View Full Version : Dodge Durango Towing
Last Boat Off
03-10-2002, 02:37 PM
I have a real nice opportunity on a 2002 new Dodge Durango 4.7L V8 with factory towing package. They have a $2500 rebate now. I would occasionally be pulling a 1660 Lund Pro V when I don't use my truck. First, how is this for a towing vehicle. Second, how have you liked this vehicle overall and are there any problems to be aware of.
Phil T.
03-10-2002, 03:03 PM
Look for past issues of TrailerBoats magazine. Their tow vehicle of the year was a comparison of compact SUV's. Durango, new Explorer, new Trailblazer, and the comparable Toyota. The Explorer won, Durango finished last in the comparison. Find the article, and read the pluses and minuses for yourself.
jigtugger
03-10-2002, 03:39 PM
I have towed a similar rig for 3 years with a durango with a 318. It tows suprisingly strong. I also had a 1/2 ton ram QC for about 6 months that didn't seem to do as well as the durango. My only complaint has been mileage and it seems chevy has the one up on everyone there.
MercMan
03-10-2002, 04:38 PM
I currently run a 2000 Durango with a 4.7L engine with the towing package. I have pulled a 1775 Lund Pro V SE with a 150 EFI for 2-1/2 years. It does a great job for me. It has plenty of power and the boat doesn't "push" me around. I have visibility over the boat and optioned for the larger mirrors for better visibility around the boat. With the incentives that are available now it would make a great tow vehicle for you. Good luck.
MercMan
jeffster
03-10-2002, 06:04 PM
Like I have stated in the past
friends don't let friends drive dodge
jeffster
Mich_Fisherman
03-10-2002, 06:15 PM
Last Boat off,
Send me an email to respond to, I will send you some info....(nothing negative).
bowser@aol.com
Gee, i have quite a few friends that drive durangos, and all pull trailers, one has pulled a trailer many trips this year back and forth to S.Carolina loaded with all kinds of weight, heavier than most boats. he has had good luck with it, but as stated it does lack some in the milage on gas. my jeep grand cherokee does super on towing, and get decent milage, it has a 318 in it. thats why different ones are made, and why we all like different things. and thats what makes this board nice, we can all say what we feel. it be great to have someplace to do this. good luck and good fishin. and good luck with the new Durango. ya get good ones and bad ones in all brands.
Den
Mich_Fisherman
03-10-2002, 06:26 PM
oops...bowser99@aol.com
Wallygetter
03-10-2002, 07:43 PM
I've been pulling boats around for three years with a Dodge Durango, 318 Magnum. Pulled a 1950 Tyee to Dunkirk and back home,{West Mi.}with no problems, does a good job, seems to have plenty of power, and four wheel drive can come in handy if needed. Pulled 1900 Pro V to Green Bay and back, no problems. Been to Canada twice with the Tyee, no problem, I like it much better than I thought I would, been a great truck, would not hesitate to buy another one.
RANGER
03-11-2002, 06:13 AM
I'm with Wallygetter on this - I have a Durango with the 318 (5.2 l) and the tow package. I'm pulling a Yar-Craft 192 Michigan with a tandem trailer. I love that Durango! I pulled that boat all over the place last year and a trip to Canada to boot. I think it is one he!! of a truck and a tow vehicle and I expect to have this combo for a good, long while.
I can't speak for the 4.7 engine, though.
Smitty
03-11-2002, 07:58 AM
I agree. I pull my 1800 Fisherman with the wife's Durango (again 5.2L) when we take our "family" fishing vacations and need the extra space. As others have said, the mileage isn't great (of course it isn't without the boat behind either) but I've had no issues with power or handling. I think most who will say that the Durango won't work as a tow vehicle on the size boat you're referring to would also not generally recommend it as a vehicle in any other circumstance.
It should be no problem with that rig. Good luck.
J. Flowers
03-11-2002, 08:07 AM
I had a 1999 Durango that I used to pull my 19', (2,500 lbs. total) boat quite a bit. The transmission went out of it with 60,000 miles. It did tow strong while it lasted. Mileage was poor, about 9 to 11 mph at 65 mph. I wouldn't get another one. I have heard much since that the trans has been a problem with them.
J. Flowers
Last Boat Off
03-11-2002, 07:22 PM
THANKS for all the replies. I am hearing that the transmission problems were common with the 98-99 years. Apparently not a recent problem? The 4.7L V8 is now a newer 5 speed automatic. I drove it today, and while I was not towing my boat, it seemed like it would be underpowered for that. I found the article recommended by Phil T above (they have a webpage by the same name as the magazine) and they noted an unacceptable downward deflection of the rear end with a tongue weight of 400 pounds, worse than any of the other SUV's tested. I guess I was hoping it would be a good backup to my truck for pulling the boat and it may not be, but it should pull my ATV trailer nicely. Nice family vehicle though. It blows away my wife's 2000 Ford Explorer for comfort, looks, handling, room, and quiet ride . Any comments on the 2002 Durango for family purposes, my wife wants to go buy it tomorrow, we actually can get $3000 in rebates right now.
Jack Neuman
03-11-2002, 07:49 PM
I have put 106,000 miles on my Durango. Most of which were pulling a Ranger 620. Trips to Canada, North and South Dakota, Erie, Saginaw. All from Chicago. It has plenty of room for kids, and my wife loves it. Good luck with whatever you decide.
I have a 2000 Durango with the 4.7 liter. Been pulling around a 619 Ranger with no problems at all. Love the vehicle, just not the gas mileage. It is also my commuter back and forth to work (1 hour each way in good weather and traffic), and have only been getting 12-14 mpg everyday and 10-12 towing the boat. Will see how it does with the new 620 (picking it up at Flippin in 2 weeks).