Trying to understand normal tow handling

camp-n-family wrote:
Not saying you're wrong, just can't find the driver included info anywhere. Normally the "tow" rating includes 150lbs for the driver but "payload" does not. Maybe Dodge changed that? Payload is simply GVWR - curb weight.

I agree. 7100 - 5331 = 1769 cargo. 1380 is with a full tank of gas and driver. See my sanity check calc.

As I previously mentioned I used this figure because the worksheet I used adds in all the passenger and fuel weight.

I read that the driver and fuel is included in one of the 30 or so odd sources I read but cannot find now. But that is immaterial because as you said, Gross weight - Dry weight.

camp-n-family wrote:
Be careful using the factory specs too, delivered models can vary significantly in weight depending on options. The best thing you can do is test drive the vehicle you want with all your passengers and drive over a scale. Your loaded weight subtracted from GVWR is what you have left for the trailer tongue weight. If you're under then you should be ok, assuming you are also able to stay under the axle, tire, and receiver ratings.

Excellent points and I fully agree, but as I said many times, the nearest one is 8 hours drive away. That means I had to rely on the published specs. Fortunately I was sent some excellent ones that gives me the numbers for my exact model. I realize some of the optional equipment such as sunroof will decrease it slightly but it it is all I have at the moment.

camp-n-family wrote:
Also, don't forget that the tow rating decreases pound for pound as weight is added to the tow vehicle (apart from the 150lbs allowance for driver). If you add 1000lbs to the Durango your tow rating drops to 6250lbs (7100-1000+150)

I still think it's going to be tight and the money you will spend to "upgrade" isn't going to get you the comfortable towing experience you are looking for. Being at max or over isn't fun.

I absolutely agree. I will be close to the limit but the next step is an expedition or F150, neither of which I will ever drive 9 months of the year to be able to tow 10 -12 times in the summer.

camp-n-family wrote:
I came from a similar setup. Toyota 4Runner V8 towing a 26' bunkhouse that weighed 5500lbs loaded. The 4Runner had 1300lbs payload and a tow rating of 7100lbs, very similar to the Durango. We were well under the GCWR and tow rating but right at the limit of payload (with only my wife, 2 small boys and dog). It was a handful, 2 hands on the wheel at all times. White knuckles in winds or big trucks passing. The short wheelbase, high center of gravity and soft P rated tires were some of the issues. I upgraded the tires and used a $3000 Hensley Arrow hitch which improved things a bit but it was never comfortable. I lasted one summer before buying a truck. Just like the other post with the Durango looking to upgrade.

It's good that you're doing your homework now. I hope you find something that works.

Other than the Consumer Report article that I quoted earlier, that is probably the best personal example anyone has given me. The rational right now is that I am comfortable with the Explorer and the Husky centreline, I just need more power.

For now I put the whole project on hold, I don't really need the vehicle before may 2015 and all the dealers are selling over MSRP anyway. May as well order exactly what I want.

I will weigh that against trading in the Explorer for a car and buying an older dedicated tow vehicle.

Thank you for all your help.