Weight Distribution, Transmission Cooler and Brake Controller for 2006 Dodge Durango  

Question:

Expert Reply:

As a first step, I recommend you determine the towing capacity of your Durango. I have done some research on that vehicle, and saw several references that state that the Durango, regardless of the engine it has, can only tow 2000 lbs unless it is equipped with the trailer towing group. Check with your owners manual or or your Dodge dealer for more information.

You then need to determine the as-towed, fully loaded tongue weight of your trailer. I will provide an article that shows how to do this with a truck scale at your local truck stop. Knowing the ready-to-tow tongue weight of the trailer is essential to choosing the properly rated system for your needs. Also, the weight of anything stowed in the cargo area behind the rear axle of your Durango needs to be included in that tongue weight figure.

Although the system you referenced would work, It might be a bit highly rated for your application, leading to a rough ride. Since we typically calculate tongue weight as being between 10 and 15 percent of the weight of the trailer, we can guesstimate that the tongue weight is in the 550-750 lb range. I recommend a trunnion system like the Reese # RP66541, which is specifically designed for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 400-800 lbs (assuming that your as-towed tongue weight does not exceed that figure). If trailer sway is a concern, this system is also available with the Dual Cam sway control system as part # RP66083. The dual cam system uses cams that ride in detents in the spring bars that will stop trailer sway before it can begin, by forcing the trailer to stay in line behind the tow vehicle.

A weight distributing shank is included with either system I mentioned above, but an appropriately sized trailer ball with a 1-1/4 inch diameter shank will be needed. For a 2 inch ball, go with part # A-90. For a 2-5/16 inch ball, use # 19286.

A transmission cooler is highly recommended, it will provide inexpensive protection for your transmission. The ideal mounting location for the cooler is directly behind the front grille, in front of the radiator and A/C condenser. Because you cannot over cool a transmission, we recommend going with the largest cooler your available space will accommodate. The Derale # D13504 would be a good choice, if your available space can accommodate its size of 11x12 x 7/8 inches thick.

If your travel trailer has electric brakes, you will need a brake controller to actuate them. If your Durango is equipped with the factory installed 7-way trailer connector, installation will be very simple. The brake controller would simply plug into an existing connector located under the dash. The Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885 is our best selling, easiest to use controller. The wiring adapter, # 3020-P would also be needed.

If you do not have the factory 7-way trailer connector, the brake controller would need to be hardwired using our Brake Controller Installation Kit, part # ETBC7, and the trailer wiring harness, part # 118390. The install kit contains everything needed to install a brake controller, click on the provided link for installation details.

I have linked you to the products I recommended, plus a myriad of instruction links and installation videos that you might find helpful. Some of the videos will not show your exact vehicle, but will provide an idea of what the install entails.

expert reply by: Mike L

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