[Triztenj]

Ok, so ive acquired a 99 5.9 dodge durango, with towing package. I found it by mistake, actually. My car crapped out, and i needed a car quick and on a budget, found this and talked the guy down to a 1000 bucks. Sold. Originally i planned on buying a ram 2500 or more to pull the tiny house im building. Im thinking it will weigh about 8000 when finished. Obviously im looking at 5600 tow capacity stock. But ive fallen in love with this truck and have decided that id rather dump money into her than just buy a truck already capable. I realize that the "Legal limit" is whats on the sticker in my door jamb. But lets be realistic, legalaity isnt always true. I plan on:
Upgrading the shocks to air
Upgrading the brakes
Replacing the transmission with a heavy duty one from monster tansmission.
Upgrading the tow hitch
Transmission cooler
Aftermarket air filter
Hood induction for better airflow
Upgraded fan
So the real question is:
WILL THE ENGINE BE STRAINED TOO MUCH PULLING 8000LBS?
She has 130000 mis but I plan on getting a full tune up so she will run as efficient as possible. Any suggestions on further mods to make it possible? She will only pull the house MAYBE once a year however itll be long distance when i do move. Other than that a 18 foot bass boat pretty frequently. Please dont tell me itd be more cost effective to just buy a truck, i know, im just stubborn and want to stretch my limits if its possible.

 

[ajjacobs]

I dont foresee a problem with those mods. The concern I would have is liability should there be an accident and you are towing over the manufactures limit. Your insurance may decide that they won't cover you because you were over the limit.

AJ

 

[Triztenj]

That is a risk im willing to take, only because i wont be passing those limits very often. Im willing to takes these so long as once the mods are done im in a safe condition. Would there be any concern for saftey, after all the upgrades?

I dont foresee a problem with those mods. The concern I would have is liability should there be an accident and you are towing over the manufactures limit. Your insurance may decide that they won't cover you because you were over the limit.

AJ

 

[RXT]

Heres the thing. Many things that are in your truck can also be found in a larger truck. The 5.9, was an option with 3/4 and one ton Rams. The transmission if a 46RE was the same transmission used in D/W 250 and 350 trucks and early 90s Rams. What you don't have and those trucks do have, are;
1) Bigger heavier frame
2) Heavier hitch
3) Bigger brakes
4) Tires with greater load range
5) Bigger rear axle.

You can do something about a hitch to get you where you need to be. You can buy tires, and if you have a 9.25 rear axle, it does have a good load range. But frame, and brake size is gonna be tough to upgrade or modify. Sure you can put on better brakes, but it doesn't have the size and heat dissipation needed for a heavier load. Now maybe if you're careful, nothing will ever happen, but if you're in an accident, and it's found that you're at fault, make sure you got a really good lawyer.

Ed

 

[Triztenj]

Thank you so much for your info, this helps alot. As far as the frame, do u think it will be able to support the load? If not is there anything i can do?

What you don't have and those trucks do have, are;
1) Bigger heavier frame
2) Heavier hitch
3) Bigger brakes
4) Tires with greater load range
5) Bigger rear axle.

You can do something about a hitch to get you where you need to be. You can buy tires, and if you have a 9.25 rear axle, it does have a good load range. But frame, and brake size is gonna be tough to upgrade or modify.

Ed

 

[RXT]

Thank you so much for your info, this helps alot. As far as the frame, do u think it will be able to support the load? If not is there anything i can do?

The bottom line is, you'll be exceeding the weight capacity of your Durango. Maybe the frame will hold it, but you might also do irreparable damage to your truck.

Is it possible to "upgrade" a frame. Anything is possible if you're willing to spend the money, but I don't see this as being something thats worth it. So the way I'm seeing this is, you got a few options.

1) Sell the Durango, take the money and use it as a down payment on a larger truck.

2) Build your tiny house smaller, so that it's weight doesn't exceed your Durango's capacity

3) Build the tiny house in two pieces and tow both halves separately (and so long as each half doesn't exceed your towing capacity)

4) If this is a legit house, I don't see you moving it often. Rent a larger truck for the day and haul your house to wherever you plan to settle, and just enjoy the Durango as is.

Ed