97 dakota pull truck??

[kdgncop]

i am looking at a 97 exteneded cab dakota with the magnum v6 which is a 3.9. it is four wheel drive and just wondering if anyone has pulled with this vehicle?? my boat is only 2 miles from the lake, so not worried about just that far really and with 4 wheel should make it up any ramp. <br /><br />just curious about longer hauls. my boat is a 19 foot bayliner with no trailer brakes.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 97 dakota pull truck??

I owned the same vehicle some time ago and used it to pull a 16' MirroCraft walleye boat that is much lighter than your 19 Bayliner. To put it bluntly, it was not thrilled with its performance or fuel economy. It was replaced with an AWD Chevy Astro Van. However, since you are only going 2 miles, you can get by with no problems. Stay out of overdrive and have the transmission checked. That's their main weakness.

 

[JB]

Re: 97 dakota pull truck??

Only two things matter, Cop. The tow rating of the truck and the weight of the trailer.<br /><br />What are they?

 

[fseventy]

Re: 97 dakota pull truck??

I pull a 17 1/2 foot Marlin with my 1998 2X4 extended cab dakota 3.9 V6 with the 3.23 rear (no limited slip) and manual 5 speed trans. No trailer brakes either. Brakes are supposed to be the big weakness on these trucks, but I'm doing OK since all rotors/drums pads/shoes have been replaced. We will see how well it stops over time. <br /><br />As far as towing, haven't had a problem yet. I only tow 25 miles one way, and it's pretty hilly for half of it. Not the greatest performance out of the truck, but it works for me. I have to have my wife and kids sit in the truck bed when I haul the boat out of the water, otherwise it spins alot. 4X4 should help you yank it out.

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: 97 dakota pull truck??

I have a 97 with the 3.9. It's 2WD with 3.55 gears and an auto tranny. DO NOT tow in OD! I've already had my tranny rebuilt at about 70,000. The power isn't the greatest, but it will be ok if you're not in a hurry. The brakes are OK, but I have brakes on my current trailer. I din't on my previous boat, but it was significantly lighter than my Sanger. My Sanger weighs in about 3500 with boat, motor, trailer, and gear.<br /><br />Make sure you know the towing capacity of the truck in question, and the total weight of what you're towing. Stay within the vehicle limits and you'll do fine.

 

[rayjay]

Re: 97 dakota pull truck??

Get some trailer brakes. If you ever have to do a panic stop the weight of the trailer will have you jack-knifed before you know what has happened.