Can the 2026 Durango confidently tow boats and campers around Shell Lake, WI?

Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors CDJR - Why the 2026 Dodge Durango GT Premium AWD HEMI® V8 Fits Rice Lake, WI Driving The 2026 Dodge Durango GT Premium AWD HEMI® V8 is the kind of SUV that makes sense for drivers who want one vehicle to cover a lot of ground. Around Rice Lake, daily driving can include school drop-offs, work commutes, errands along busy corridors, gravel road stretches, highway travel, and weekends built around boats, trailers, or cabin gear. This trim stands out because it does not ask shoppers to choose between strength and usability. It brings the proven 5.7L HEMI® V8, standard AWD, a three-row cabin, upscale comfort features, and Dodge design attitude in one well-rounded package. For online shoppers comparing Durango trims, the GT Premium AWD HEMI® V8 is especially appealing because it lands in a practical middle ground. It offers more muscle than the V6 trims, more family flexibility than the five-passenger SRT® Hellcat models, and more standard comfort than a basic performance-focused configuration. Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors CDJR, serving Rice Lake, Almena, and Clear Lake, can help shoppers evaluate whether this trim’s V8 capability, seating layout, and available packages match real driving needs rather than simply looking good on a spec sheet. A V8 That Works for Everyday Utility The heart of this trim is the 5.7L HEMI® V8, rated at 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. That power matters in normal driving, not just when towing. It gives the Durango a confident feel when merging onto the highway, passing slower traffic, or carrying a full cabin of passengers and cargo. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps manage that output smoothly, so the SUV feels composed rather than abrupt in daily use. For Rice Lake-area drivers who tow recreational gear, the GT Premium AWD HEMI® V8 offers up to 7,200 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped. That gives owners useful capability for many trailers, boats, and utility loads. It is not just the rating that matters, though. The V8’s torque delivery helps reduce the sense of strain when pulling weight, and AWD adds traction support when launching from a ramp, navigating loose surfaces, or driving on rural roads with changing grip levels. Why AWD Matters Around Rice Lake Standard AWD is one of the biggest reasons this trim feels so well suited to northwestern Wisconsin. The system is designed to provide added control on unpredictable surfaces, which is useful for drivers who routinely transition between paved roads, gravel driveways, boat landings, and rural routes. A Durango with AWD feels planted and predictable, especially when the vehicle is loaded with passengers or gear. AWD also pairs naturally with the Durango’s strong chassis feel. The GT Premium AWD HEMI® V8 uses a short and long arm front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, giving it a stable, substantial road presence. It feels more confident than many softer three-row SUVs, yet it still provides the passenger space and interior flexibility families expect. For drivers who want a vehicle that feels sturdy and secure without moving into a pickup, this Durango trim makes a strong case. Comfort That Supports Real Family Use The GT Premium AWD HEMI® V8 seats up to seven, which is a major advantage for families, carpoolers, and anyone who regularly carries extra passengers. The cabin offers 141 cubic feet of passenger volume, with 40.3 inches of front legroom, 38.6 inches of second-row legroom, and 33.5 inches of third-row legroom. That layout gives the Durango useful flexibility for adults, kids, pets, and weekend cargo. When cargo takes priority, the Durango provides 17.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row and up to 85.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume with the rear rows folded. That can make a big difference when loading sports equipment, home improvement supplies, coolers, luggage, or outdoor gear. The power liftgate also adds convenience when hands are full, while heated front seats and a heated steering wheel bring comfort to early-morning starts and longer drives. Technology That Feels Easy to Live With The Uconnect® 5 system is another highlight. Its 10.1-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, making it simple to access maps, calls, messages, playlists, and favorite apps. The system also allows up to five user profiles, so multiple drivers can keep personalized homepages and settings without constantly adjusting the cabin each time someone else gets behind the wheel. The GT Premium AWD HEMI® V8 also includes integrated navigation with voice activation, Uconnect w/Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, and a 9-speaker audio system. Those details help the Durango feel modern and convenient on longer drives to Eau Claire, cabin trips north, or everyday errands across Rice Lake. Technology should reduce friction, and this setup is designed to keep key functions easy to find and easy to use. Safety and Parking Confidence A large SUV should give drivers visibility support, and the Durango delivers helpful systems for daily confidence. Blind Spot Detection warning is especially useful on multi-lane roads or when traffic moves quickly around town. ParkSense with Stop front and rear parking sensors help with tight parking areas, while the ParkView® Rear Back Up Camera provides a high-resolution rear view with dynamic gridlines. The Durango also includes Electronic Stability Control, traction control, Advanced Brake Assist, Ready Alert Braking, side-impact beams, multiple airbags, and Sentry Key immobilizer technology. Available advanced features such as Forward Collision Warning with Full Stop, LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection can further support drivers who want more assistance on busy roads or when towing. Available Style Packages Add Personality The GT Premium AWD HEMI® V8 already has a bold Dodge look, but available appearance packages can make it feel even more personal. The Blacktop® Redline Package can add front and rear SRT® spoilers, available dual stripes, Leather and Alcantara® Suede SRT® Performance Seats with Red Accent Stitching, gloss black badging, black roof rails with integrated crossbars, and 20x8-inch Black Noise Wheels. For shoppers who want a family-capable SUV that still looks aggressive, this package is worth considering. Best use case: Families wanting V8 power with three-row practicality Key strength: 5.7L HEMI® V8 capability with standard AWD Interior advantage: Seating for up to seven and 85.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume Technology highlight: Uconnect® 5 with a 10.1-inch touchscreen Style option: Available Blacktop® Redline Package Frequently Asked Questions: Is the 2026 Dodge Durango GT Premium AWD HEMI® V8 good for towing? Yes. When properly equipped, this trim can tow up to 7,200 pounds, making it a strong option for many boats, trailers, and recreational loads common around Rice Lake. Does this Durango trim have three rows? Yes. The GT Premium AWD HEMI® V8 seats up to seven and offers flexible second- and third-row folding configurations for passengers and cargo. What makes this trim different from the SRT® Hellcat? The GT Premium AWD HEMI® V8 focuses on V8 strength, comfort, and three-row versatility, while the SRT® Hellcat emphasizes maximum supercharged performance and uses a five-passenger layout. Is this trim a smart choice for Rice Lake-area families? Yes. Its mix of V8 capability, AWD, three-row seating, strong cargo space, and easy-to-use technology makes it a practical and confident SUV for local routines and weekend plans. *Image may not be actual model Request more 2026 Dodge Durango information

Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors CDJR - Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection — A Smarter Way to Tow around Rice Lake, WI If you’ve ever towed a boat to Rice Lake or hauled a camper across county roads, you know the lane-change moment is where your heart rate climbs. The 2026 Dodge Durango offers an elegant answer: available Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection. It’s a capability-driven add-on that expands your blind-spot coverage to account for the length of your trailer, giving you better awareness before you commit to that move. It’s one of those features you appreciate immediately on US-53 or WI-48, and you’ll wonder how you ever towed without it. This system doesn’t replace good driving habits, but it complements them with timely, useful information. Sensors monitor vehicles not just alongside the Durango, but alongside your trailer as well. If traffic is closing in on your rig’s right rear quarter, you get a visual alert so you can wait for a bigger gap. When paired with Trailer Sway Control and the Durango’s confident chassis tuning, it makes towing feel less like a juggling act and more like another drive you’ve got well in hand. Below, we’ll look at how the tech works in practice, why it’s a smart fit for our region’s mix of highways and two-lanes, and what to consider if you’re comparing Durango with other three-row SUVs for towing duty. What This System Does (And Why It Matters Here) Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection builds on standard blind-spot tech by extending its “watch zone” to the back of your attached trailer. On a typical three-row SUV, blind-spot indicators don’t account for that extra length, leaving the last third of your rig unmonitored. The Durango’s available system solves that gap. For day-to-day use around Rice Lake, where you might dart from Main Street to US-53 and then onto rural two-lanes, that’s a meaningful upgrade in confidence and comfort. Towing on undivided roads often requires quick judgment. Farm driveways, side roads with limited sightlines, and traffic patterns that ebb and flow near town centers can complicate merges. With Durango’s trailer-aware alerts, you get an extra layer of situational awareness. It doesn’t change the rules of safe towing, but it changes how at-ease you feel while following them. How It Works with Durango’s Towing Hardware Durango’s towing capability is anchored by a strong platform and smart features. When you select the Trailer Tow Group or go for the Tow ‘n Go Package on HEMI® V8 models, you get hardware that’s designed for heavy hauling. Pair that with Trailer Sway Control, and the SUV can help stabilize your load by adjusting brake pressure and throttle if it senses sway beginning. Add Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection, and you’re now towing with both confidence and clarity—stability support when you need it and extended blind-spot awareness when it counts. Practical tip: if you’re new to towing, practice in a big parking lot. Set up some cones to simulate lane changes, then watch how the blind-spot indicators respond as you pass those reference points with your trailer. It’s a simple way to build trust in the system before you hit WI-48 with a full boatload of weekend gear. How It Compares with Typical Three-Row SUVs Plenty of crossovers offer basic blind-spot alerts, but many do not extend coverage for a trailer. Add in the Durango’s Best-in-Class available 8,700-pound maximum towing when properly equipped and the advantage becomes clear for families around Rice Lake who want one vehicle that commutes Monday through Friday and hauls seriously on Saturday. Some alternatives top out around 5,000–6,000 pounds and may lack trailer-aware blind-spot support, which can put more stress on the driver during merges and lane changes. Durango amplifies the advantage with the rest of its tool kit: an eight-speed automatic transmission, available AWD, Trailer Sway Control, and—when specified—Tow ‘n Go hardware with performance-calibrated suspension and Brembo® brakes. It’s an ecosystem of capability rather than a single spec line, and it shows in the way the vehicle behaves with weight on the hitch. Real-World Scenarios Around Rice Lake Consider two common use cases. First, boating days. You’re leaving an early-morning launch near Rice Lake, turning onto a busier stretch as weekend traffic picks up. With your trailer length factored into Durango’s blind-spot coverage, you can merge with more certainty as you look for a safe gap. Second, the family camping run. You’re towing a mid-size camper on County Highway C, traffic’s stacked behind a slower vehicle, and you spot your chance to pass. The extra awareness at the end of your trailer’s length matters here. The Durango makes it easier to time that move and settle back into the lane smoothly. Helpful Setup Tips Confirm trailer connection: Always verify your lights, chains, and hitch before moving—alerts won’t replace proper hookups. Know your length: Be mindful of the total length and weight you’re towing so you can anticipate how quickly traffic closes in. Combine with mirrors: Use your side mirrors and camera views along with blind-spot alerts—layered awareness is best. Practice merging: Find a quiet road or lot to get a feel for where alerts illuminate with your typical trailer. Frequently Asked Questions: Does Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection work with different trailer sizes? Yes. The system is designed to support a range of common trailer lengths. Always verify operation during your pre-trip check, and remember that extremely long or unusually configured trailers may require extra caution beyond what any alert system provides. Do I need the Tow ‘n Go Package to get this feature? Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection is available via the Trailer Tow Group. Tow ‘n Go on GT HEMI® V8 models adds performance-calibrated components and Best-in-Class available towing, but the blind-spot trailer feature itself comes with the towing package. Will it still help in heavy rain or dust? Sensors can be affected by environmental conditions. Keep your sensors clean and be prepared for reduced performance in extreme weather or debris-heavy conditions. That’s true for any driver-assist system, regardless of brand. Can I rely on the alerts alone when changing lanes? No. Treat alerts as an aid, not a replacement for safe driving. Use mirrors, check sightlines, and give yourself extra margin—especially with a trailer attached. What if I swap trailers frequently? Make a habit of doing a quick trial run in a safe area to learn how the alerts present with each setup. Different lengths and weights can slightly change your timing, and practicing once or twice pays off when traffic tightens up. For families and weekenders who split time between school runs, grocery stops, and time on the water, this single feature can change how relaxing towing feels. It pairs perfectly with Durango’s broader strengths—robust powertrains, Trailer Sway Control, available AWD, and the Uconnect® 5 system that keeps navigation and music right at your fingertips. At Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors CDJR, we’ve spent enough time helping neighbors set up their towing packages to know this technology is worth calling out. If you’re weighing different three-row options for life around Rice Lake, schedule a drive and bring your questions about towing setups. We’ll help you sort through packages, discuss real-world capacities, and tailor the configuration to your boat, camper, or utility trailer—serving Turtle Lake, Rice Lake, and Almena with guidance that fits everyday driving and weekend plans. Request more 2026 Dodge Durango information

Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors CDJR - Why the 2026 Dodge Durango Tow ‘n Go Package Is a Smart Fit for Frederic, WI Drivers The 2026 Dodge Durango already blends three-row practicality with authentic performance. Add the available Tow ‘n Go Package, and it becomes an SUV that’s tailor-made for life around Frederic, WI—where a single vehicle often has to commute during the week and confidently haul a boat, camper, or utility trailer on the weekend. If you’re comparing SUVs for highway stability on US-8, straightforward trailering on county roads, and strong acceleration for safe passing on WI-35, this configuration deserves a close look. What Tow ‘n Go Adds to the Durango Formula Tow ‘n Go is more than a hitch and wiring. It’s an integrated performance and towing upgrade designed for serious use. On HEMI® V8 models, it unlocks Best-in-Class available towing up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped and matches that capability with chassis and braking enhancements you can feel every time you head out. The result is a Durango that tows stronger, tracks straighter, and inspires more confidence—whether you’re pulling a family camper toward Interfalls Lake or a fishing boat toward nearby landings. Powertrain pairing: Available on HEMI® V8 Durango models and SRT® Hellcat for maximum capability Suspension control: Bilstein® Active Damping High-Performance Suspension for poise under load Serious stopping: Black Brembo® brake calipers with performance-tuned bite and heat management Gripping tires: Pirelli® Scorpion Zero 295-width run-flat performance tires for confident traction Axle advantage: Electronic Limited Slip Rear Axle supports power delivery and stability Drive modes: Configurable Sport, Track, Tow, and Snow modes for tailored response Tow hardware: Class IV hitch and integrated trailer brake controller for seamless hookups Chassis tuning: Widebody flares, performance exhaust, and steering calibration for control Beyond raw numbers, those upgrades work together in a way you’ll appreciate on Frederic’s mix of county roads and two-lane highways. Stability mid-corner is enhanced, braking distances feel more secure with a trailer attached, and steering inputs translate cleanly—so positioning your trailer at a launch or backing into a tight cabin driveway is more predictable. Smart Tech That Makes Towing Easier Muscle matters, but the Durango’s tech features can be just as important to how confidently you tow. The Uconnect® 5 system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen streamlines towing life with quick access to vehicle settings, available performance pages, and infotainment that keeps everyone in the second and third rows content on longer drives. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ support let you manage navigation and playlists easily, while the available integrated navigation system helps you plan routes that avoid low-clearance surprises. Trailer awareness: Available Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection monitors next to your trailer Sway confidence: Trailer Sway Control supports stability with selective brake and throttle inputs Camera clarity: ParkView® Rear Back Up Camera with dynamic gridlines aids in precise trailer alignment Cluster insights: Available performance pages display real-time data that’s actually useful while towing Those systems shine on the practical drives between Frederic, Luck, and Milltown—where traffic varies and lane changes with a load can be the most stressful moments of the trip. With the right alerts and visibility, the Durango helps you stay focused and informed. Which Durango Configuration Is Right for Your Trailer? Matching your trailer to the right engine and package is straightforward. If your setup is under 6,200 pounds when properly equipped, the 3.6L Pentastar® V6 will do the job admirably with less weight on the nose and smooth, predictable acceleration. If you’re routinely above that or want more margin in reserve for hills and headwinds, the 5.7L HEMI® V8’s 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque deliver relaxed towing and confident passing. For the most demanding loads—and the widest performance envelope—the SRT® Hellcat’s 710 horsepower brings extra effortless pull and precision control. Under 6,000 lb: Pentastar® V6 with available tow equipment 6,000–7,200 lb: 5.7L HEMI® V8 with Trailer Tow Group IV Up to 8,700 lb: HEMI® V8 or SRT® Hellcat with Tow ‘n Go Keep in mind that payload, passengers, and cargo impact your final tow rating. A quick chat with our team helps confirm your exact configuration and recommended setup for weight distribution and tongue weight. Comfort and Versatility Still Matter When you’re not towing, the Durango’s interior does everyday life well. Over 50 seating configurations help you juggle people and gear, and up to 85.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity means Costco runs, sports equipment, or a run to the home improvement store are simple. Available heated front seats and a heated steering wheel take the edge off early mornings, and the optional Harman Kardon® 19-speaker audio system brings concert-grade sound to your drive on WI-35—clear, punchy, and easy to enjoy at any volume. Seating for seven: Available second-row captain’s chairs for easy third-row access Flexible storage: Split-fold second and third rows with quick fold-and-tumble operation Roof versatility: Class-Exclusive available Stow N Place® Roof Rack System rated up to 150 pounds In other words, you’re not choosing between “tow vehicle” and “family SUV.” The Durango is both, and it’s built to switch roles gracefully in a single weekend. Frequently Asked Questions: Can I get Tow ‘n Go with a V6? No. Tow ‘n Go is available on Durango HEMI® V8 models and SRT® Hellcat, where the chassis and powertrain upgrades pair properly with the added towing potential. Do I need premium fuel? The 3.6L Pentastar® V6 and 5.7L HEMI® V8 can use regular gasoline as specified, with 89-octane recommended for the HEMI® V8. Durango SRT® Hellcat models require premium 91-octane or higher for optimal performance. What’s included in Trailer Tow Group IV? Trailer Tow Group IV adds confidence features such as a Class IV receiver hitch, 7- and 4-pin wiring, available Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Detection, rear load-leveling suspension, and an integrated trailer brake controller. Is the Durango good for daily commuting? Yes. Even with Tow ‘n Go, the eight-speed automatic and chassis tuning deliver a composed, comfortable ride. Uconnect® 5, voice commands, and driver-assist options make daily driving on US-8 and local streets easy. How does Durango towing compare with other three-row SUVs? Many three-row SUVs top out around 5,000–5,600 pounds. When properly equipped, the Durango reaches Best-in-Class available towing of 8,700 pounds and offers V8 performance others can’t match. If you’re mapping out weekends that might include a lakeshore haul toward Luck or a family getaway near Milltown, the Durango with Tow ‘n Go is the flexible, powerful SUV that slots into your life without compromise. We take pride in helping you choose the right configuration and setting it up the right way—so your first tow feels as dialed-in as your hundredth. Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors CDJR offers local expertise and a guest-first approach, serving Frederic, Luck, and Milltown with the know-how that makes a difference when you’re behind the wheel and under load. Request more 2026 Dodge Durango information