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New Durango Owner - 2014 Special Service Vehicle

22K views 21 replies 14 participants last post by  granieaj  
#1 ·
Hello all. I'm Jason in Louisville, Ky, and just purchased a 2014 RWD v8 Durango SSV. It looks good but it's a very base model. I wasn't so sure about the SSV because it doesn't have very many features but I got a great deal and it only has three thousand miles on it so I pulled the trigger.

I have been looking through the forums to learn about upgrade options.I'm pretty sure I can add a remote start and I'm going to go ahead and order one. I've seen others have had luck upgrading the head unit and have been investigating that also. However mine doesn't even have the center speaker, so I'm not so sure on that.

I believe the SSV comes with everything in the tow package, so I had the dealer put a hitch on.

I am searching for info on speakers, rear hvac controls (mine is only controled from head unit), backup camera (would like oem, if mopar releases one soon) and potentially heated seats/stearing wheel. I can probably obtain most of these things from a junked vehicle, but would love to know if my harness would support any of these options or not. Info on this model is very limited as far as I can tell.

Anyone have any experience with this model?

 
#2 ·
The 2014 Dodge Durango Special Service Vehicle returns with some new and updated features that help it fight crime, fires, or whatever else you can throw at it. Available for police , fire, and general fleet customers, the full-size SUV offers best-in-class power and an array of new dashboard gadgetry that includes TFT and touch screen displays.

Offered with either the 3.6-liter, Pentastar V-6 or the 5.7-liter, HEMI V-8, the Durango SSV comes with Chrysler ’s new eight-speed, rotary-dial-controlled, transmission. Both engines lay down impressive stats, but on opposite ends of the spectrum. The V-6 is estimated to get 25 mpg and have a range of 600 miles; meanwhile, the HEMI can tow 7,400 pounds.

Expecting the Durango SSV would get abused, Dodge outfits them with heavy-duty brakes, heavy-duty battery, a larger-output 220-amp alternator, heavy-duty water pump, engine oil cooler, and a load-leveling suspension. Other options include skid plates on AWD models, backup camera, tow package, engine block heater and Uconnect.

All SSV Durangos have their third row seats removed for added cargo room, and come with extra under-floor storage compartments. Illuminating the interior is a red and white dome lamp while the outside gets the Durango’s standard LED daytime running lamps and rear ‘race track’ taillights. It also comes prewired for an A-pillar spotlight.

Standard Electronic Stability Control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist, Trailer-sway Control, Rain Brake Support, and Ready Alert Braking help keep the Durango’s shiny side up while chasing perps and putting out fires.

Dodge is taking orders for the 2014 Durango SSV and production is already underway at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit.
 
#5 ·
There was one other that was here that he got second hand, But Yes first 2014 SSV
STEVE
 
#7 ·
Inside pics and a build sheet would be great for you to toss up here if you could.
 
#8 · (Edited)
No 3rd row, which is the one missing feature I'm happy about:


Extra Cargo Bins:


No rear air controls and notice the huge beautiful light up front. Yes that is listed as a feature, though I thought it must have been an aftermarket addition since the trim doesn't even match:


With the light on. Super bright RED light. Lights up the whole truck in red at night. Salesman said I was supposed to turn it on while smoking weed! I looked at having it removed, but there would be a 4 inch hole in the headliner:


Doesn't have leather, heated seats, memory seats/mirrors, backup camera, park assist or sunroof, but I think I'll be happy after a head unit upgrade and remote start:




Just requested the build sheet.
 
#10 ·
I never heard of this model either when I researched the Durango for about 5 months prior to purchasing. I like the fact that is has all the drivetrain updates and heavy duty stuff that a high end model 2014 Durango would have. You're right; you can add radio, amplifier, GPS, wheels, remote start, etc at your own pace. Some of these aftermarket add ons have radar detectors built in along with cameras for forward view recording. Can't get that stuff with the built in options. The extra storage bins are nice. The single one in mine is full of junk already (Cargo straps, ropes, tools, towing gear and such).
 
#11 ·
#13 ·
said he got a great deal on it and it's kind of unique.
 
#18 ·
Red light is low glare. Same reason it's used in airplane cockpits. It doesn't glare off widows and make it hard to see out.
 
#19 ·
From Hendon:
Importantly, the term Special Service has always meant something less than pursuit-rated. To the point, the Special Service package Durango is “not designed nor intended for high-speed emergency or pursuit driving” according to Chrysler Fleet.
IIRC the speed limiter is gonna be based on the tires.
 
#20 ·
There are no performance gains on SSV D's
These were designed for Fire Chiefs, Detectives etc as Tom Said not High speed Interceptors.
There was another on here not so long ago that claimed he had a 400+ Hp SSV as sold to him by dealer. It turned out he had a SSV with cages and different rear seating(no 3rd row) but no difference in power. I think having all that extra wiring capability would be cool if you need that for any reason
Every D has a Purpose.
STEVE