My 20' boat weighs down my '04 Hemi (with tow package) enough that at night my low beams are high beams for oncoming traffic. I put in an extra leaf spring on each side on my old '98 Durango (with tow package) to overcome the same problem.
First, shouldn't a vehicle set up with a tow package be able to handle a 6500 lb load w/out adding springs ('04 tow capacity is supposed to be around 8500 lbs)?
Second, what do you guys suggest I do other than adding springs that stiffen the rear ride 100% of the time when I only tow 2% of the time? Leaf springs cost about $250. I assume other options are a lot more expensive. CB3
mileshuff
09-17-2004, 07:31 PM
Do you have a weight distribution hitch? If you do not then get one. If you have one, then it is not doing its job and needs adjusting. If you need further explanation just ask!
yooformula
09-17-2004, 11:15 PM
I had to reposition my trailer and the boat once to keep the rear end from dragging. Turns out worn shocks dont help either.
epowell
09-17-2004, 11:49 PM
You may also need to adjust the weight distribution by using a different drop inserted into the receiver. Just because the Durango is rated to tow a huge amount of weight, it still has to be disributed right either with a weight distributing hitch or by balancing the load better. There is a "tongue weight" limit also on most hitch setups and it probably is around 500 lbs for th Durango - maybe a little more. I had the same problem with a GMC Z-71 pickup that I used to tow a loaded down Malibu Wakesetter boat which was almost 5000 lbs. and after I got it leveled out by using a smaller drop in the receiver insert the problem was solved.
CB3
09-18-2004, 07:20 AM
Thanks for these suggestions.
Shocks have 6,000 miles on them on my new Durango, so I think I can rule that out.
Certainly tongue weight and the load weight in the rear of my Durango are the culprit. From other 'net research, sure looks like a weight distributing hitch is the answer. I pick up my boat from the dealer today after winterization, so I'll find where to get a proper setup.
One more question: my boat has inertia brakes, but I just bought a 7x12 dual axle utility trailer with electric brakes. Any recommendations for a brake controller? The WD hitch should help with towing this too when loaded. TIA CB3
mileshuff
09-18-2004, 08:00 AM
The Tekonsha Prodigy has quickly become the top choice for brake controllers. Set it up once and forget about it. Once you add a weight distribution hitch you'll find your boat will tow much better. A WD hitch will level out your Durango and boat and remove the rear sag.
If your Durango does not have the power adjustable pedals then you'll find a black plastic cover plate above the brake release. I snapped that cover out and mounted the prodigy in the space such that the front of the prodigy is almost flush with the dash. Buy a seperate wire harness ($10) to connect the brake controller to the Durango's brake connector. Couldn't be easier installation!
CB3
09-20-2004, 10:09 AM
As I picked my boat up from the dealer Saturday, he said he would check my tongue weight. One look told him the rig was waaay tongue heavy. The boat was shipped from the Georgia manufacturer to Utah, then dropped on a locally manufactured trailer. The boat was too far forward on the trailer, with the two rear "bunks" extending a couple of inches beyond the transom.
The dealer offered (for free) to pull the trailer into his service bay, hoist the boat up and move the trailer's front post back about five inches to reposition the boat farther back on the trailer. Much easier, quicker and cheaper than repositioning the two (welded) axles.
When we reattached the trailer to the Durango, the mechanic was actually able (with some effort) to lift the tongue manually and move it slightly onto the ball. This was definitely not possible before.
When I got home, I measured the height of the hitch off the ground, and the bottom of the license plate up front from the ground. When I disconnected the trailer, the rear of the Durango rose two inches, and the front went down 1 1/2 inches.
So even though I have lightened my tongue weight, it looks like your recommendations to use a weight distribution hitch still make sense. Today I am going to a local trailer/towing operation near work to see about both the WD hitch and the Prodigy brake controller.
Thanks for your help everyone. It's hard for me to believe I have been towing boats and trailers for a couple of decades and was so ignorant of the mechanics of how to do it correctly and safely. CB3
