[MNKMcNeilly]

Hey Guys,

I have a 2003 D with the 4.7 V8. I'm currently setting it up to flat tow my '93 Jeep Wrangler. Do you guys see any problems with this? There'll be no tongue weight and I'll be towing it with the tow bar as parallel to the ground as possible. My Jeep probably weighs a little under 4000 lbs. I'm looking to drive from Northern California to North Dakota (24+ hours of driving.) Can the D handle it? By the way, the D will get a full tune up before the trip.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Kevin_Rants]

Your D will have enough grunt to do the task but I'd be concerned about braking - you'll need some brake assist - something in the form of surge brakes or a connection that applies the Jeep's brakes. You can't rely on the Durango's system to "whoa" that much weight.

 

[FSTDANGO3]

Depends

If your D is equipped with the heavy duty Tow pkg you'll have no problems at all. If not consider adding a trans cooler to keep trans tempatures down
Steve
DOC Pres

 

[Silver Ghost]

I agree - braking may be your biggest problem. I don't know if there's a way to hook up the Jeep's brakes to activate when you hit the D's brakes and an extra 4000 lbs will add significant load to your brakes. Downhills through the Sierras and Rockies may be an issue.
Though it'll handle it, don't be surprised if your D struggles going over the montains too. My 5.9/3.92 had issues going over the Grapevine in 2003 with a 2000 lb trailer in tow. Outside temp was 107 at the time. Pulled over about 2/3 of the way up to let everything cool down. All was good afterward.

Joe

 

[FSTDANGO3]

He has a 2003 so he has slightly better brakes than most of us already.
Steve
DOC Pres

 

[Volphin]

Brakes

Slightly my foot! Better period. :lol: :lol:

Bill

 

[Silver Ghost]

Re: Brakes

Slightly my foot! Better period. :lol: :lol:

Bill

But still not enough to handle an additional 4000 lb load IMO.
Besides, it may be illegal to run without some sort of brake system depending on tow weight in most states.

Joe

 

[MWeed]

Towing

Go to a trailer shop and check with them. There are devices that'll apply the flat towed vehicles brakes as you stop. They sit in the vehicle and apply pressure to the brake pedal.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Brakes

Slightly my foot! Better period. :lol: :lol:

Bill

But still not enough to handle an additional 4000 lb load IMO.
Besides, it may be illegal to run without some sort of brake system depending on tow weight in most states.

Joe

I agree 100% Joe. I'm just jealous I don't have rear rotors. :furious:

Bill

 

[red01r/t]

Me too! On a quick side note, do you guys know if there's a way to swap in the newer rotors and convert to rear discs? Sorry to thread hijack!
-Patrick