Towing Capacity for 2015 Dodge Durango AWD without Factory Tow Package
Question:
Hi there, I am so scared that we will not have enough towing capacity on the vehicle we just purchased. We bought a 2015 Dodge Durango Limited AWD, that did not have a factory tow package. The dealer installed the curt lll hitch and said that we would have the same towing capacity as a factory installed hitch. When I was reading the owners manual, it said that the Durango had a 6200 lb towing capacity, but if it was not a factory tow package it would be limited to 3500lbs.... I feel May have been lied to. Out trailer is 3500 lbs, and the tongue weight is 285 lbs... Then there is the tow vehicle and cargo... Are we going to have problems towing this?
asked by: Kim
Expert Reply:
I took a look at the owner's manual for your 2015 Dodge Durango AWD and did see that for the Light Duty model, the maximum trailer weight is 3,500 lbs and the maximum tongue weight is 350 lbs. Unfortunately, the overall rating of a towing setup will always be limited by its weakest component. In this case, you will have to go by your vehicle's weight capacity regardless of the installed trailer hitch rating.
Considering that the dry weight of your trailer is already at your vehicle's capacity, you may have issues with overloading your vehicle and I cannot recommend this.
A factory tow package will usually include more than just a trailer hitch or wiring. Vehicle manufacturers often include other components that may increase the vehicle's towing capacity such as heavy duty transmission/oil coolers, upgraded suspension or an upgraded alternator, but it really depends on the manufacturer.
However if you can remain under your vehicles maximum towing capacity and decide to tow, I recommend a custom wiring harness such as the Tekonsha T-One # 118617. This will plug directly into existing wiring to provide a 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector.
I have also included a link that takes you to our ball mount selection and a helpful article detailing how to choose the correct one for your towing setup.
I recommend also considering a transmission and engine cooler combination like the Derale # D15321. A cooler will help prevent transmission failure due to overheating, especially during the added stress that towing a trailer will cause.
Something else to consider on your Dodge Durango is a suspension enhancement system such as the SuperSprings Custom Helper Springs, part # CSS-1145R. Once installed, these will help provide a more comfortable ride and help to support heavy loads on your rear axle.
I have included some helpful articles that explain these enhancement systems further.
Products Referenced in This Question
Coil SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs for Coil Spring Suspension - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Jounce-Style Springs
- Standard Duty
- SuperSprings Intl
more information >
Derale Combination Transmission/Engine Oil Cooler Core - 13-15/16" x 10-1/4" x 3/4"
- Accessories and Parts
- Engine Oil Coolers
- Transmission Coolers
- Core
- Derale
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV- 2"
- Shop: Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Towing Capacities for a 2015 Dodge Durango V6
- Q&A: 7-Way Trailer Wiring Kit Recommendation for 2020 Dodge Durango
- Search Results: hitch mount
- Q&A: Trailer Wiring Harness Recommendations for a 2016 Dodge Durango Limited without Tow Package
- Video: Tekonsha Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - Trailer Hitch Wiring - TK22113 Review
- Video: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Installation - 2018 Dodge Durango
- Q&A: OEM Replacement Wiring Harness Installation Assistance and Photos for 2016 Dodge Durango
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Video: Review of Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Ball Mount - Fixed Ball Mount and 2 Inch Ball - DT49MR
- Search Results: ball
- Search Results: referral code
- Search Results: trailer pin
- Q&A: Should 30 Amp Breaker be Used When Installing Installation Kit For Trailer Brake Controller
- Q&A: Where Does Blue Wire of 7-Way Kit for 2015 Dodge Durango Go
- Shop: Draw-Tite Ball Mount w/ 2" Ball for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7,500 lbs
- Shop: Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Trimax Trailer Hitch Pin and Clip for 2" Hitches - 3-1/2" Span - Chrome
- Q&A: Does Tekonsha 7-Way Wiring Harness Work on 2014 Dodge Durango Limited
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: brake controller wiring
- Search Results: hitch
- Video: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Installation - 2021 Dodge Durango
- Video: Review of etrailer - Brake Controller - ETBC7
- Video: etrailer Trailer Brake Controller Universal Kit Review