2001 Durango for towing

[Jim Parson]

I am new to boating and just bought a Chaparral 230SSI with a custom Heritage tandem trailer. The boat will only be trailered a handful of times each year. I have a 2001 Durango with a 5.9 engine in it. I am trying to figure out what kind of towing setup I need on my car and what the trailer alone might weight. Any help advice or words of wisdom would be great.

 

[JB]

Re: 2001 Durango for towing

Hi, Jim.<br /><br />Like almost any truck or SUV, the Durango's towing capacity can range over a lot of weight, from not much to plenty lots.<br /><br />Your Mopar dealer can help you determine the safe towing capacity of your truck. It depends on transmission, rear end ratio, oil and transmission cooling and electrical system. What engine you have will not have much effect on towing capacity.<br /><br />Once you know the capacity of the vehicle, find out what the boat/trailer rig weighs, ready for the lake.<br /><br />If the trailer weight is 70% or less of the towing capacity and has brakes you are in good shape. Over 70% you are marginal and risking overstressing your truck.<br /><br />Good luck.