[Dodgeowner]

This weekend we are going to Kansas from Michigan and it's about 1600 miles round-trip. We will be pulling a trailer that is about 3000lbs empty. We will be towing a maximum of 6k lbs. The vehicle were using is a 2003 Dodge Durango with 250k roughly. My question is should we keep overdrive off the whole trip? And what mpg should we expect. Also I am getting the oil changed with 5w-30 and changing the oil filter and air filter. Spark plugs were don't about 2k miles ago. What else should I do to prepare for the big trip?

 

[WestCoastKevin]

I would leave it off the whole way.
I would expect to average less than 10 mpg round trip.

Check your coolant level.
Make sure you have good airflow in to the radiator.
Hose off any bugs and any peeling paint from the condenser/ radiator / Trans cooler.
Check your tires. Check your spare tires.
Check your spring U-bolts and shackle bolts.
Grease your prop shaft. Check the U-Joints for play.
When did you last service the rear end?

You say it is a 2003 Durango. Did that have the disk brakes in the rear?
My 02 has drums. I would say you should adjust the drum brakes before you go.

Does your trailer have brakes?

 

[tntoy]

03 is 4 wheel disc with much larger fronts. Otherwise your advice is solid.

Check the air pressure in the trailer tires and the DOT date code on them to ensure they’re in good shape and won’t blow out on you.