Dodge Durango

 Service Manual

Lubrication and Maintenance » Jump starting, towing and hoisting
Towing recommendations

A vehicle equipped with SAE approved wheel lifttype towing equipment can be used to tow all vehicles.

When towing a 4WD vehicle using a wheel-lift towing device, use tow dollies under the opposite end of the vehicle. A vehicle with flatbed device can also be used to transport a disabled vehicle (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2 Tow Vehicles With Approved Equipment

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

CAUTION: The following safety precautions must be observed when towing a vehicle

• Secure loose and protruding parts.
• Always use a safety chain system that is independent of the lifting and towing equipment.
• Do not allow towing equipment to contact the disabled vehicle's fuel tank.
• Do not allow anyone under the disabled vehicle while it is lifted by the towing device.
• Do not allow passengers to ride in a vehicle being towed.
• Always observe state and local laws regarding towing regulations.
• Do not tow a vehicle in a manner that could jeopardize the safety of the operator, pedestrians or other motorists.
• Do not attach tow chains, T-hooks, or J-hooks to a bumper, steering linkage, drive shafts or a non-reinforced frame hole.
• Do not tow a heavily loaded vehicle. Use a flatbed device to transport a loaded vehicle.

GROUND CLEARANCE

CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels removed, install lug nuts to retain brake drums or rotors.

A towed vehicle should be raised until lifted wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 in) from the ground. Be sure there is adequate ground clearance at the opposite end of the vehicle, especially when towing over rough terrain or steep rises in the road.

RAMP ANGLE

If a vehicle with flatbed towing equipment is used, the approach ramp angle should not exceed 15 degrees.

TOWING WHEN KEYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE

When the vehicle is locked and keys are not available, use a flat bed hauler. A wheel-lift device can be used on 4WD vehicles provided all the wheels are lifted off the ground using tow dollies.

TWO-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING

Chrysler Corporation recommends that a vehicle be towed with the rear end lifted, whenever possible.

WARNING: WHEN TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE AND THE DRIVE WHEELS ARE SECURED IN A WHEEL LIFT OR TOW DOLLIES, ENSURE THE TRANSMISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) OR A FORWARD DRIVE GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION).

WARNING: ENSURE VEHICLE IS ON A LEVEL SURFACE OR THE WHEELS ARE BLOCKED TO PREVENT VEHICLE FROM ROLLING.

TWO WHEEL DRIVE TOWING-REAR END LIFTED

CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.

2WD vehicles can be towed with the front wheels on the surface for extended distances at speeds not exceeding 48 km/h (30 mph).

(1) Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels.

(2) Place the transmission in neutral.

(3) Raise vehicle to towing position.

(4) Attach safety chains. Route chains so not to interfere with tail pipe when vehicle is lifted.

(5) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel.

CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.

(6) Secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing.

(7) Place transmission in park.

Jump starting procedure

Towing recommendations

Two-wheel-drive vehicle towing

Four-wheel-drive vehicle towing

Hoisting recommendations