International 22' AS Tow Vehicle

[rmmm68]

We are about to purchase the International 22' AS and are considering the Dodge Durango SLT 4x4 for our tow vehicle. Is anyone out there pulling the AS with the Durango SLT 4x4?

If so, please let us know your experience pulling uphills and gas mileage.

[Pahaska]

I had the Dakota with the 5.2L pulling my former trailer which was about 3500-3800# depending on contents. A friend had a Durango with the 5.2L pulling the same trailer as I had. I have a 5.3 Silverado now, towing my 2003 International.

While I would not advise the 5.2L (or the replacement 4.7L) for towing the International, I am quite sure that the 5.9L in the Durango would pull the International quite handily. The vehicle itself has plenty of heft for the traiiler and the short rear overhang should make up for the short wheelbase.

I don't know whether Dodge's new 5.7L is available in the 2003 Durango, but that would obviously be my choice if it were.

[rmmm68]

Thank you for the information.

[davidz71]

I'm not sure if the 5.7 Hemi would be available in the enlarged Durango scheduled for '03 or not but based on the articles I have read about the new 5.7, it would be an excellent choice.

[rmmm68]

Just spoke to a Dodge dealorship and found out that the 5.7 Hemi does not come on the Durango.

[Pahaska]

I know the 5.9 is available (a friend has one) and that would sure work just fine.

[rmmm68]

We were thinking of getting the Durango 4x4 5.9L V8 with the higher 3.92 axle ratio. Do you think it is necessary to go for the 3.92 rather than 3.55 axle ratio?

[Pahaska]

I would personally go with the higher numerical ratio for towing the International. The fact that the Durango is a 4x4 adds a lot of weight that has to be considered.