For many, the Dodge Durango Hellcat conjures images of raw power and blistering speed, not towing capabilities. While it’s true this SUV packs a monstrous punch, can it handle hauling a trailer? One owner found out the hard way, and his experience serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering using a Durango, even a high-performance model, as a primary tow vehicle.
The original poster (OP) recounts a personal experience that dramatically shifted his perspective on the Durango’s towing prowess. Initially a Suburban loyalist for towing boats and flatbeds, the OP transitioned to a 2015 Durango R/T as a daily driver after downsizing. The plan was to keep the older Suburban specifically for towing duties. However, the thought of simplifying and using the Durango for towing occasionally crept in, especially for a relatively light car trailer setup.
With a newly acquired aluminum 24′ ATC trailer and a track car, the combined Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) was around 7468 lbs, just slightly over the Durango’s 7400 lb tow rating. Thinking it was a minor exceedance, the OP considered using the Durango for shorter towing trips. This decision was quickly put to the test in a rather unsettling way.
The turning point came when the OP needed to transport the empty ATC trailer for maintenance. A seemingly simple 50-mile trip on I-84 turned into a harrowing ordeal. Unexpectedly fierce winds, with side gusts exceeding 50 MPH, transformed the empty trailer into a dangerous liability. At speeds above 50 MPH, the trailer began violently swaying, dragging the Durango from side to side. Passing trucks at highway speeds exacerbated the issue, turning the trailer into a sail, dangerously whipping behind the SUV.
Forced to crawl at 50 MPH, and even slower when semi-trucks approached, the OP described a nerve-wracking drive with the trailer “dancing behind, slightly wagging the Durango.” The fear of being rear-ended by faster traffic added to the stress. While the trailer was delivered safely, the experience severely undermined the OP’s trust in the Durango as a tow vehicle, especially in windy conditions.
Seeking further insight, the OP discussed this alarming experience with a trailer mechanic. The mechanic, with extensive experience recovering trailers from accident sites for the Highway Patrol, offered a concerning observation. Durangos, across various model years, were disproportionately represented in trailer recovery scenarios he encountered. This professional advice strongly reinforced the need for a more robust towing solution.
Ultimately, the OP replaced the aging Suburban not with the Durango, but with a 2017 Ram 2500 Diesel. The contrast in towing experience was night and day. The Ram 2500 effortlessly handled the ATC trailer, even in challenging conditions. Side winds became a non-issue, and even mountain roads posed no drama. The only indication of the trailer’s presence was a slight increase in turbo boost and a dip in fuel economy.
This firsthand account highlights a crucial consideration for anyone thinking about towing with a Dodge Durango, including the powerful Hellcat variant. While the Hellcat boasts impressive horsepower and torque, factors beyond engine power play a significant role in safe and stable towing, especially with larger trailers and in adverse weather. Vehicle weight, wheelbase, and suspension tuning all contribute to towing stability. In this case, the Durango, while capable in some towing scenarios, proved inadequate and potentially dangerous when faced with strong crosswinds.
While the allure of a high-performance SUV like the Durango Hellcat might be tempting for towing, this experience underscores the importance of prioritizing safety and choosing the right vehicle for the job. For serious towing needs, especially in unpredictable environments, a dedicated truck or a more robustly built SUV might be a far more prudent choice than pushing the limits of a Durango, regardless of its trim level. Remember, towing experiences can vary (YMMV), but this account serves as a valuable lesson in understanding the limitations of even powerful SUVs when it comes to towing, particularly in challenging conditions.
