What is the weight rating of the Dodge Durango hitch?
The Dodge Durango’s hitch weight (tongue weight) and overall towing capacity vary by engine and equipment, but for most configurations with the factory tow package, you can expect a Class III hitch with a tongue weight around the mid-hundreds of pounds and a towing capacity ranging roughly from 6,200 to 8,700 pounds depending on the powertrain.
What the numbers mean
Hitch weight, or tongue weight, is the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch receiver. Towing capacity is the maximum trailer weight the vehicle can pull. For the Durango, these figures are driven by the engine choice, axle ratio, suspension, and whether the vehicle is equipped with a factory tow package. Always verify your exact figures on the vehicle’s rating labels and in the owner's manual.
Common configurations and their approximate towing and tongue-weight ranges are listed below. The numbers can vary by model year and whether a tow package is installed, so use these as a guide rather than a guarantee.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 with Tow Package: Tow rating around 6,200 pounds; tongue weight typically in the 600–675 pound range.
- 5.7L Hemi V8 with Tow Package: Tow rating around 7,400 pounds; tongue weight generally in the 675–750 pound range.
- 6.4L Hemi (SRT) with Tow Package: Tow rating around 8,700 pounds; tongue weight typically in the 675–750 pound range.
In short, the Durango’s hitch weight sits in the 600–750 pound area across popular configurations, while gross trailer weight capacity climbs from about 6,200 pounds on the V6 up to roughly 8,700 pounds on the high-performance V8/SRT versions. These figures assume the vehicle is equipped with the proper tow package and trailer-sway control, and that payload and hitch limits are respected.
Engine and trim variations explained
Different Durango trims and engines unlock different towing capabilities. Below is a concise breakdown to help you gauge what you might expect on common builds.
- V6 with Tow Package: Balanced capability suitable for mid-sized trailers; higher tongue weight than non-tow setups but lower overall tow than V8 options.
- V8 with Tow Package: Greater towing headroom and higher potential tongue weight, enabling larger or heavier trailers than the V6 configuration.
- High-performance V8 (SRT) with Tow Package: Maximum towing capacity within the Durango lineup, with corresponding tongue weight to match the heavier trailers.
Notes: These ranges assume factory tow packages and are contingent on year-to-year specifications, axle ratios, and compliance with all manufacturer towing guidelines. If your Durango is older or not equipped with the official tow package, the numbers can be noticeably lower.
How to verify your exact rating
To ensure you’re using the correct limits for your specific Durango, take these steps before hitching up any trailer.
- Check the owner’s manual for the exact towing and tongue weight ratings for your model year and trim.
- Inspect the driver’s door jamb or the vehicle’s towing label for GVWR, GAWR, and the maximum trailer weight and tongue weight figures.
- Review the hitch receiver label or plate (often on or near the hitch itself) for the rated tongue weight and trailer capacity for that receiver class and year.
- Consult your dealer or the official Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge towing guide online if you need VIN-specific data.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s published limits and avoid exceeding tongue weight or trailer weight ratings, even if your trailer seems lighter. Overloading can affect braking, steering, and overall vehicle safety.
Summary
The Dodge Durango’s hitch weight and towing capability depend on engine choice and tow package. Typical Class III hitch configurations place tongue weight in the 600–750 pound range, while towing capacity spans about 6,200 pounds on the V6 to 8,700 pounds on the higher-end V8/SRT variants. For the exact figures on your vehicle, consult the owner's manual, rating labels, and VIN-specific towing guidance from the manufacturer or your dealer.
Additional context
As towing technology and safety features evolve, manufacturers occasionally update ratings. If you’re planning heavy towing, consider factors beyond hitch weight, such as payload limits, brake performance, transmission cooling, and trailer-sway control, all of which influence safe towing practice.
Summary note: The precise weight rating of a Dodge Durango hitch is not a single universal number; it varies by model year and configuration. Use the official sources above to confirm the exact limits for your vehicle.
