Julie

We have a 2009 AWD SXT with the trailer tow prep package. As such, with the proper hitch, our vehicle has a tow capacity of 3500 lbs. We arranged through our local Dodge dealer to have a hitch installed as we'd heard that hitches would require part of the fascia/bumper being cut out, so we wanted our dealer to do this so it wouldn't void our warranty. They didn't seem too familiar with installed hitches and wiring, so I asked them to show me what they'd ordered in before they installed it. The hitch receiver was fine, but the draw bar (I think that's what it's called) was stamped with a maximum load capacity of only 2000 lbs, so if they'd installed what they'd ordered in, we wouldn't have been able to tow our tent trailer/pop up. They ended up sending the Journey to a local trailer/RV place to have a hitch installed. While the Dodge dealership can only order in and install parts in their catalogues, the trailer place could choose from many hitches to install on our vehicle - WITHOUT HAVING TO CUT OUT THE BUMPER! It's a Class III and can handle a lot more weight than we can actually tow, so it's a nice safe option. The receiver sticks out a bit, but I like that it didn't involve cutting anything out to install. If you're at all handy with cars, I've heard from many people on other forums (camping forums for pop-up/trailer owners) that installing hitches isn't that big a deal if you have the tools. A lot of people I know have bought from e-trailer with great success. Bear in mind you'll also need to hook up the wiring or modify it if you are towing anything, so it's not just installing the hitch that you need to deal with. I think we got the Class III hitch, draw bar, 2" ball and 7-pin wiring done for about $500 CDN, so it should be less in the US. If you want to, you can check out this site for hitches for the journey. http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2009_Dodge_Journey.htm We have the Drawtite hitch on our Journey now. Hope this helps. Julie

Thanks for the info - that's what worries me about the 5-passenger model. I worry that there won't be enough air circulation to keep the second row, and especially the cargo area, cooled or heated as need be.

Hi everyone, We had planned on getting a 7 passenger SXT AWD but there was a mixup and it's coming in as a 5 passenger model (not a dealer mixup - this is a fleet car). We have to decide if we want to accept the car as it is or order/source a new one. I prefer the layout on the 5 passenger model as I don't expect we'd actually use the third row of seats as they don't look very comfortable. The biggest thing that we were happy about the 7 passenger model was that it also came with the three-zone air conditioning/heating so that driver and passengers can set their own temps and also have it in the rear as well. I've tried to find out how the A/C heating vents work on the 5 passenger model but I keep getting different answers. I know that the controls are only in the front and only have one setting for the whole car, but one person told me that the only vents for the ENTIRE vehicle are on the dashboard, so it's hard to heat/cool the car, especially for anything in the back, like a dog. Another person told me that there are still vents in the second row and rear, but just no separate controls. Does anyone have a 5 passenger model (without the upgrade premium convenience package as that changes the A/C Heating) that can tell me if there are vents either in the ceiling or floor for the second row and cargo area? It would be a HUGE help as we have to make our decision very soon. Thanks! Julie

Thanks for your reply - unfortunately, I'm totally clueless when it comes to things such as torque, etc., so not sure what exactly you're saying... sorry about that. We have a 12' tent trailer with a dry weight of 1950 lbs and a GVWR of 2950. With the 3500 lb towing capacity, plus GCWR of 8300, it seems to me that the Journey can handle things just as easily as our Ford Freestar did (with the towing prep package ordered for the car).

Hi there, We're seriously considering a 2009 Dodge Journey SXT (with Flexible Seating, Convenience Group I and Trailer Tow Package). We will probably get the AWD version. Has anyone had any experience towing with the Dodge Journey? When I crunch the numbers, it seems to handle our tent trailer/pop up without difficulty, but I just wanted to see if anyone else is towing with one of these vehicles. Thanks!