Can I Use CURT Front Mount Hitch To Flat-Tow My 1999 Dodge Durango Behind Motor Home

Updated 10/07/2011 | Published 10/06/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2125)

$575.00

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors

(3186)

$100.94

Roadmaster Universal Magnetic Tow Lights with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(43)

$77.31

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(401)

$850.00

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

(656)

$70.95

Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(56)

$1930.00

Question:

can i use this hitch to tow the durango behind my motor home, using the 2 inch sq., hole with a tow bar pinned inside it, plus safety chains ?

asked by: Mel L

Expert Reply:

I cannot recommend using a front mount hitch on your 1999 Dodge Durango to flat-tow it behind your motor home. A front mount hitch is not designed to be used to flat-tow a vehicle and it would not be safe.

To flat-tow your 1999 Dodge Durango, you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, lighting or wiring, safety cables, and a supplemental braking system.

For a base plate kit, I would recommend Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit, part # 246-5. The XL base plate kit features removable drawbars, so the base plate kit is less noticeable on the vehicle. The # 246-5 XL kit will fit all models of the Durango that do not have a brush guard.

When selecting a tow bar, I would recommend a non-binding tow bar. A non-binding tow bar will allow for easier hookup and disconnecting, especially if you are on uneven ground. I would recommend the RoadMaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520.

The Roadmaster Coiled Safety Cables, part # RM-643, will keep your Durango attached to your motor home if your tow bar were to disconnect from the hitch ball.

For lighting, there are a few options, you could use the Magnetic Towing Light Kit, part # RM-2120, which would be good if you do not tow often. If you plan to tow your Durango often, I would recommend the Roadmaster Universal Hy-Power Diode Wiring Kit, part # RM-154, which is a more permanent solution.

Most states require using a supplemental braking system when flat-towing a vehicle. I would recommend the Roadmaster Portable Braking System, part # RM-9400. The # RM-9400 will help you slow down faster and help reduce wear on your motor home brakes.

You will need to contact your Dodge dealership for additional steps needed to take when flat-towing. Some vehicles must be equipped with a transmission lube pump, axle disconnect or free-wheeling hubs before being flat-towed. From research I did, I also found that only certain 4-wheel drive models are able to be flat-towed.

I have linked an FAQ on flat-towing that you may find as a good reference. Also linked is a video review of the RoadMaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar, part # RM-520.