Do all durangos have a tow package?
No. Not every Dodge Durango comes with a tow package. Tow readiness depends on the model year, trim level, and whether the optional Trailer Tow Group was selected.
To understand when a Durango can tow and how much it can tow, it's useful to consider the package’s role, the engine options, and how to verify whether a specific vehicle has it installed.
What a tow package typically includes
When present, the Trailer Tow Group (tow package) adds hardware and features that enable safe towing. Contents can vary by year and trim, but common elements include the following:
- Class IV hitch receiver capable of towing heavier loads
- 7- or 4-pin trailer wiring harness and connectors
- Engine oil cooler
- Transmission cooler
- Power steering cooler
- Heavy-duty radiator or cooling system enhancements
- Tow/Haul mode software optimizations (for improved towing control)
Having these items installed helps the Durango manage the stresses of towing and maintains safe operation behind a trailer.
Notes by generation
Across generations, the content and availability of the tow package have shifted. The core components—hitch, wiring, and cooling upgrades—remain common, but exact inclusions can vary by year and trim. Always verify with the specific vehicle's documentation.
In practice, if towing is a priority, buyers should look for the Trailer Tow Group as an option (or check the build sheet) rather than assuming it is standard on all Durango models.
Engine choices and towing capacity
The Durango has been offered with multiple engines, affecting towing capacity alongside the presence of the tow package. Ratings below assume the Trailer Tow Group is installed and other conditions (axle ratio, drivetrain, and brake setup) meet manufacturer guidelines.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: typically up to about 6,000–6,200 lbs with the Trailer Tow Group (lower without it)
- 5.7L Hemi V8: typically up to about 7,400 lbs with the Trailer Tow Group
- 6.4L Hemi (SRT Durango): up to about 8,700 lbs with the Trailer Tow Group
Note: Towing ratings depend on axle ratio, drivetrain (2WD vs 4x4), brake compatibility, and cooling upgrades. Always refer to the exact vehicle’s window sticker for precise figures.
In short, engine choice largely drives the upper limit of what you can tow, but the tow package is the enabling factor for the higher ratings.
Availability by year and trim
Across model years, the Tow Group has generally been offered as an optional upgrade rather than standard equipment. Availability depended on trim level, engine choice, and sometimes regional specifications. Always check the build sheet or window sticker for confirmation on a specific Durango.
- Most current trims offer the Trailer Tow Group as an optional upgrade rather than as standard equipment on base configurations.
- In older generations (2011–2019), the Tow Group was commonly available on V6 and V8 Durangos but sometimes required selecting a mid- or higher-level trim.
- Some performance-oriented or higher-end trims (for example, those with the V8 or SRT variants) incorporated tow enhancements as part of standard or optional packages depending on model year.
Because details shift with updates and regional specs, consumers should verify using the VIN, build sheet, or dealer documentation before assuming a Durango can tow.
How to verify on your Durango
To confirm whether a specific Durango has the tow package, use these checks:
- Check the Monroney (window) sticker on the vehicle for "Trailer Tow Group" or "Tow Package" language and the included equipment.
- Ask the dealer for the vehicle's build sheet or a VIN-based option code decode to confirm the presence of the Trailer Tow Group.
- Inspect for a Class IV hitch and a trailer wiring harness (often a 7- or 4-pin connector) under the rear of the vehicle.
- Look for a heavy-duty cooling package (engine oil cooler, transmission cooler, heavy-duty radiator) as part of the package.
- In-dash indicators or modes such as "Tow/Haul" may be present with towing features enabled.
If you can't verify in person, contact a dealership with the specific VIN to confirm whether the vehicle includes the tow package and its rated capacity.
What to do if you need to tow but don’t have the package
If you need to tow something substantial but your Durango lacks the official Tow Group, here are practical options and considerations:
- Ask a dealer whether the Trailer Tow Group can be added to your vehicle, either at purchase or as a factory-approved dealer installation.
- Consider an aftermarket hitch and electrical wiring harness. Professional installation ensures proper weight ratings and electrical connections.
- Verify any local laws about trailer brakes or brake controllers, which may be required for heavier trailers.
- For heavier towing, assess whether a different trim or used Durango with the factory tow package better fits your needs.
Remember that aftermarket parts may not deliver the same cost-to-benefit or reliability as the factory tow package, and towing with an underpowered setup can affect safety and vehicle longevity.
Summary
The Dodge Durango’s tow package is not universal; tow readiness depends on engine, trim, and whether the optional Trailer Tow Group was chosen. When equipped, it enhances towing capabilities with a Class IV hitch, wiring, and cooling upgrades, and higher engine options provide greater maximum tow ratings. Always verify the exact configuration on a specific vehicle using the window sticker, build sheet, or VIN decode, and consult the owner’s manual for towing guidelines.
