Towing Capacity for 2015 Dodge Durango AWD without Factory Tow Package

Question:

Hi there, I am so scared that we will not have enough towing capacity on the vehicle we just purchased. We bought a 2015 Dodge Durango Limited AWD, that did not have a factory tow package. The dealer installed the curt lll hitch and said that we would have the same towing capacity as a factory installed hitch. When I was reading the owners manual, it said that the Durango had a 6200 lb towing capacity, but if it was not a factory tow package it would be limited to 3500lbs.... I feel May have been lied to. Out trailer is 3500 lbs, and the tongue weight is 285 lbs... Then there is the tow vehicle and cargo... Are we going to have problems towing this?

asked by: Kim

Expert Reply:

I took a look at the owner's manual for your 2015 Dodge Durango AWD and did see that for the Light Duty model, the maximum trailer weight is 3,500 lbs and the maximum tongue weight is 350 lbs. Unfortunately, the overall rating of a towing setup will always be limited by its weakest component. In this case, you will have to go by your vehicle's weight capacity regardless of the installed trailer hitch rating.

Considering that the dry weight of your trailer is already at your vehicle's capacity, you may have issues with overloading your vehicle and I cannot recommend this.

A factory tow package will usually include more than just a trailer hitch or wiring. Vehicle manufacturers often include other components that may increase the vehicle's towing capacity such as heavy duty transmission/oil coolers, upgraded suspension or an upgraded alternator, but it really depends on the manufacturer.

However if you can remain under your vehicles maximum towing capacity and decide to tow, I recommend a custom wiring harness such as the Tekonsha T-One # 118617. This will plug directly into existing wiring to provide a 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector.

I have also included a link that takes you to our ball mount selection and a helpful article detailing how to choose the correct one for your towing setup.

I recommend also considering a transmission and engine cooler combination like the Derale # D15321. A cooler will help prevent transmission failure due to overheating, especially during the added stress that towing a trailer will cause.

Something else to consider on your Dodge Durango is a suspension enhancement system such as the SuperSprings Custom Helper Springs, part # CSS-1145R. Once installed, these will help provide a more comfortable ride and help to support heavy loads on your rear axle.

I have included some helpful articles that explain these enhancement systems further.