Towing

[Garyj]

I am new to RVing. I own a 2005 Dodge Durango with a tow capacity of around 8900 lbs. I want to tow a 25' airstream. Do you see any problems with that. Thanks

[ZoominC6]

Keeping 20% of towing capacity in reserve thereby limiting your trailer to 7100lbs gross whould make for a pleasant experience I would think. Anything approaching the max towing capacity above 7K would limit the pleasantness of towing in the hills I would imagine. Good luck.

[Garfield]

Looks like you have plenty of power and towing capacity, but the relatively short Durango's wheelbase and soft suspension will require a weight distribution hitch w/sway control. A simple friction sway control should work if set up properly, but many folks prefer something more sophisticated such as the Equal-i-zer, for example. A premium hitch such as the Hensley Arrow or Propride is always nice, but certainly not required in your case. You might check your tires -- most SUV's ship with mushy OEM's and you'll get much better handling from a set of LT's, especially if you don't go with a Hensley or Propride. Of course you'll need an electric brake controller too. Unless you have some experience I'd recommend finding a dealer you can trust to do the hitch work.

Good luck!

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Garyj

I am new to RVing. I own a 2005 Dodge Durango with a tow capacity of around 8900 lbs. I want to tow a 25' airstream. Do you see any problems with that. Thanks

What model 25'?

The Airstream factory weight numbers, GVWR and tongue, are notorisely low. Be alert on the tow vehicle payload and axle weight ratings.(dr. door jam).

Our loaded for camping tongue weight on these CAT scale tickets is over 1200lbs un-hitched.

As noted you will need a quality brake controller, hitch with sway control and a hitch receiver with the proper load capacity.

Good luck in your search..your doing the right thing in the BEST place!

Bob

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

If you are considering a late model 25' Airstream, you looking at about 7,400#. This is what our 2005 25FB weighs ready to camp. A Durango could possibly tow such an Airstream, but it will require some set-up. First, you will need a quality weight distributing/sway controlling hitch system. This is particularly important with a short wheelbase tow vehicle like the Durango. You will also need a trailer brake controller. Also, your Durango may have P rated tires. These will have to be replaced with tires rated to carry the load. You may also need to consider adding auxiliary transmission fluid and oil coolers to your tow vehicle.

Brian

[slowmover]

Start with the Dodge Towing Guide.

Paste the numbers here of your vehicle; all that are given in the above.

As above, you'll need a WDH, preferably with at least a REESE Dual Cam Sway Control (there are substantially better hitches as well). At least a TEKONSHA P3 brake controller (again, there are better than this as well).

Do a search on a closely comparable trailer to yours this site for actual tongue and axle weights (or acquire otherwise; published numbers by A/S are too low to account for full fresh water, propane and trailer options and normal supplies/equipment short of camping supplies loaded for a trip); and look up comparable Durango's if to be found.

Step One is to find a certified weight scale and weigh the TV with only driver, full fuel and stuff in truck that is "permanent". This "adjusted empty weight" scale ticket will be crucial to adjusting the hitch rigging for best performance once the TV and TT are loaded for travel.

Step Two is TV tires & shocks. What is on there at present?

Most of all, spend some time reading on here about towing and hitch rigging. It's always a matter of adjusting the hitch for best performance, and scale weights are the crucial difference in final adjustments.

.

[Garyj]

This is a great forum and I want to thank you for all your advice. I don't have a trailer yet, but we are looking for a rear bedroom 25'. Thanks again