dodge dakota pulling question

[cucomaza]

I hope you all can help me out here. I am thinking about purchasing a 1980 14ft glasstron tri-hull. I would like to know your opinions if a 2001 doge dakota will pull this boat without any issues. It does have the towing package and has a 3.9 v6. . My concern would be at the ramp. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.


maza

 

[Silvertip]

Re: dodge dakota pulling question

Not a problem --- IF --- this is a four-wheel drive OR is a two wheel drive with a limited slip differential AND you regularly use unimproved ramps, AND the ramps tend to be steep. If using improved ramps there would be no issues if the truck has rear tires with a traction tread design.

 

[matt167]

Re: dodge dakota pulling question

Most likely it will be fine. Pretty sure the Dakota's with the 3.9L are still rated to tow 3k lbs or more. You might have an issue at the ramp if only 2WD

 

[cucomaza]

Re: dodge dakota pulling question

thx. The truck is 2wd. Not sure what the boat weighs but I figure it could not weigh much since it is a 14ft boat. Here is the picture of the boat. It is 1980 model.

 

[NYBo]

Re: dodge dakota pulling question

Welcome to iboats!:welcome:

Even with the lowest numerical axle ratio, this boat should be well within the towing capabilities of your Dakota. As mentioned, slick launch ramps could pose a problem. Proper tires and proper technique are your friends in such situations.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: dodge dakota pulling question

** doublepost**

 

[H20Rat]

Re: dodge dakota pulling question

That doesn't look like a 14... I'd say its the every popular 15.5' size. (just under 16', thereby not needing the extra gear required at 16')

In any case, you will be fine. I've pulled quite a few 15' tri-hulls with far less tow vehicle!

 

[bigdee]

Re: dodge dakota pulling question

That doesn't look like a 14... I'd say its the every popular 15.5' size. (just under 16', thereby not needing the extra gear required at 16')

In any case, you will be fine. I've pulled quite a few 15' tri-hulls with far less tow vehicle!

I have seen Dakotas at my ramp pulling out 18 foot ski boats, pontoons and and a old Dixie trihull without issue.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: dodge dakota pulling question

Pulling isn't the problem -- traction IS depending on the ramp condition and type.

 

[bigdee]

Re: dodge dakota pulling question

Pulling isn't the problem -- traction IS depending on the ramp condition and type.

Unfortunately none of us know what his ramp is like. IMO if it were me I would grab my fishing pole and spend a day close to the ramp and observe how others are doing. Unless it is an extremely difficult ramp a Dakota,which is a midsize, truck pulling out a 14 footer should be a cake walk.

 

[340]

Re: dodge dakota pulling question

you have plenty engine to pull that boat, In hilly or mountain terrain turn off the overdrive if equipped, Dakota brakes are a bit undersized so be prepaired in a panic stop, there is not a lot of extra braking on these.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: dodge dakota pulling question

What I see is 4600 to 7000 depending on motor and gears

 

[lrak]

Re: dodge dakota pulling question

A lot depends on the ramp. I never hesitated to use my Corolla to launch my 13' Whaler on a paved ramp. I need to use the Tacoma in 4HI to retrieve it on a local deeply rutted mud ramp with a 5" tall pavement edge. The Tacoma deals with the Cape Dory 25 just fine in 4LO on a good ramp.

 

[Pony]

Re: dodge dakota pulling question

I pulled a 15 trihull very similar to that with a 96' Dakota that had the 3.9L and it was just fine. I had 4WD but never needed it on any of the ramps that I used. It handled the boat well. I bought it used, and I have no clue what the rear gears were or anything like that. The only issue I had with that truck is that with the 4WD it was underpowered with the V6 just in everyday driving. It was a dog on the freeway.

The boat for reference...