Towing a Kodiac 200QB with V6 Durango 2015?

[bobvila]

Hello All,

As mentioned, 2 weeks ago in a post, I'm planning next year to buy a new TT and TV. Initially, I was thinking to buy a Toyota Highlander for towing a Kodiak 200QB (3880 pounds Dry weight, 4240 pounds with all options: battery, awning and propane and 5500 pounds GWVC, 24' from bumper to hitch). However, I received from members of this Forum a lots of very good comments saying that it will not be a good idea and a not pleasant riding experience.

If I tow the above TT with 2015 Durango V6 with Towing Package, would it be ok? The V-6 makes 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque along a 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Durango V6 has 6200 lbs tow capacity and 1320 lbs payload. I estimate occupant (me and my wife) and cargo, hitch, etc....no more than 400 pounds including the excess of 150 pounds driver. I know that things end up packed in the trailer but, having 30 years of camping experience with a tent and a pop-trailer, I can't imagine load my TT with 1200 pounds of cargo.

That said, the V6 Durango would have a towing capacity about 5800 pounds for 4800 pounds TT.

Cargo and occupant with my 2 grand children might be 600 pounds for an occasional trips and short distance (50 miles) and on no hill road..

Can you provide your comments about towing a 200QB with a 2015 V6 Durango.

Also, I'm pretty sure that some of you may might suggest to get the V8 instead of the V6(7200 Pounds of tow capacity) in order to get extra power but is absolutely a must?

Will the V6 be suitable for one long trip from NY to San Francisco. I recognize that I won't be able to ride at 45 mph on a long steep but for a while, I thing it might me acceptable. What do you think?

Thanks again for your inputs and valuable feedbacks!!

[coolbreeze01]

I'd look at Sequoia's too. I really like roll down rear window.

[stratcat]

We tow 7200# Heartland Trailrunner. wih a Chev 1500 V8 w/tow package. it tows great mileage runs around 10mpg. You might look at all the brands and double check all prices and options. I looked at diesel and had a hard time convincing myself to the added price and higher fuel cost overall.

I work in the RV business we have a lot of people trading in diesel coaches because of the fuel cost. They get between 6-9 mpg

just my .02 cents.

[westend]

From the Dodge website, I'm seeing the Hemi V8 is only available in the higher "Limited" model and is a $3K upgrade. If I'm crunching the numbers right, it's about a $10K uptick in price.

[Campfire_Time]

Get the V8. You might even get better, or at least the same, non-towing mileage with the V8 than the 6.

[PAThwacker]

Commen sense tells me: "Durango V8 for a travel trailer. V6 for a boat".

[Rosscoe40]

I have Kodiak 200QB and tow it with a F150 5.4 liter V8, it tows great. I'm sure the V6 would tow it but you would be pushing it. Get a V8, it's less worries and you just feel way more cool looking down at the V6 trucks!

[APT]

The V6 will do it. The V8 will do it better. Do you find 3000+ RPM acceptable? The V8 makes at least 120 ft-lb more torque at 2000rpm which is where many people prefer to drive. If you aren't afraid, then the V6 will be just fine.

[Dennis_Smith]

get the V8 and enjoy the ride. The 6 will be underpowered and there is nothing worse then saying 6 months latter saying, I should have got the V8. I pull a 22 foot trailer with a F250 and its fun to drive. If you or worried about gas then I am afraid you are going to loose a lot of sleep. If I get 10 MPG we call that a good day. We budget for that and it works great.