2008 Dodge Durango Towing Capacity

The Dodge Durango was introduced into Dodge’s lineup as a full-size SUV in 1998 and remains popular today. The Durango is known for its unique styling and for having the features consumers expect from SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a 2008 Dodge Durango?

The 2008 Dodge Durango can tow up to 8,950 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2008 Dodge Durango tow capacity can vary based on a few different factors such as engine size, drivetrain, and others which we’ll discuss below.

There’s a bit more to know about Dodge Durango towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.

2008 Dodge Durango Towing Capacity

A 2008 Dodge Durango 2WD with a 3.7L engine can tow 3,850 pounds.

A 2008 Dodge Durango 2WDwith a 4.7L engine without a towing package can tow 4,550 pounds.

A 2008 Dodge Durango 2WD with a 4.7L engine with a towing package can tow 6,000 pounds.

A 2008 Dodge Durango 2WD with a 5.7L engine without a towing package can tow 5,950 pounds.

A 2008 Dodge Durango 2WD with a 5.7L engine with a towing package can tow 8,950 pounds.

A 2008 Dodge Durango 4WD with a 4.7L engine can tow 5,900 pounds.

A 2008 Dodge Durango 4WD with a 5.7L engine without a towing package can tow 7,250 pounds.

A 2008 Dodge Durango 4WD with a 5.7L engine with a towing package can tow 8,750 pounds.

Here’s a video showing the Dodge Durango being put to a real-world towing test:

2008 Dodge Durango Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity

All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.

Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.

Dodge Durango Braked Towing Capacity: up to 8,950 lbs.

Dodge Durango Unbraked Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs.

2008 Dodge Durango Towing Capacity Factors

There are several factors that affect the 2008 Dodge Durango tow capacity which we’ll cover next.

You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.

Engine Type

The 2008 Dodge Durango has three engine options: a 3.6L, a 4.7L, and a 5.7L Hemi.

The 5.7 Liter Hemi engine is the option that can tow the max capacity of 8,950 pounds when properly equipped.

Drivetrain

Whether or not your 2008 Durango was 2WD or 4WD also played a role in how much it can tow.

On average, the 2WD versions can tow a little bit more than the 4WD models.

Number of Passengers

A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.

This is true of all vehicles, not just the 2008 Dodge Durango, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.

2008 Dodge Durango Tow Package Info

Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a 2008 Dodge Durango?

If you plan on towing anything with your Dodge Durango, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.

Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.

Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.

2008 Dodge Durango Tow Hitch

Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.

The Dodge Durango uses a Class 3 or Class 4 hitch.

The Dodge Durango uses a Class 3 or Class 4 hitch.

Here’s a great option for a Class III Dodge Durango trailer hitch:

Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Durango:

2008 Dodge Durango Trailer Hitch Installation

If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Durango, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).

If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.

Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Dodge Durango trailer hitch installation:

Does My 2008 Dodge Durango Have A Tow Package?

You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Durango to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.

That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Durango.

Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.

Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your Durango has any towing packages or features installed on it.

2008 Dodge Durango Towing Capacity Vs Competitors

The 2008 Dodge Durango has a maximum towing capacity of 8,950 lbs which makes it capable of doing some heavy duty trailer towing.  This number is similar to its main competitors, the 2008 Chevy Tahoe and the 2008 GMC Yukon XL.

Here are some similar vehicles to the Dodge Durango and their towing capacities below:

2008 Chevy Suburban Towing Capacity: 9,600 pounds

2008 Chevy Tahoe Towing Capacity: 8,100 pounds

2008 Ford Expedition Towing Capacity: 9,200 pounds

2008 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity: 10,000 pounds

2008 Nissan Armada Towing Capacity: 6,500 pounds

Data Accuracy

We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Dodge Durango Owner’s Manuals on Dodge’s website and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.

Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with your Dodge Durango.