Morgan Hill Dodge - Can the 2026 Dodge Durango Tow 8,700 Pounds for Trips around Gilroy, CA?
For many families, the right SUV must do double duty—carry kids and gear during the week, then haul boats, campers, or utility trailers on the weekend. The 2026 Dodge Durango is engineered for that kind of life, with a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped. If you plan weekend trips around Gilroy, CA, the Durango’s rear-wheel-drive foundation, available all-wheel drive, V-8 power, and confidence-inspiring chassis make it a smart, capable partner.
Start by matching the Durango’s configuration to your trailer. The standard 5.7L HEMI V-8 brings strong low-end torque for confident launches and highway merges, while the 6.4L “392” HEMI ramps up power for heavier loads or high-altitude towing. Equally important is having the correct towing hardware, including a Class IV hitch and the right cooling and suspension components that support the SUV’s rated capacity. Combined with the 8-speed automatic’s smooth, decisive shifts and the Durango’s stable, RWD-based dynamics, the setup delivers reassuring control when you are pulling a family boat to the reservoir or a pair of personal watercraft for a coastal day trip.
- Know your numbers: Verify gross trailer weight (GTW), tongue weight, and payload to ensure your setup remains within rated limits.
- Equip properly: Use a Class IV receiver hitch, correct wiring for your trailer lights, and trailer brakes as required by law and weight.
- Distribute weight: Pack heavier items over the trailer axle and target proper tongue weight for stability.
- Choose traction wisely: Rear-wheel drive provides classic balance; available all-wheel drive can help on slick ramps and uneven surfaces.
- Practice and plan: Rehearse backing and braking in an open lot, and plan routes with safe turnarounds and fuel stops.
Technology also contributes to a calmer towing experience. The Durango’s standard Uconnect® 10.1-inch touchscreen integrates seamlessly with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, helping you cue turn-by-turn directions and monitor traffic without juggling cables. Available driver-assistance features, including Adaptive Cruise Control and automated emergency braking, add important layers of support on long highway stretches; standard Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection help with lane changes and busy parking lots around boat ramps or RV parks. Inside, you will find room for up to seven, with available second-row captain’s chairs enabling easy third-row access when seats are filled with friends or family.
When it is time to ready the trailer, take a methodical approach. Inspect tires on the SUV and trailer for proper pressure and tread, confirm all lights and connections function, and secure cargo with appropriate straps. If you are new to towing, consider a weight-distributing hitch and practice slow-speed maneuvers to build confidence before you head out. And because weekend getaways rarely happen on empty roads, respect increased stopping distances and keep speeds moderate so you arrive relaxed and ready for fun.
Our team at Morgan Hill Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can walk you through recommended configurations and towing best practices, from hitch selection to load planning. Whether you are hauling a ski boat to a nearby lake or pulling a compact travel trailer to a state park, we will help you set up your Durango to perform safely and smoothly—trip after trip—serving Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and San Jose.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What do I need to achieve the Durango’s 8,700-pound maximum tow rating?
You will need the correct hardware and configuration, including a Class IV receiver hitch and supporting components designed for the maximum rating. Pair that with proper trailer brakes, correct tongue weight, and balanced loading. We can review your trailer specs and confirm the proper equipment and setup for your use case.
Does choosing all-wheel drive change how the Durango tows?
AWD can enhance traction when surfaces are wet, uneven, or steep—useful on slick launch ramps or campgrounds. The base rear-wheel-drive setup already provides excellent stability thanks to the Durango’s balanced platform; AWD is a smart add if you frequently encounter variable conditions or soft surfaces.