Can I tow this TT with my 5.7l v8 Durango

[Rvbewbie101]

Hello

First of all I am a complete newbie when it comes to rv’a. I did a little research and I think I found a TT that works with my Durango and family.

Durango specs:
5.7 l v8 pulling power 7200
Payload is roughy 1600lbs
Unibody frame
Tow package installed by manufacturer with class iv

TT specs:
https://www.rvtravelworld.com/product/new-2019-highland-ridge-rv-mesa-ridge-conventional-mr180bhs-992511-29

Highland ridge Mesa ridge 180bhs
Length is 22 feet
Gross weight is 4950 lbs
48gals water storage
Not sure if one or two 30lb propane tanks

TW = 594lb ( 4950 x 12%)
Should give me plenty of payload room still

Another question is on the actual hitch, what would be a good WD hitch
.

Let me know if this works, thanks

[mileshuff]

We pulled a 5000lb loaded TT for 11 years with out 2004 Durango 4x4 w/5.7L. Pulled it with ease. Up steep 6% grades it was down to 40mph unless I wanted to run near red line. Handled great.

The 2004-2010 Durango's have a stiff tube frame and solid axles well built for towing. My understanding is that the newer Durango's have independent suspension and unibody construction. Maybe nicer ride but not as good for towing. The newer 5.7L Hemi's have more power than our older 2004 so that won't be an issue.

[Allworth]

As long as you are not trying to get over the Rockies in a hurry you should be fine.

I would have Light Truck tires mounted up for the Durango. LT at the start of the stock number instead of P. The ride will be harsher, but the stiffer sidewalls will improve overall control.

[rexlion]

How much hitch weight is the Durango receiver rated for? Add the LP, battery, and whatnot, and your 594 lb dry could turn into 700-800 lbs real quick. Or more if you are not careful. A Sherline scale might be an asset to buy.

I was happy with the Equal-i-zer brand, it has built in sway control and requires no drilling to install. Not too hard to set up oneself IMO.

[Rvbewbie101]

downtheroad wrote:
I'll keep it simple: You need a 1 ton dually.

Seriously....yes. You should be fine. Don't travel with full tanks and pack light. You don't need to bring enough stuff to live on Mars for 2 years.

Lol thanks for putting into really layman’s terms

[downtheroad]

I'll keep it simple: You need a 1 ton dually.

Seriously....yes. You should be fine. Don't travel with full tanks and pack light. You don't need to bring enough stuff to live on Mars for 2 years.

[Rvbewbie101]

wanderingaimlessly wrote:
As you questioned the 1000 lb capacity of the tt is limiting. If you can travel with only 10-20 gallons because you will be staying somewhere with hookups, you should be fine.
Boondocking with 48 gallons of water after having added 2 batteries and 2 propane tanks will get that CCC filled up quick.

Tow vehicle wise, you look to have a good match. Just verify the use of the weight distributing hitch on the unibody, not sure if that could be a question or not.

From what I could find is that equalizer hitches were not recommend on older styler unibodies, with newer models (like mine ) a equalizer hitch is recommended. All this is just from google research and not practical knowledge though

[Rvbewbie101]

Grit dog wrote:
Drivetrain will handle towing that weight pretty much no problem.
Rear suspension, keep weight in check, IMO. Idk what is available for upgraded struts or springs, but being an independent rear suspension, it's not a traditional solid axle that is more durable for weight rating, again in my opinion. You're towing with a "car" suspension.

This is what I could find about the rear suspension, it’s mostly jibberish to me :?

Multi-link rear suspension, coil spring, twin tube shocks (including load leveling for towing), aluminum lower control arm, independent upper links (tension and camber) plus a separate toe link

[wanderingaimles]

As you questioned the 1000 lb capacity of the tt is limiting. If you can travel with only 10-20 gallons because you will be staying somewhere with hookups, you should be fine.
Boondocking with 48 gallons of water after having added 2 batteries and 2 propane tanks will get that CCC filled up quick.

Tow vehicle wise, you look to have a good match. Just verify the use of the weight distributing hitch on the unibody, not sure if that could be a question or not.

[Grit_dog]

Drivetrain will handle towing that weight pretty much no problem.
Rear suspension, keep weight in check, IMO. Idk what is available for upgraded struts or springs, but being an independent rear suspension, it's not a traditional solid axle that is more durable for weight rating, again in my opinion. You're towing with a "car" suspension.

[Rvbewbie101]

1320Fastback wrote:
It looks reasonable if the Durango isn't loaded down with coolers, luggage and tools in the back. Make sure you have properly rated tires in the Durango that meet the OE specifications. Often times we shop for tires based on looks when we don't tow 😉

Something I never thought of, I will look into that.

Thanks

[1320Fastback]

It looks reasonable if the Durango isn't loaded down with coolers, luggage and tools in the back. Make sure you have properly rated tires in the Durango that meet the OE specifications. Often times we shop for tires based on looks when we don't tow 😉

[Rvbewbie101]

drsteve wrote:
It looks OK, but a bit limited on cargo. 600 lb of tongue weight plus you and the family is going to probably be close to the Durango's limit. You will probably want to tow with an empty fresh water tank, since 400 lb of water would represent almost half of the TT's cargo capacity. As long as you don't try to bring too much stuff, you should be fine.

How much family are we talking?

I was wondering if I should calculate the water weight into the payload equation since I Calculate the tongue weight using the gvwr of the trailer . What do you think?


For the family, as of now it is 3 of us, roughly 400lbs.

[drsteve]

It looks OK, but a bit limited on cargo. 600 lb of tongue weight plus you and the family is going to probably be close to the Durango's limit. You will probably want to tow with an empty fresh water tank, since 400 lb of water would represent almost half of the TT's cargo capacity. As long as you don't try to bring too much stuff, you should be fine.

How much family are we talking?