 6200. Seems similar enough. We do travel to Adirondacks and Poconos mostly, so we hit mountains but not Rockies. We have WD bars and a sway bar on the hitch.

[@TheGenerationX894]

My Durango 2021 V6 with the tow and go, has no problem with the type of weight you're talking about. It self levels the suspension and the trailer brake controller is spot on. Slip on outer tow mirror extensions and you'll be fine.

[@Ellis1127]

Good information, thanks!

[@1MoreJH]

Thanks for the comment and glad you found it helpful!

[@Fischxx1]

Same Towing Vehicle just the 2WD bought a Micro Minnie 2100BH after first driving i was a little bit worried about towing the Trailer with my Durango it just did not felt save i was also afraid of going from Georgia into the Tennessee mountains so i got us a 2016 F150 for towing. My Wife will keep the Durango for her daily driver.

[@1MoreJH]

Totally understand. Safety first so I'm glad you got the F150 for peace of mind!

[@jeepnut1]

What do you consider to be the cutoff for temperature? What number would you shut it down if it got above? We're thinking about getting a V6 Durango to tow with. We live in Michigan, so somewhat similar terrain to where you are.

[@1MoreJH]

I'll say that when it reached around 250 it was at or slightly above the halfway point on the dial. But you're also not typically on those types of roads that will drive the temp up so probably wouldn't have to worry about it if you're mainly going to be in the middle part of the country. I got to 250 crossing over the Allegheny's but even then that was only a few seconds vs. something like Teton pass or the Ike where it's miles of incline. Durango's definitely a good tow especially if you don't need a big trailer. If you need something a bit bigger, I'd suggest the V8, but payload is really the achilles heel. 1,200 runs out pretty quickly!

[@jeepnut1]

@@1MoreJH Thanks for the reply! It will be a balancing act for us. We currently tow with a 2013 Town and Country, but we're running out of space in our small Coachmen Cadet 17cbh. It's my wife and I and our four kids, so I'm trying to find something that can tow a big enough trailer, preferably with a v6 since it will also be my commuting vehicle if I resume going to the office on a daily basis. But yes, payload is a concern for me! I would like to get a six passenger Ram 1500, but those are a bit more expensive and the new model isn't cheap enough on the used market yet. I'll be following you and I'll check in if I ever upgrade.

[@1MoreJH]

@@jeepnut1 Good luck on your search and research!

[@jeepnut1]

@@1MoreJH Thanks!

[@joseventura2522]

250 transmission oil temperature? Or engine temperature?

[@aaronm6478]

Good video, thank you! With v6 class IV factory install, should this support dry-weight 3,060lbs trailer ok? I know I also have to consider vehicle and trailer cargo weight as well as if I Tow with water tank full. I just purchased a 2022 Dodge Durango SXT v6 was told it can support up to 6,200lbs if properly equipped. Made sure it came with the Tow Package Class IV (with heavy duty engine cooling, rear load-leveling suspension, full-size spare, 180amp alternator etc.). I read that it must be a factory install and not dealer install to get maximum capacity, so I confirmed it was listed in the build sheet. After purchase I noticed the vin-specific detail i was sent by the dealer was 3,500lbs and after following up with the dealer they assured me it was really 6,200lbs and they would update the info. Further research I found that light duty engine cooling would deduct about 2,700lbs (making the capacity at 3,500lbs) and my car comes with heavy duty. So many factors to consider with such a large purchase. I have a tundra v8 5.7l I use for towing but I wanted to have the option of towing on my second vehicle with more interior space. Thanks in advance!

[@Jogita6]

Your Durango should be able to pull up to 6200lbs. I have a similar vehicle that you have; the only difference is that mine is a 2015, but I know that mine can pull up to 6200lbs. Even though a bigger engine usually means better towing, keep in mind that the V8 Durango's towing capacity is only 1,200lbs more than the V6, so if you need to haul something that exceeds your V6 towing capacity, it might be more worth it to grab your Tundra than getting a V8 Durango

[@1MoreJH]

Yeah if you're pulling 3000lbs it shouldn't be a problem. Our trailer was roughly 4500 dry.

[@aaronm6478]

@@Jogita6 thank you!

[@aaronm6478]

@@1MoreJH thank you!

[@plaguedguy85]

@Jeff Huang but you have the tow package right?

[@Aowmediaphx]

I’m in the process of buying a food trailer that weighs 6500lb I know the capacity is 6200lb do you think it can still handle it?

[@TheGenerationX894]

No, you're over, and then you have to add supplies and food etc.

[@1MoreJH]

Agree with Joel. You'll be well over towing capacity and max hitch weight

[@joeymartinez7605]

I have a 1988 chevy monte carlo with reinforced frame and 8 batteries.. I got the 2015 v6 dodge durango.. do you think it would handle the weight??

[@1MoreJH]

I can't say for certain but it looks like your Durango is rated to tow 5,000 lbs. I would weight the Monte Carlo first and then look at the platform weight of what you'd be putting the Monte Carlo on. Those would combined would give you the total amount of weight that your Durango would need to tow. My assumption is that it'll be higher than your towing capacity (assuming it's properly equipped).

[@joeymartinez7605]

Thank you my car is about 4,000 plus my trailer is 800 lbs..

[@jimre173]

What size is your trailer and wet weight?

[@davidseals2939]

Great video! How much does the trailer you are towing weigh?

[@1MoreJH]

Thanks! The dry weight on our trailer was 4,549 lbs. With it packed we're at around 4,900 lbs give or take a few. This keeps us at around 80% of towing capacity

[@rickolson5922]

Is this with the towing package? Been researching and if durangos dont have the towing package, they are only rated for 3500lbs regardless of what the aftermarket hitch rating is. Was a major bummer for me, as many dont seem to have a tow package and the other features I'm looking for.

[@1MoreJH]

Yes, mine has the class IV hitch that comes with the towing package. I read the same when shopping so was very specific about that with the dealerships and sales people. What other features are you looking for?

[@TheGenerationX894]

Yes, have to get the tow n go. Otherwise 3500 lbs.

[@andrewresch710]

Do you have tow package

[@1MoreJH]

Yep. Made sure of it so the Durango can tow up to 6200 lbs

[@MrBobjorge]

I would never tow with a v6 dodge. That engine has a history of issues. I have had 2 Ram 1500 pickups in the past. Both hemis and they pulled awesome. The black mess u have on the right bank of the exhaust and not on the left Hmmm? Love your channel. I was a newbie once myself.

[@1MoreJH]

Yeah I've heard much about the pentastar V6. Knock on wood we haven't experienced any mechanical issues overall. I did notice the black stuff but never see any black smoke coming out the back. I love the new gen Rams, but am a SUV guy. I'll be looking at a truck based SUV like Tahoe, Yukon or Expedition in due time. For now, we'll go whenever this modest Durango will take us. Appreciate the support!

[@MrBobjorge]

I like the Durango but i have a 1/2 ton pu with a canopy. Lots more storage then with an suv. And it tows my 26ft camp trailer with ease because of the v8.