Can I pull a trailer with a Dodge Journey?
Yes—it's possible to tow a trailer with a Dodge Journey, but only within modest limits and with the right equipment. Most Journeys with the 2.4-liter engine tow about 2,000 pounds, while V6 models with the factory tow package can approach 3,500 pounds; always verify your exact VIN and refer to the owner's manual for your year and trim.
Understanding the Journey's towing ratings
The Dodge Journey was offered with different engines and optional towing equipment over its production years. Towing capacity is not a fixed number for all Journeys; it varies by year, engine choice, drivetrain, and whether the vehicle was equipped with a factory tow package. If you don’t have the tow package, or if your model isn’t designed for towing, your practical limit may be lower. Because the Journey was discontinued after 2019, owners today rely on year- and trim-specific specifications that can differ from one vehicle to another.
Before you hitch up a trailer, it helps to know the typical ranges you might encounter depending on the powertrain and equipment:
- 2.4-liter inline-4 engine: commonly rated to tow about 2,000 pounds.
- 3.5-liter V6 engine (and other larger V6 options) with a factory tow package: commonly rated up to around 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
- Tow package and hitch setup: vehicles without the factory tow package or with a basic hitch may have significantly lower ratings, and may not support trailer braking or wiring without upgrades.
Regardless of these general figures, always confirm the exact rating for your particular vehicle using the door jamb sticker and the owner's manual or a VIN-based specification sheet.
What to check on your Journey before towing
To ensure you tow safely and within legal limits, verify the following for your exact vehicle configuration and year:
- Find the official tow rating for your vehicle from the owner's manual or the door jamb label; confirm this using your VIN if possible.
- Check whether your Journey is equipped with a factory tow package (tow hitch, wiring harness, and, if required, a trailer brake controller).
- Calculate the trailer's gross weight and tongue weight and compare them with the Journey's GVWR/GCWR and stated trailer rating.
- Assess whether additional equipment is recommended, such as a weight-distributing hitch or a dedicated trailer brake controller.
- Ensure the vehicle’s cooling, transmission, tires, and braking system are in good condition for towing duties.
Verifying these details helps prevent overloading and protects both your vehicle and others on the road.
Safety and practical tips for towing with a Journey
When towing with a Dodge Journey, keep in mind that trailers alter handling, braking, and acceleration. Practical steps can help you stay safe and within limits:
- Follow the posted towing limit for your exact vehicle and trailer combination; never exceed the stated rating.
- Use a properly rated hitch and, if required, a trailer brake controller and electric brakes on the trailer.
- Distribute weight carefully on the trailer, aiming for proper tongue weight and keeping the load balanced to avoid sway.
- Inspect all lights, wiring, and braking systems on the trailer; ensure the towing setup complies with local regulations.
- Adjust driving behavior: allow more stopping distance, maintain lower speeds, and be mindful of performance changes during uphill elevation and headwinds.
For frequent or heavier towing, consider whether a larger SUV or pickup with higher official tow ratings might be more suitable.
Alternatives if you need more towing capacity
If your plans routinely involve towing near the upper limit or higher, you may want a more capable vehicle. Options in the Jeep/Dodge family and nearby segments include:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee or Dodge Durango, which generally offer higher factory tow ratings and more robust towing features.
- Full-size pickups or mid-size pickups, which provide higher payload and trailer-towing capacities.
When choosing an alternative, compare the specific tow ratings for your year and configuration, and consider equipment like engine power, transmission cooling, brake systems, and hitch setup.
Summary
In short, you can tow with a Dodge Journey, but only within its official limits and with the right equipment. Expect roughly 2,000 pounds on the lower-end 4-cylinder models and up to about 3,500 pounds on V6-equipped versions with a factory tow package. Always verify the exact rating for your vehicle using the door tag, VIN, and owner’s manual, and equip the vehicle properly (hitch, wiring, brakes) before pulling any trailer. For frequent or heavy towing, a larger, more capable vehicle may be a safer long-term choice.
Can a Dodge Journey pull a trailer?
Yes, a Dodge Journey can pull a trailer, but the towing capacity varies by engine and trim. Models with the base 2.4L engine have a 1,000-pound towing capacity, while those with the more powerful 3.6L V6 engine can tow up to 2,500 pounds.
Towing capacity by engine
- 2.4L 4-cylinder engine: The towing capacity is 1,000 pounds.
- 3.6L V6 engine: The towing capacity is 2,500 pounds.
Which capacity applies to your Journey?
- Check your engine: The base or lower-trim models typically come with the 2.4L engine, while higher trims often have the more powerful 3.6L V6 engine, sometimes as an option.
- Check your trim: Even if you have the 3.6L V6, the specific trim level can affect the towing capacity.
- Install the correct equipment: If you plan to tow, especially with the 3.6L engine, you may need to add the Trailer Tow Group package, which includes a Class II Receiver Hitch and wiring harness, according to this Tonkin Hillsboro Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM article.
Can I put a trailer hitch on a Dodge Journey?
However we have many options available here at Etra. And also any accessory that you add on will most likely come with one included. Then we have some safety cable loops.
Can a 2015 Dodge Journey pull a trailer?
The towing capacity of the 2015 Dodge Journey supports up to 1100kg. This is a braked figure, while the maximum load for any vehicle without using trailer brakes is 750kg, if rated to tow that much in the first place.
Can a 2014 Dodge Journey pull a trailer?
The towing capacity of the 2014 Dodge Journey supports up to 1100kg.
