Trying to understand normal tow handling

I finally found some actual numbers we can use:

Dodge Durango GCWR 12,750 LBS
Dodge Durango Curb Weight -5,133 LBS
Fun Finder loaded weight -5,200 LBS
Passengers gear and fuel -1,000 LBS
Spare capacity 1,417 LBS

It may not be double but it is certainly more than enough for my application.

My earlier response was going by the fact that you were more than 1000lbs over gross on the Explorer, meaning you likely had a lot of passengers. You're still going to have the same problem with the Durango. The number you need to be concerned with is PAYLOAD. You exceed that far before reaching the magical tow rating or GCWR which really don't mean anything.

The 2014 Durango (SXT) lists a GVWR of 6500lbs. If the curb weight is 5133lbs you then have 1367lbs of available payload which must include the weight of all passengers, hitch, and tongue weight. If you have 1k of passenger weight, then you only have 367lbs left for the hitch (~75lbs) and trailers tongue weight. A 5200lbs tt should have around 650lbs of tongue weight, assuming the average 13% which already puts you 358lbs over payload. Better than the Explorer but still overweight. Don't forget, the kids won't get any smaller.

I consulted the original thread at:

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28015034.cfm

and all the posters agreed his Durango was fine and all he needed was an anti-sway hitch. I also expect better general towing performance because he had the old 6 speed transmission and the 2014 has the new 8 speed. He also has 3.45 final drive ratio and the 2014 has a 3.09.

This is really useful and proves towing capacity is not an issue, especially since I am nearly 1,000 LBS lighter than they are. The crux of the matter is the sway, which IS the question I asked and the Durango owner complains about.

Power is not the issue. The Hemi has plenty to pull the weight, and then some. The poster is considering a new vehicle already because he's having problems towing with the Durango. He states he's "at the limits" on payload (I suspect over by the numbers posted) which is probably a contributing factor. The short wheelbase won't help either. I stand by my earlier suggestion.