How much can a Dodge Charger tow?
The Dodge Charger can tow anywhere from about 1,000 pounds on the base V6 to roughly 7,000 pounds on select V8 configurations equipped with the proper Tow Package. Exact numbers depend on the engine, drivetrain, and available towing equipment for your model year.
Understanding the Charger’s towing capability requires looking at engine options, optional equipment, and the safety limits that come with trailer towing. This article breaks down what the numbers typically look like and what you need to tow safely with a Charger.
Engine options and towing figures
Different Charger engines have different towing limits. The figures below reflect typical ratings when the proper towing equipment is installed. Always verify with your owner’s manual or window sticker for your exact trim and year.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 (base engine): up to about 1,000 pounds. This is the most common baseline towing capacity for the Charger without specialized towing equipment.
- 5.7L Hemi V8: up to around 7,000 pounds with the Tow Package. This engine, paired with the appropriate equipment, offers the most practical high-capacity towing for a Charger.
- 6.4L Hemi (392): up to roughly 7,000 pounds with the Tow Package. Similar to the 5.7L combination, this setup supports substantial trailer loads.
- High-performance variants (SRT/HELLCAT): official towing ratings are not commonly published. If rated, they are typically much more limited and towing is not the common use case; consult the dealer for model-specific guidance.
In normal driving, the most commonly towed loads with a Charger are well under these upper limits, such as small travel trailers or utility trailers. The exact maximum depends on the year, trim, and whether the Tow Package is installed.
Tow package, equipment, and setup
To reach the higher towing capacities, you’ll need the proper towing setup. The following elements are typically involved with a Charger configured for towing:
- Tow Package (Trailer Tow Group or equivalent): includes necessary hardware such as a hitch receiver, wiring harness, and upgraded cooling as needed.
- Class III or IV hitch and appropriate hitch hardware for the trailer’s weight class.
- Proper trailer brakes and wiring (often required for heavier trailers, and in many places legally required above certain weight thresholds).
- Weight ratings to monitor: gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combined weight rating (GCWR), and tongue weight. Do not exceed these values.
- Tongue weight guidelines: generally aim for about 10–15% of the trailer’s total weight to rest on the hitch.
Before towing, confirm that your specific Charger model has the Tow Package, verify the hitch and wiring are compatible with your trailer, and review the vehicle’s manual for the exact GCWR/GVWR numbers. This ensures safe and reliable towing performance.
Towing considerations and best practices
Towing with a Charger requires attention to both the vehicle’s capabilities and safe operation practices. The following factors influence performance and safety:
- Payload and tongue weight: ensure the trailer load, payload, and hitch load do not exceed the Charger’s ratings.
- Trailer brakes and lighting: use a properly wired electrical system and brake controller if required by your trailer’s weight.
- Cooling and transmission: heavier tows demand adequate cooling and may require the enhanced cooling available with the Tow Package.
- Speed and terrain: maintain moderate speeds on hills and long grades to manage heat and braking demands.
- Road conditions and wind: crosswinds and drafting can affect stability; plan for extra stopping distance and careful steering inputs.
Always tow within the vehicle’s published limits, and consult your dealer or the owner’s manual for model-specific guidance and any software updates that affect towing performance.
Summary
The Dodge Charger offers a broad towing range depending on the engine and optional Tow Package. Base V6 models typically tow around 1,000 pounds, while V8 Hemi configurations with the Tow Package can tow roughly 7,000 pounds. For safe towing, ensure your exact model is equipped with the appropriate package, use the correct hitch and braking systems, and stay within the documented GVWR/GCWR and tongue-weight limits. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or a Dodge dealer for model-specific numbers and recommendations.
Can I put a trailer hitch on a Dodge Charger?
But we're going to remove it with a 13 mm socket and an extension. Save these bolts for reinstallation. Your second isolator is forward of your muffler.
How much can a 2014 Dodge Charger tow?
1,000 lbs.
How much can you tow with a Dodge Charger?
Tow Capacity: 8100 lbs.
What is the 80% towing rule?
Many RVers are strict followers of the 80% or 80/20 rule of towing, and it's a great rule to live by if you want to ensure you don't overload your tow vehicle. The 80% towing rule is less of a “rule” and more of an idea: don't pull a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
