| From | Message |
madmike
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2003
12:38:18
|
 Subject: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
Alright guys, I'm considering towing my car up to a race since I have been offered a trailer to borrow. My question is whether or not my wifes's truck is up to the task. It's a 2001 Dodge Dakota Sport extended cac with the 3.9L V6 and 4 speed automatic. I can't seem to find any hard info on the web about it's towing capacity, but it looks to be around 4500-4800lbs. The trailer weighs under 1000lbs. The car will be weighing in at around 3100lbs, so I'll be under 4000lbs total. It'll have to go to Columbus, Ohio and back from Hampton Roads, VA. I'm not sure which route we'll take, or how much, if any, of the drive will be in mountains/hills. So whattya think? Will I be safe using it as a tow truck for the weekend? Thanks.
|
gps_jetskier
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2003
12:53:49
|  RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
RTM.....
|
madmike
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2003
12:56:19
|  RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
RTM... Read the manual??? If so, I know what the manual says. I am asking for other's personal opinions. Thanks.
|
gps_jetskier
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2003
13:03:31
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
What is it rated for then? One weekend prolly won't kill it. However, if you have a 100,000 miles on it maybe. It's really up to you. How far do you want to push it?
|
wjco
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2003
14:19:35
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
I had a genII with the 3.9 and the only time I had a problem towing was when I pulled a u haul single axle from FLA to Louisiana. I couldn't use cruise control and I had to turn off the overdrive because I couldn't get it to maintain speed in 4th. It took me 7 hours to make a 4 hour road trip. I wouldn't do it again with a v-6 but my 4.7 could with ease.
|
gps_jetskier
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2003
14:37:14
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
Pulling 6000lbs 31 foot travel trailer with my 4.7L. Does it pretty well. I try not to go far though either. Just shortens it's life....
|
BaggerBill
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2003
15:21:22
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
According to the Dodge.com site... an '03 version of your truck can tow 4650lbs with the 3.55 axle and more with the 3.92....
Things I would do... change the rear axle fluid to the recommended synthetic (manual should tell you)... put on an tranny cooler (if you don't already have one)... an equalizer/stabilizer hitch would be good also... keep it out of overdrive for the most part...
happy towing and racing...
bill n bama
|
Mark green92
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2003
16:11:54
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
I have pulled a car and trailer from Hampton to Petersburg and back with my high mileage 92 without any problems. Keep in mind there is no great acceleration with this much weight on a 3.9 A/T with 3.55 gears. BaggerBill's suggestions are correct and I only have one additional, make sure your truck has sway bars. On mine there were none from the factory and even when I only had the front bar I had an incident of "the tail wagging the dodge" over some of VDOT's handiwork.
|
madmike
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2003
16:29:00
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll see what my plans are and decide if I want to try it.
Mike
|
Kowalski
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2003
16:38:37
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
You can control a lot of that sway by keeping weight towards the front of the trailer. I'm surprised to hear the towing capacity of the 3.9 is rated that high as the capacity of my 3.55 axle 4.7 is only around 5000. Good luck and watch out for big hills.
|
gps_jetskier
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/27/2003
07:44:54
|  RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/jeepme123/vwp?.dir=/01_Dakota&.src=ph&.dnm=Truck_n_camper.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/bc/jeepme123/lst%3f%26.dir=/01_Dakota%26.src=ph%26.view=t
|
roundboy0
GenIII
6/27/2003
09:04:36
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
I recently towed 7500 lbs (including trailer weight) with my 3.9l. It did fine, but I wouldn't recommend doing it for long. I've got a manual, too, so that probably made it easier.
Chris
2003 CC 5spd 4x4 3.9l 3.92lsd
Intense Stage III; Fastman TB; JBA Headers; Magnaflow Exhaust; Misc other stuff
|
gps_jetskier
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/27/2003
09:09:53
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
WOW....I thought I was pushing it at 6000lbs on my 4.7L. You da man....
|
BlackDak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/13/2003
17:07:02
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
I have a '98 318 4x4 with a 5 speed. I pulled just over 10,000 lbs before. Was a dual axle car hauler with a 1 ton truck and a slide in camper on the bed. This is one tough truck.
|
jim
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/14/2003
21:18:42
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
I tow a 21 foot travel trailer now ------ok
wife always wants more----just how much more you think i can go????
|
Scott
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/15/2003
07:26:09
|  RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
Well , I pull a 26ft. travel trailer with my `02 4.7 auto QC 4X4 with 3.55 gears. The weight is right at 5000lbs with all gear on board , and the truck does real well.
I would say you would need to be most conserned with the weight of the trailer (incl. all gear) than the length.
I should also note, I`m in Florida and we only tow it here (flat land) ,and not all over the country. I have yet to tow over any real hills or mountains yet.
|
gps_jetskier
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/15/2003
07:52:23
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
I pull a 31ft TrailLite Travel Trailer. Just short of 5000lbs **dry**. I figure somewhere near 6000lbs loaded to go. My Quad pulls it surprisingly well, but 55mph is it for me. Even with my 99' Silverado I had the same concerns. The weight on the truck is obvisouly important, but with the right hitch and setup you can make it work beyond the trucks ratings. The ratio of the trailer's "sail area" to the length of the truck is the most important part IMHO. I couldn't pull this with a regular cab Dakota. The camper would have too much leverage relative to the length of the truck, and the weight ratio would be WAY worse. Keep in mind...the slower you go...the safer you are. You prolly aren't going to wreck it at 25mph...right? So what about 35?, 45?, ect....figure out what speed the setup likes and what it doesn't. Here's my setup...
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bc/jeepme123/lst?.dir=/01_Dakota&.view=t
GPS_JETSKIER
01QC, 3"Body Lift, 285 BFG AT's
IAT adjuster,Custom TB,HO Cams
No 3rd Cat, Powerslots/Hawk Pads
SS Nerfs, Line-X, Custom Safari Rack & light Bar
|
gps_jetskier
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/15/2003
07:55:03
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
Ahh...I should note that the picture is before the lift too. Otherwise you'll all think I'm smashing it. 8-)
Hey for you HO Cam boys. They make a huge difference in pulling.....
|
AndrewM
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/15/2003
10:42:19
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
Man, some of you guys are WAY over the towing specs for the Dakota. The MAX GCWR of any Dakota is 10,800 lbs, and that's for a QC 5.9 w/ 3.92s. There's no way you're under that.
The question isn't whether you CAN tow it. It's whether you can tow it SAFELY. Moving the trailer is one thing, getting it stopped under emergency conditions is another.
For good towing performance, most experienced rv'ers use about 80% of the rated max trailer weight as the absolute most that a "wet" trailer should weigh. Sure these trucks have the drivetrain to tow more, but the physical size of the Dakota along with the brakes and suspension are the limiting factors.
Also, weight is only part of the towing equation. Trailer length versus tow vehicle wheelbase is another. The general rule of thumb is a 110" wheelbase will give you up to a 20' trailer. For each additional 4" of wheelbase, you can add 1 foot of trailer length. So, with the QC's wheelbase of 131", that would allow up to a 25' trailer. Now, that's not a hard and fast number, but's it's a good place to start.
Here is a very informative site that explains in detail the proper way to determine acceptable weights and trailer lenghts for your tow vehicle. I highly recommend reading it.
http://www.geocities.com/dgrvweb/
A good brake controller and weight distributing hitch w/ sway control is an absolute must as well. The best brake controller, pretty much hands down, seems to be the Tekonsha Prodigy.
http://www.tekonsha.com/prodig.html
The best hitches in the $500 price range are the Equal-i-zer and the Reese Dual Cam. For the big bucks, you can look at the Hensley Arrow and the Pullrite. Those two hitches start at $2,000. All four of these hitches provide weight distribution. The cheaper ones try to limit trailer sway, while the more expensive ones eliminate sway.
http://www.equalizerhitch.com
http://www.reese-hitches.com
http://www.pullrite.com
http://www.nosway.com (Hensley Arrow)
|
gps_jetskier
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/15/2003
12:53:29
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
I agree and disagree at the same time.
Typically there's an Engineering safty factor built into every spec manf state. I agree that I'm using some of that. It's all over stated to begin with though. I used to work at GM proving grounds. This is nothing....
I agree that weight is a concern, but with the proper rigging (and slower speeds like I said), you can do it, and I feel do it safely too. EQ hitches, load helper springs, sway bars obviously, better shocks, trans cooler. They are all a good idea. Brake controller is another obvious must.
Ya go flyin lo...and yer gonna have a problem - garented.. Keep it slow and sensable and you can still do it safly. Maybe not what they recommend...but....
|
AndrewM
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/15/2003
13:58:38
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
What about liability? If you get in an accident with an overloaded tow rig, couldn't you be held liable for any damages? In today's lawsuit-happy world I'm thinking that could be an issue. Your insurance company could also potentially use that as a reason to deny coverage.
Just playing devil's advocate...
|
gps_jetskier
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/15/2003
14:18:32
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
8-)
Actually, my father is an attorney (family law tho, wills, estates, stuff like that).
That's something I hadn't thought about strangly enough. It's a good point too. Unfornutely, The truth is you're most likly be sued in any event. It's just the way it works any more...
|
Scott
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/15/2003
16:18:54
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
I did a ton of research before I decided to keep and use my Dakota for towing. I never expected to own a travel trailer and I didn`t buy my truck with the intent to tow anything , just for the need of a veh. with a bed and 4 useable doors for the family. With that said after all of my digging around for specs. and ratings etc..
, I ended up buying everything for my wifes Safari van (hitch , elec. brakes , ride-rite air control bags , new 3.73 gears , tranny cooler) only to find out it was just barely enough to saftly use for our camper.
The tow rating for the van is 5500lbs. , my Dakota with the 3.55s is right around 4800lbs.
I have a body lift and 33s on the Dak now , and really like the truck . I really can`t swallow the beating I`d take by trading it as it`s only just under 2yrs. old.
With that said , I figured I`d atleast set up the truck to tow and see how it would do.
To my surprise , it towed just a little better than the van w/the 33s. I swapped them out for the stock 31s and it pulls it as good as anything else I`d want except a new desiel.
I can run 70+ if i need to on the highway and around town it takes off like it`s not even there.
It`s interesting to me how a Durango or a standard cab 4.7 5 spd. Dak. , can have up to a 7000lb. tow rating , but a larger QC is less.
It goes against what Andrew is saying ,about a larger veh. being better. I have to say I agree with Andrew , it`s just if you go by the #s , it gets really confusing.
I just got my 4.56s and will be having them installed by the end of this week , so I will no longer need to keep swapping wheels and tires everytime we go camping.
I will also make up for my lost power due to the larger , heavier wheels and tires.
Sorry for the long winded post , just wanted to say if you stay close to the recommended #s , and don`t plan on towing everday or cross-country you will be fine.
|
AndrewM
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/15/2003
17:35:00
|  RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
The wheelbase vs trailer length guideline is strictly a sway issue. It has nothing to do with weight. A longer trailer will have more leverage to push around a shorter wheelbase truck in a serious sway event.
So, even though a RC Dakota can tow a HEAVIER trailer, a CC or QC can tow a LONGER trailer more safely.
However, the Durango is another story. For some reason the Durango has a higher GCWR than the Dakota. We know the drivetrain is the same. The axle ratings are almost identical. The GVWR ratings are about the same. Something just doesn't make sense. What would be giving the Durango an extra 1,400 lbs of GCWR? Brakes? Suspension? ???
|
Scott
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/15/2003
18:06:10
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
I`ve been wondering the same thing after I found out the #s from the Dodge web site.
You are correct about the lenght issue , and my Dak is longer, has a V-8, and AWD ,than the van with the V-6, RWD. I can`t get were they pulled the 5500lb. rating for it ?!
Common scence told me the truck would work better , but the numbers said something else...
|
gps_jetskier
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/16/2003
07:56:57
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
Well that's a factor of the class of vehicles it's in I'm sure. They're trying to hold their own with the Yukon's and such. Slightly bigger vehicles. Like I said, there is alot of "fudge" factoring in there. You don't think there is some magic formula that says yeah or neay. Some magic machine that you hook up. It's a bunch a guys pulling crap around a test track and then giving everything a rating. I've seen it done.
I've always thought it interesting that my buddy's tease me about what I pull with the Dakota QC, yet they never look twice at the Durango loaded full of family & pulling a 28 footer up north. GO figure....
Bottom line - pull what you feel comfortable with and use the limits as a reference. If you don't agree with what the other guy is pulling...stay out of the way. 8-)
GPS_JETSKIER
01QC, 3"Body Lift, 285 BFG AT's
IAT adjuster,Custom TB,HO Cams
No 3rd Cat, Powerslots/Hawk Pads
SS Nerfs, Line-X, Custom Safari Rack & light Bar
|
Kowalski
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/16/2003
15:34:00
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
Makes me wonder if the transnsmission gear ratios are different between Dakota and Durango ?
|
Boomer
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/25/2003
10:22:45
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
I've been doing a little research, here is my question for you guys.
Can a 97 Club Cab, 5.2 (some mods, but doesn't really matter), 4x4, 3.73LSD gears SAFELY tow 5400 lbs.?
The trailer is 2k or so, will be weight dist., and the car weight around 3300. Yes I know 2000+3300=5300, but I give a slight fudge factor for things. Plus, there will be an Olds small block v-8 in the bed of the truck.
The truck recently has new front and rear brakes, new rancho shocks, and has the tow pkg.
The trip is from FL to PA, around 1100 miles. I could rent a truck,, but raher use mine for $$$ issues. But if I blow up my tranny (or worse) doing this, then $$$ will defintely be an issue.
I know that some of you guys are towing more than this, but they are 4.7's & 5.9's w/ 3.92's......
|
gps_jetskier
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/25/2003
10:43:51
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
The small block in the back puts you out of the game I'm afraid...
GPS_JETSKIER
01QC, 3"Body Lift, 285 BFG AT's
IAT adjuster,Custom TB,HO Cams
No 3rd Cat, Powerslots/Hawk Pads
SS Nerfs, Line-X, Custom Safari Rack & light Bar
|
boomer
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/25/2003
14:46:05
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
If I use the weight distr, like I said before, and added a set of helper springs, will that help? It seems to me that the limiting factor will be braking. The trailer does have elec brakes though...
What about 4.10 gears. Something I've been wanting, and gives me anexcuse to do?
|
gps_jetskier
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/25/2003
14:50:36
| RE: Got a towing question
IP: Logged
Message:
Too much wieght in the back end. By the time you get a motor then the tounge weight your so far over it's not funny. Bigger truck bud....
|
| | P 1 Next Page>> |
