Trailer Hitch Receiver, Wiring and Weight Distribution For Towing a Travel Trailer With 2021 Durango

Question:

I'm preparing my 2021 Dodge Durango for towing a camper as we are going to road trip across the US. My Durango does not have a receiver or wiring to connect to the camper. Can you help me locate everything I need to pull a camper?

asked by: Steve D

Expert Reply:

First you will need a Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # DT38MR. This is my favorite receiver for your 2021 Dodge Durango as it is the only one that will fit behind the removable factory bumper cover. The receiver is rated for a tongue weight up to 900lbs and trailer weight of 7,500lbs. If you are using a weight distribution hitch the tongue weight increases to 1,125lbs. Be sure to not exceed any towing capacities given by Dodge for your Durango.

I highly recommend using a weight distribution hitch like the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37100ET. This particular system is rated for a tongue weight of 600-1,000lbs and a maximum trailer weight of 10,000lbs. The weight distribution will help ensure your Durango stays level while towing which reduces any light steering feel and diminished braking performance caused by vehicle sag. This system also incorporates sway control which will ensure that the trailer is tracking straight behind your. Trailer sway is often caused by high winds or invasive maneuvering. This helps prevent it from becoming dangerous while towing. You will need a 1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket # ALL643216 to install the included 2-5/16" hitch ball.

For the electrical side you will need a Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118617. This harness will connect to the tail lights on your Durango to control the tail lights on the trailer. This will then connect to the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. This is your 7-way connector that the travel trailer will connect to. Additional wiring and connector components are included so that you can wire in the charge line as well as a Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED24FR. The small footprint of the controller will work well with the limited dash space in your Durango. The Universal Wiring Harness # RED69FR is needed for connecting the controller.