towing with a dakota

[sea wolf]

i'm looking at purchasing a 98 dodge dakota, v-6 reg. cab 4x2. my boat unloaded weighs about 3500 lbs. can i safely tow with this vehicle? it has the 3.55 gear ratio. anyone own a dakota & how are they as a tow vehicle? thanx.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: towing with a dakota

I had a 1999 dakota with the big v-6 and 5 speed. I towed a combined wieght of about 3000 lb with it and never had much of a problem. It did squat a bit. The only problem I ever had was on a slippery ramp, after I launched, the two wheel drive just sat there and spun I had to get a another pick up to pull me. It was a little uncomfortable on long hauls but not unbearable. For a small truck it has more leg room that you would think. Got great gas mileage. Double what my full size gets. Maybe you could try pulling your boat with it before you buy.Hope this helps.<br />-------------<br />Flathead

 

[LOLHJ]

Re: towing with a dakota

I just want to say I love my Dakota, its a '97 5 speed with the 4 cylinder with 3.55 gears- and I have towed 2,000 lbs with mine without a problem, the truck is a great little hauler and the interiors of these trucks are second to none, very comfortable.<br /><br />In fact today, I had 1300 lbs in the back of the truck, it was squated some but it hauled, and drove 100%. For a small truck you cant beat them.<br /><br />With the V6 you should have no problems at all, again I love my Dakota, if I had to do it over again I would get a 4x4 Extended cab V6 though (my next truck)<br />-John<br /><br />By the way the V6 is rated at 5,500 lbs, more than enough for you. Good luck

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: towing with a dakota

I had a '92 ext. cab 4X4 with the 318 motor and auto/overdrive and it would haul whatever I wanted to hook to and haul it well.<br />I got better fuel mileage with it than the ones with the v-6's cause there was less strain on the engine.<br />At highway speeds it would only be turning 1500 rpm's and that made for good gas mileage.

 

[L Christopher]

Re: towing with a dakota

Sea Wolf: You say if this includes trailer. Gas and gear can easily add 500lbs. If your weight doesn't include trailer that will add 1,000 to 1,200lbs. I pulled my rig 5,500lbs with a Durango with 318 engine. It did okay for the piece of crap that it was. I added a tranny cooler though. I would not use anything any smaller. What is the tow limit on the ride you are considering. Give yourself 15% grace of the total weight of you boat and trailer. Good luck

 

[mikiedo]

Re: towing with a dakota

First of all, don't believe what you read on the internet, check the owners book or the plate inside the driver's door for the tow weight. Does the number of pounds include the weight of the trailer (+ gear, gas, etc); and outboard motor weight? Next, what is the truck's hitch and ball rated for? I would not trust a ball on a bumper for this weight. I have a 97 Dakota with V-8, and the words of wisdom about a tranny cooler are wise. You may need to go to high octane gas to get any performance out of the 6, are you towing up hills or across flat lands?<br />Sag can be corrected at a spring shop with the addition of an extra leaf spring. Don't trust those JC Whitney bolt-ons. Sag can be important to avoid if your boat trailer has surge brakes, the trailer has to sit level with the truck hitch to work right too much and your headlights point skyward. If in doubt, check with a dealer's service dept. good luck. m

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: towing with a dakota

Yes good advice on the ball on bumber deal. I bought a draw tight recever hitch and it bolted right up with no drilling. I have to disagree about having to run high octain fuel for preformance with the v6. I pulled an inclosed trailer with two full dressed harleys and gear about 3000 pounds from Pa. to Utah over the rockies and the bighorns with the v6 and regular cheap gas with no problems at all.<br /><br />-----------------<br />Flathead

 

[cpasseno03]

Re: towing with a dakota

I have a rust bucket that was a new ram 50 in 1988. It is very similar to a dakota. Very roomy inside. I have a little gutless 2.6L 4 cylinder. Regardless of the rust she has pulled my 18 foot aluminum/fiberglass with the old heavy 40 horse and heavy duty steel trailer. (make your own guess on the weight) I have had no problems (towing related) with it. Takes a while to get up to speed but does fine once your there. I think you will be well in the clear. Especially with the V6!<br />Craig

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: towing with a dakota

It probably will tow that load but check the owners manual or with Dodge for MAXIMUM trailer load. Make sure the brakes (including the emergency brake) on the truck are in very good shape as well as brakes on the trailer for that kind of load.<br />If it is an automatic transmission, install a trasmission cooler and change the fluid every year.<br /><br />Mike.