David Taylor CDJR of Benton - Can the 2026 Dodge Durango tow your family boat near Murray, KY?
Towing to Kentucky Lake or heading toward boat ramps around Land Between the Lakes calls for an SUV built to do more than just look the part. The Durango line brings genuine muscle to the three-row segment with available packages and hardware that make towing feel composed and predictable on local highways and two-lane routes.
Let’s break down what matters most for boat owners and how to match the right configuration to your trailer, gear, and family routine—so launch day is smooth from driveway to dock.
Powertrains and Towing Foundations
Durango offers three available engines, each matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Pentastar® V6 excels as a daily driver and light hauler, while the 5.7L HEMI® V8 adds serious torque for heavier loads and steeper grades. For maximum capability, SRT® Hellcat models feature a Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8—an unprecedented level of power for a three-row family SUV.
Beyond the engine, Durango’s towing prowess is grounded in its chassis and control systems. Trailer Sway Control can assist when crosswinds or passing trucks unsettle your load, and an available AWD system adds control on wet ramps or rutted pull-outs. It’s a smart, confidence-boosting foundation for frequent tow rigs.
How the Tow ’n Go Package Changes the Game
The Tow ’n Go Package—available on GT HEMI® V8 models—unlocks Best-in-Class available towing of up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped. This is more than a hitch and a rating; it’s a comprehensive performance and towing suite that includes Bilstein® Active Damping High-Performance Suspension, Black Brembo® Brake Calipers, SRT® Satin Carbon 20x10-inch wheels, performance exhaust, an Electronic Limited Slip Rear Axle, and configurable drive modes (Sport, Track, Tow, Snow). Pair this with the integrated trailer brake control and a Class IV hitch, and you get a rig that hauls with authority and composure.
On hillier approaches around the lakes or when returning from a day on the water with extra gear aboard, those braking and suspension upgrades pay real dividends in stability and feel. They also make the Durango a pleasure to drive even when the trailer is unhitched.
Driver Assistance That’s Built for Towing
Durango’s safety and security systems support towing before you even pull out of the driveway. Available Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection helps watch for vehicles not just alongside your SUV but also next to your trailer when changing lanes. Trailer Sway Control works with selective brake application and throttle adjustments to help steady your load. Pair these with available Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Forward Collision Warning with Full Stop for added peace of mind on crowded stretches of highway.
Backing down a ramp is easier with the standard ParkView® Rear Back Up Camera, which provides a clear, high-resolution view of what’s behind you. Combine that with a good mirror setup and a patient approach, and you’ll feel more in control every time you line up at the launch.
Right-Size Your Setup
Start by confirming your boat and trailer’s combined weight, then add the gear and fuel you typically carry. That figure, plus your passenger load, will inform which Durango configuration you should target. Regularly towing midweight boats or longer fishing rigs? The 5.7L HEMI® V8 with Tow ’n Go is a sweet spot of capability and control. Occasionally towing lighter boats within a shorter radius? The Pentastar® V6 can be a practical match when properly equipped.
In all cases, ensure your ball mount, hitch class, and wiring harness are correct, your tongue weight is within the recommended range, and your trailer brakes are properly adjusted. Spending a few minutes on setup pays off in better road manners and shorter stopping distances.
Cabin and Cargo Convenience On the Way to the Water
Durango’s cabin is built for lake days, with multiple available seating configurations, easy third-row access, and generous cargo room for tackle, coolers, and personal gear. The available 10.1-inch Uconnect® 5 system with wireless Apple CarPlay® support and Android Auto™ compatibility keeps your navigation and playlists ready to go. Available wireless charging and USB A-C ports help keep everyone’s phones powered for the return trip.
With the Class-Exclusive available Stow N Place® Roof Rack System rated for up to 150 pounds, you can secure rods or extra-long items overhead, leaving interior space for passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need AWD for towing a boat?
Not strictly, but available AWD adds useful control on wet or uneven surfaces—like mossy ramps, gravel approaches, or when launching after rain. If your usual launch sites are slick or steep, AWD is a smart upgrade.
Which Durango trims can reach the highest tow rating?
When properly equipped, GT HEMI® V8 models with the Tow ’n Go Package and SRT® Hellcat models can achieve Best-in-Class available towing of up to 8,700 pounds.
Is there built-in trailer brake control?
Yes. The Tow ’n Go Package includes integrated trailer brake control, plus a Class IV hitch and other performance components that support confident towing.
How does Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection help?
It extends the system’s awareness to the trailer length, helping detect vehicles alongside your Durango or next to your trailer during lane changes—especially helpful on multi-lane highways.
Want a guided walk-through of towing setups, hitching best practices, and the right build for your boat? Our staff at David Taylor CDJR of Benton will help you dial in the configuration that matches your routine, serving Murray, Mayfield, and Cadiz with local expertise and a friendly, efficient process.