Determining If 2017 Dodge Durango Can Tow 5,600 Pound Trailer with Passengers and Cargo

Published 11/18/2019

Question:

Hello, I get conflicting info on the internet for tow capacity for my Dodge Durango Citadel. It has a 5.7L Hemi V8 and a class IV factory hitch. We are a family of 5 with roughly 1000 lbs of passenger weight, we are looking at a travel trailer of GVWR of 5600 lbs with a hitch weight of 630 lbs. If we load up with 1500 lbs of gear with the full passenger load, would be we safe to travel with our current vehicle? Would a weight distribution hitch increase the cargo load capabilities?

asked by: Beau

Expert Reply:

I took a look at the online version of your 2017 Dodge Durango's owner's manual and for the 5.7L engine with AWD it lists a maximum trailer weight of 7,200 pounds and a GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) of 13,100 pounds. This GCWR basically means that when towing a 5,600 pound trailer your Dodge Durango can't weight more than 7,500 pounds.

Based on the above information and the standard dry vehicle weight of the Dodge Durango, I don't see any issue with towing a 5,600 pound trailer even when you have the vehicle loaded up with passengers and cargo. With that being said I do recommend verifying these specs in your copy of the owner's manual or by checking with a local Dodge dealer.

Now even though it may not be needed to increase the vehicle's capacities, I do still recommend adding a weight distribution system to this setup. Any time a trailer weighs more than half of the tow vehicle's weight, a weight distribution system is going to provide great benefit and it's just going to make your trips so much more enjoyable (especially with a fully loaded Durango).

For your particular trailer I highly recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37100ET, which will work great to distribute weight over the axles of the trailer and Durango and its integrated 4-Point Sway Control will constantly work to keep the trailer in line during travel. It features a tongue weight capacity of 600 to 1,000 pounds, matching your potential total tongue weight range perfectly.

I have attached a short video demonstration that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R