Recommended Trailer Hitch, Wiring, and Transmission Cooler for 2017 Dodge Durango

Question:

Hi, I have a 2017 Dodge Durango SXT 3.6L. The car does not come with a towing package, so Im looking for aftermarket parts to tow RV trailers probably 4000~5000 lb. Could you please give me some suggestions on the towing hitch do I need a hitch raiser for the aftermarket hitch, the wiring kit 4 or 7 pin. And do I need a transmission cooler? It will be great if you can also send me the etrailer links for related productios. Thanks.

asked by: Ruijie

Expert Reply:

I am happy to get your 2017 Dodge Durango set up for some towing!

Starting with the trailer hitch, I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Round Tube Receiver Hitch # 75713. This Class III hitch is custom-fit for your Durango, which means it will use existing holes in the vehicle's frame for a no-drill installation. The hitch itself features a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and a tongue weight capacity of 900 pounds. I definitely recommend checking your copy of the owner's manual to verify the vehicle's towing capacity. When I took a look at the online version of the manual, I found a capacity range between 3,500 pounds and 6,200 pounds for your 3.6L engine, depending on the exact model. You will need to follow whichever capacity is lower, the vehicle's or the hitch's.

I have attached an installation video on your 2017 Dodge Durango that you can use for reference.

Then for a trailer wiring harness, I recommend the Tekonsha OEM Vehicle Wiring Harness # TK22113. This custom wiring kit includes everything needed to install a 7-Way connector, along with the necessary brake controller wiring. If you ever need to tow a trailer that is equipped with a 4-Way, you can just add the Pollak 7 Pole to 4 Way Adapter # PK12716. This will plug right into the 7-Way connector to provide a 4-Way on the other end to connect with the trailer.

If the trailers you will be towing are equipped with brakes, you will also need a trailer brake controller. For this, I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. This is an excellent, proportional controller that will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in your Durango. It features an easy to ready digital display and continuous diagnostics that will alert you to any potential issues.

You will also need a ball mount and hitch ball. The exact ball mount you choose will be dependent on the height of your vehicle and trailer. but since it sounds like you will be towing multiple trailers, I recommend going with an adjustable model like the Curt # C45900. This ball mount features a maximum rise of 5-1/4 inches or a drop of up to 6 inches. It also includes both a 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch hitch ball. I have attached a video demonstration on this product along with a great article that will assist you in confirming if this ball mount is suitable for your setup.

Lastly, installing a transmission cooler on your vehicle is not an absolute necessity, but I do highly recommend it in order to extend the life of your transmission. For your 3.6L engine, I recommend looking at the Derale Transmission Cooler # D13503. This is an excellent plate-fin cooler that measures 11 inches wide, 8-3/4 inches tall, and 7/8 inches deep. You will just want to make sure you have room between the grille and AC condenser core to mount the cooler.

I have attached installation instructions and videos for the products mentioned, along with a couple additional articles that you might also find helpful.