The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV that Dodge sold for over 11 years (2009-2020). If you have a Dodge Journey and are wondering how much weight you can carry in it, we've researched this for you.
The Dodge Journey has a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 6,000 lbs. This means that this should be the total vehicle weight, including itself and everyone in the car, plus cargo and trailer (if any). The max gross trailer weight (GTW) of the Journey is 1,000 lbs.
Dodge did not specify the payload capacity. Still, with the curb weight of the Dodge Journey being at 3,818 lbs, by the given GCWR and GTW of Dodge, the Journey should have an assumed maximum payload capacity of approximately 1,182 lbs. We recommend not exceeding this payload.
Although already discontinued, the Dodge Journey is a good vehicle that you could look at in the used car market. Continue reading as we will discuss additional questions regarding the Journey's payload capacity. You might also find other related articles at the end of this post discussing key answers to questions about Dodge vehicles. So let's start.
How much weight can you carry with your Dodge Journey?
Dodge does not give any specific number as to how much payload you can put in your Dodge Journey. They only provide the maximum weight of the vehicle when loaded, which is 6,000 lbs.
To figure out its assumed payload capacity, we take the curb weight of the vehicle at 3,818 lbs and subtract the GCWR of the vehicle. We will get a difference of 2,182 lbs.
We then subtract the Journey's gross trailer weight (GTW) capacity (this includes the trailer weight and its cargo), which is 1,000 lbs—giving us a difference of 1,182 lbs. This becomes our assumed payload capacity for the Dodge Journey.
Given that the average American adult male weighs around 190 lbs and the Journey accommodates up to seven people, it would have difficulty carrying this payload as the passenger's total weight would be over 1,300 lbs. This leaves little wiggle room extra cargo weight, such as luggage.
This payload capacity would be ideal, however, if a small family would use the vehicle with only children being the passengers most of the time. In comparison, the 2022 Dodge Durango, Dodge's full-size SUV offering, has a recommended payload capacity of 1,800 lbs.
The number put up by the Journey may not be comparable to a full-size SUV from Ford or GM. It also pails in comparison to its counterpart Durango, but it has a competitive spec in the compact SUV segment.
Is the Dodge Journey designed for carrying things?
The Dodge Journey is not built for heavy hauling.
The Journey's engine is less powerful as it only has a 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, and a four-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the latest Durango is equipped with a 475-horsepower 6.4L HEMI V8 engine.
The smaller engine (compared to a Durango) does mean that the Journey is more fuel efficient. The EPA for the Journey is at 21 miles per gallon combined (city and highway driving), while the Durango only has an EPA combined of 17.
You will have a better option going for a full-size SUV like the Dodge Durango if you think you will need more hauling power for bigger passengers. It has an increased payload and towing capacity.
The Durango also has an option for third-row seating, making it a seven-seater car. It can also better accommodate luggage as it is a bigger vehicle overall.
The Dodge Journey is a compact SUV, which means it is a smaller version of a full-size SUV. Although still competent vehicles, do not expect to get out as much as you can from the larger Durango.
The Dangers Of Overloading Your Vehicle
Overloading your vehicle can be very risky, not just for your Dodge Journey but for all vehicles. Not only does this cause premature wear and tear on your car's parts, but this can also mean a safety hazard on the road for other motorists.
An overloaded vehicle can cause its tires to blow out, especially if they are improperly inflated. This could be a potentially dangerous situation, particularly if the tires blow out at high speed. It can cause the vehicle to spiral out of control and may endanger other motorists on the road.
Exceeding the vehicle's intended payload and towing capacities will cause unnecessary strain to your engine as it will exert more effort to run than it is designed for. It will also cause wear and tear to other parts of your vehicle, such as the suspension. All of which could cost a hefty amount to get repaired.
Can you tow with your Dodge Journey? [And How Much]
According to its owner's manual, the Dodge Journey only has a 1,000 lb gross trailer weight (GTW) capacity. This is not that much, given that this allocated towing capacity already includes the trailer's weight. You can still tow small boats and motorcycle trailers on the back of your Journey, but you might have difficulty towing RV trailers with it.
The Journey was not designed to be a dedicated tower, but it can still tow lightweight trailers with light cargo. If you find yourself in need of power when towing heavy cargo, then we suggest that you get a dedicated vehicle for towing. For reference, the Dodge Durango can tow up to 8,700 lbs.
Can a Dodge Journey be flat towed?
The Dodge Journey cannot be flat towed because it has an automatic transmission without modifications. But you can flat tow the Journey using a trailer where the Journey will be placed. The Journey can be flat-towed with all four wheels down by using a Lube Pump Kit Assembly part.
What Dodge vehicle is the best for hauling and towing?
As of now, Dodge only has one vehicle dedicated to towing, and that is the Durango. You might be familiar with the Dodge Ram line-up, which was Dodge's line-up of pickup trucks.
But ever since 2009, Fiat-Chrysler (Dodge's parent company) decided to separate RAM from Dodge to establish it as an independent brand of pickup trucks and vans.
Dodge has also shifted focus to become a performance brand, focusing on their Challenger, Charger, and Durango models. Currently, these are the only cars displayed on the Dodge USA website. You can also see this as one reason why the Dodge Journey was discontinued.
Preowned Dodge Journey For Towing
Suppose you are also looking for a brand-new vehicle. In that case, you might turn your head away from the Journey as Dodge already halted production of the vehicle back in 2020.
But if you are still in the market for Dodge Journey, you can still get one preowned. You could also try looking for one in dealerships, but these become increasingly hard to find.
Repairpal has the Dodge rated at 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability. You could easily get a good deal out of one secondhand. And since they have only stopped production in 2020, you can find fairly fresh used ones with low mileage and little to no repair history.
Here's A Quick Recap Of What We Discussed
The Dodge Journey can carry as much as 1,182 lbs. Although discontinued in 2020 by Dodge, the Journey is one of the best options in the used car market as they have ample cargo and a seating capacity of up to seven people.
This makes it a good family car and a road trip vehicle. Dodge did not specifically design the Journey to tow and haul cargo a lot, but if needed, it can tow as much as a thousand pounds behind it.
We hope that we have satisfied your questions about your Dodge Journey. Do you have any more vehicle-related concerns, particularly about the Dodge vehicles? Check out some of our previously written articles below!
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