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Setting up a Pickup to Tow a Travel Trailer

by Jennifer Alger
(Everett Wa)

How to Setup a Pickup to Tow a Travel Trailer

How to Setup a Pickup to Tow a Travel Trailer

I need to find out what I need to do to my Dodge Durango 2001 RT so it can pull a Wildwood Trailer.

ANSWER: Hi Jennifer, your year and model Durango R/T has a Maximum Towing Capacity of 7,350 lbs. That means that the Travel Trailer you buy must have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 7,350 lbs. If this information is confusing to you, please read this: Trailer and RV Weight Demystified.

If your Dodge Durango is equipped with the factory towing package, then it is ready to tow a Travel Trailer. If you don't have the tow package read the recommendations below.

Minimum Recommendations: Hitch Receiver, Hitch Receiver Ball Mount, Tow Ball, Tow Vehicle Wiring, higher output Alternator, Trailer Brake Controller and Towing Mirrors.

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Recommended Setup: In addition to the items mentioned above you should get a higher capacity radiator, engine oil cooler and transmission cooler. Depending on the weight of the Travel Trailer upgraded suspension to include Air Bags or Air Shocks should be installed.

I would also strongly suggest that you also purchase a weight-distribution hitch and a trailer sway bar (if your weight-distribution hitch does not include a sway control), which will keep your trailer stable when you have side winds or when you are passed by a big rig.

Now that you have your truck set up for towing, you should watch the video below on some tips on towing a travel trailer.

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I hope that this helps.

Comments for Setting up a Pickup to Tow a Travel Trailer

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		shifting
by: Anonymous

yes, if your truck is shifting allot you need to drive with your overdrive off!! you will burn up your trans if you allow it to shift up and down allot. you will use more fuel with the overdrive off but you will have more towing power and you will save the cost of replacing your trans.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Durango & Travel Trailer
by: Anonymous

Don't go cheap on a brake controller...You get what you pay for....I use a Tekonsha....Not all controllers are equal...I also recommend a good quality tires with strong sidewalls...Cheap tires sidewalls will roll with you on small paved roads going into curves....it's not a good feeling and it pays to be safe....Only the best shocks to handle the bucking..
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Trailer sway
by: Anonymous

Anti sway bar and weight distribution hitch is helpful to control sway.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		over drive
by: Anonymous

yea i own a 2001 dodge durango..i just bought a travel trailer weight it 3,130lbs. do i have to drive with over drive off or on ?? it seems to sift alot going down the road and real bad up hills..with it on ??? its a 5.9 liter engine and is all wheel drive..4x4..please help...( thank you

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LEARN HOW TO RUN 2 RV A/Cs ON A 30 AMP CONNECTION