What do I need to tow?

[Rampage Roomate]

I have a TT that can weigh up to 6,500 lbs. I just bought a 04 Durango that has the 5.7, 3.92 and the towing prep package. I'd like to be sure what I need to buy/do to be able to tow with it. I've read a lot of other questions and answers similar to mine but none exactly the same. First, inside. I should take my break controller, hook it up to a pig tail which in turn plugs into a blue plug located at the base of the steering column. Right? Then I locate a group of wires somewhere near the rear bumper and wire them into a 7 point connector and attach it to the bumper. Then I buy a hitch and bolt it to the frame and I’m done. Right? Have I missed or misunderstood anything? I’m hoping I don’t have to run any wires under or through the truck. Thanks for your help.

[Maxtcc]

Straight forward you got it on the wiring.
You should consider a weight distribution hitch.
Check this link on Dodge towing

http://www-5.dodge.com/towing5/D/vehicle_to_weight.jsp?dropdn=2&franchise=D&pageName=Dodge%2BTowing%2BGuide%2B-%2BBy%2BVehicle%2B5&yearHidden=5&vehicleHidden=&modelHidden=&bodyHidden=&bedHidden=&engineHidden=&year=5&familyMarket=U&familyDivision=T&vehicleFamily=RAM_1500

[Rampage Roomate]

Could you give me an Idea where I would find the wire harness for the 7 point connector? Also, the weight distributing hitch, any ideas where I could buy one?

[JeffB2002]

If you have the trailer prep package, then you should have the 7-pin in the bumper and the receiver already bolted to the frame. If you do not have those, then you do not have the tow package, which means that you will not have the nice little blue plug to wire your brake controller to. If that is the case, then you will want someone who knows what they are doing wire up the brake controller. The 7-pin and receiver you can handle yourself. The 7-pin connector you can get from the same place you bought your TT from, if not any Advance Auto or Autozone will have what you need to wire in the 7-pin. I have the Equalizer 4-Way hitch which incorporates sway control with WD. Check it out at www.equalizerhitch.com

[PWDurangoFam]

I would agree with JeffB2002's recommendation for a good weight distributing hitch with sway control. My first choice would be the same as his: Equalizer. Another good choice would be the Reese Strait-Line. It is also a good quality weight distributing, sway control combo.

[Rampage Roomate]

Thanks guys. I just bought the Durango Friday and my weekend was taken up with softball so I haven't had a chance to see what's really there. I also think I am mixing up the words hitch and receiver. I've towed this trailer with my trade in (2000 GMC Safari) so I have the "hitch" with the WT bars and the chains etc. I guess what I need is the receiver. From looking at the back of the truck there is no receiver to be seen. (I haven't crawled under it yet so I don't know what's there.) My understanding is that the trailer package I have consists of bigger battery, oil and trans cooler, and wiring. Maybe a few other things, but not a receiver. Again, maybe I'm mixing up termiology. Mine, I think, has the word "prep" in it so that may be the difference. If it is, in fact, this other package, what would I still need? Thanks for your help.

[Maxtcc]

Yes if you have the prep then you will need the wiring , the connectors will be in place, and a receiver . Provided the WT is a weight distributing type hitch. For the receiver you will want a class IV, and then you will be set to go. I suggest that you get a receiver specifically for your model and not a universal fit.
Happy trails.

[Rampage Roomate]

Ok, thanks. That makes sense. As far as the receiver, I've seen ones that look like they have a "wing span" of about 3 feet which is what my old receiver looks like. But I've seen some on the internet that say they're made for an 04 Durango and are class IV that look about 1 ft wide by about 8 in. deep. Why such a big difference? Is the smaller one as good as the bigger one? Thanks.

[Maxtcc]

the 1 foot one, I would check closely as to whether they are really a class IV hitch most are actually considered class III. I know there are two mopar OEM for the RAM is an actual class IV(it has extra welded gussets) and one is class III (which looks close but doesn't have the gussets). And for $99 at even a CAN. dealer go with the MOPAR OEM class IV.

[Rampage Roomate]

Thanks Maxtcc. I will. You guys have helped me a lot. This is a great forum with great people willing to share information and answer questions. I'm sure I'll have more questions when I start to actually get my hands dirty. Thanks again.