Hey everyone! I recently picked up a Dodge Durango SRT and I’m looking to take full advantage of that 8,700-lb towing capacity. I’m planning on hauling a heavy enclosed car trailer for track weekends, so I need a serious heavy-duty setup that can handle the tongue weight without any issues. I’ve looked at the standard Mopar options, but I’m curious if aftermarket brands like Curt or B&W offer something more robust for high-performance SUVs. I’m especially concerned about finding a hitch that doesn’t interfere with the rear bumper trim or the hands-free liftgate sensor. Does anyone have a specific Class IV hitch recommendation that offers a clean fit and great stability for heavy loads?
Hi there! I totally get the concern about tongue weight on the SRT—I actually went through a similar dilemma when I started hauling my open car trailer to the track. For your situation, I would suggest looking at the Draw-Tite 75591 Class IV Max-Frame Receiver. While Curt is popular, the Draw-Tite often provides a slightly different clearance profile that some find easier for the hands-free liftgate sensor.
Here's what I recommend for a setup this heavy:
1. Focus on the tongue weight rating; you want a Class IV that handles at least 900-1,000 lbs to avoid rear-end sag when that enclosed trailer is loaded.
2. Consider adding the Tekonsha P3 Electronic Brake Controller 90195 to manage that 8,700-lb load safely; it's a lifesaver for heavy track weekends.
Technically, the SRT's rear fascia is tight, but these aftermarket options usually bolt right up. Just watch teh heat shield clearance during install! Good luck!
Hey! Congrats on the SRT! I've been towing heavy with my Durango for years and honestly, I've tried a few setups. For that 8,700-lb limit, the Curt 13295 Class 4 Trailer Hitch is a beast compared to the standard Mopar one. It handles tongue weight like a pro without sagging! Another solid choice is the B&W Trailer Hitches GNRK1314 Gooseneck Hitch, though for an enclosed car trailer, the Curt is usually a cleaner fit with the bumper trim. I've found that aftermarket options often feel more robust for track weekends. Hope this helps! 🏎️
Just sharing my experience: I went through this last year when I needed to maximize my SRT's tow rating without breaking the bank on the OEM Mopar setup. Honestly, I'm super satisfied with how I balanced the cost. I ended up installing the Draw-Tite 75238 Class IV Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver because it has a 900-lb tongue weight capacity, which is plenty for an enclosed car trailer.
What really made the difference for me was adding the B&W Tow & Stow Adjustable Three-Ball Mount BWTS10037B. It’s technical overkill, but the stability is incredible and it clears the rear bumper trim perfectly. The hands-free liftgate can be finicky, but if you mount the receiver precisely, it still works fine. Tbh, spending a bit extra on a high-quality ball mount saved me way more in the long run than overpaying for a dealership hitch. Hope this helps!
I've been towing with high-performance SUVs for a long time and for that 8,700-lb limit, you gotta focus on the system as a whole. The SRT is a beast but an enclosed trailer is basically a giant sail.