Towing Capacity for a 2017 Dodge Durango with RWD

Updated 10/08/2018 | Published 10/06/2018

Products Featured in This Question

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(189)

$71.81

Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K

(799)

$78.44

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(1705)

$290.00

Question:

New 2017 dodge durango rwd I was told when I brought my suv that it had a towing capacity of 6500 lbs. Need clarity?

asked by: Linda

Expert Reply:

I took a look at the online version of the owner's manual for a 2017 Dodge Durango and if your RWD model has the 3.6L with a GCWR of 8,900 lbs (found on the sticker of your driver's door jamb) then your towing capacity is 3,500 lbs. If the GCWR is 11,600 lbs then the capacity is 6,200 lbs. If you have the 5.7L RWD then your capacity is actually 7,400 lbs.

You will want to check your owner's manual to confirm these ratings and then keep in mind that if your trailer hitch has a different weight rating then you will be limited by the lower rating.

If you don't have any equipment for towing then I have some recommendations for you. The trailer hitch I recommend using is the Draw-Tite # 75713. This gives you a clean looking hitch receiver due to how it installs. It will fit with an 18" spare but not a 20" spare just like our other trailer hitches for your Durango. This trailer hitch has a trailer weight rating of 6,000 lbs and a tongue weight rating of 900 lbs. When used with a weight distribution system the trailer weight rating is increased to 7,500 lbs but the tongue weight remains the same.

For wiring I recommend the Tekonsha T-One # 118617 which plugs in behind your tail lights and gives you the basic trailer light functions. If the trailer you plan on towing weighs at least 2,000 lbs then brakes are required by Dodge and I recommend using the Tekonsha OEM Wiring Harness # TK22113.

This comes with everything needed to install a brake controller like the popular Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR.

You also need a ball mount, hitch ball, and hitch pin & clip. I like the kit # C45534 which comes with a locking hitch pin and a hitch receiver cover but you will want to reference the linked ball mount article to ensure that the 2-1/4" drop is correct for your application.

I have attached some additional videos and helpful articles that you can reference as well.