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Michigan Mike
Dodge Dakota
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5/28/2002
10:45:46
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 Subject: Trailer Hitch - 4WD Dak
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Message:
Hey, I've got a 2000 QC 4.7 4WD and I want to hook a trailer up to it (lightweight coleman pop-up camper) but the tongue on the Coleman is situated at a level FAR below the bumper hitch on my Dak, what with its factory suspension lift and 31" tires.
I don't want to be driving around with the trailer tongue aimed skyward...
anybody know of some inexpensive bolt-on hitch adapters that allow a lower trailer-ball mounting location?
Thanky!
ALSO: With such a lightweight trailer (less than 1500 lbs., I think) - Do I need to make sure the Tranny doesn't go into Overdrive? It doesn't seem like such a terrible additional load on the thing. Want to make sure. I'm pretty sure it's the 45RFE trans.
Can't wait! Going camping in 2 weeks at the Silver Lakes Sand Dunes in Western Michigan...going Sand Duning with the Dak, too!!!
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LoneStarDak
Dodge Dakota
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5/28/2002
11:05:35
| RE: Trailer Hitch - 4WD Dak
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Message:
Michgan Mike if you have the factory towing package your truck should have a reciever below the rear bumper. You can go to any auto parts store, Walmart or trailer hitch shop and get a anywhere from a 2" to a 6" reciever hitch to suit your needs. They run from $15 to $30. I have a 2000 QC 4x4 w/ stock suspension and I use a 2" drop for my camper. You application depends on the weight of the camper tongue and the size of the camper tires.
If you don't have the reciever beneath the bumper, I would recommed getting one.
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Michigan Mike
Dodge Dakota
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5/28/2002
11:20:13
| RE: Trailer Hitch - 4WD Dak
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Message:
Okay, thanks....I bought the truck used, don't think it has the trailer towing package. I'll have to peek under the bumper again, but I don't think I saw any trailer hitch receiver under there before.
All I've noticed, to this point, has been the hole in the step bumper where I can bolt a trailer ball. Is there nothing that will bolt to this hole that will give me a dropped hitch ball location? It doesn't sound like it.
Any thoughts on disabling O/D when towing such a light trailer?
Thanks!!!
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Joel
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/28/2002
12:09:16
| RE: Trailer Hitch - 4WD Dak
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Message:
The best route to go is to install a reciever that mounts to the frame. Then get the ball mount lone star is talking about. The ball mount will lower the point at which the trailer connects to your truck. If you go to u-haul, they can help you out and they are not so over priced.
Also, as little as 1500 lbs may seem, get a tranny cooler installed. It will get hot without the auxilary trans cooler. B&M supercooler is what you should go with.
Take it out of OD when going up a grade and if its shifting in and out, keep it out.
1500 lbs doesn't sound like much but it will drop your mpg and you'll know its behind you.
Joel
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