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Ken Ormsbee
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2005
12:01:48

Subject: Towing
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Hi,
I'm going to buy a 2001 Dodge Dakota, V8 with 4x4, and want to tow a 2500 to 2700 lb. boat. The trailer does have it's own brakes but is the Dakota with a v8 heavy enough to pull that size boat boat?
Thanks for your help.
Ken O.



scott1981
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2005
12:30:48

RE: Towing
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you wont even know its back there. The dakota will pull it just as good as any fullsize would. You really are not coming anywhere near the max rated towing capacity.



ldk
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2005
12:34:26

RE: Towing
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I sure don't know why it wouldn't.
My 99cc 5.2 2wheeler 5speed pulls my 14 foot trailer with two 500-700 pound quads on it. I know this is lots less than a nice boat but I cant even tell I'm pullin anything with it back there.
Then I also pull my bosses 16 foot tandem with all our ladders and scaffold for work and that weight might be more in compared with your boat and trailer, and have no problem with it either..



Fishful
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2005
18:11:25

RE: Towing
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My 2002 SLT 4.7 V8 4 x 4 doesn't even know my 4,200 lb 20 footer is following. You will have to be careful stopping on the highway or going down hills. Make sure you knock off the over-drive and don't do this unless you have a frame mounted receiver (I put mine on myself--take two bolts out and put six in, about $140). You can buy the wiring for the tail lights, brakes etc, that is easy to install too. Years ago I was towing a small 16 foot boat (about 2,000 lbs) on the highway and I blew a trailer tire. When I got to the side of the road (lucky to do so), I got out of my 95 Dakota, changed my pants and looked at a badly twisted bumper. From that experience, I will never tow with a ball mounted on a step bumper. I had a 3,400 lb boat before this one and didn't have brakes on the trailer and towed it with my 98 Dakota Sport and my wife's 2000 Jeep Cherokee without problem. You should be fine, take it easy and allow some extra space between the vehicle. My 2002 20 foot Proline has surge brakes on the trailer. They make a big differnce, but don't like getting dunked in the the salt water. About every two years you are ready for brake work and that is with flushing them out with fresh water after each use. Make sure you bring enough ice for all the fish you are going to catch. Have fun!! Fishful Thinking



i did it
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2005
19:20:11

RE: Towing
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i have the weak v6 and i pulled my friends 18 foot VIP boat on the highway. going up hills the engine reved up but overall it was pretty easy. i pulled it around 70mph and i would guess the boat weighed mored than 2500 lbs. probably about 3500. he made me pull it becuz his even weaker v6 rodeo wouldn't get the job done...lol! i agree with everyone else you should be good to go.



Ken Ormsbee
Dodge Dakota
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2/21/2005
13:27:04

RE: Towing
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Hi All,
Thanks a lot for all the input. I feel a lot better after reading your replies. Looks like I'm making the right move going to the Dakota. I currently have a Dodge dually, 3500 diesel that I'm trading off. No longer have need for the big vehicle because I'm also selling off my 30 ft fifth wheel camper. It's time to kick back and go fishing and crusing in the "cuddy". I just moved to the Finger Lakes in Western New York. I've got 11 lakes plus Ontario and Erie. I'm looking forward to boating.
Thanks again for all your help.
Ken O.



Ken Ormsbee
Dodge Dakota
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2/21/2005
13:27:10

RE: Towing
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Hi All,
Thanks a lot for all the input. I feel a lot better after reading your replies. Looks like I'm making the right move going to the Dakota. I currently have a Dodge dually, 3500 diesel that I'm trading off. No longer have need for the big vehicle because I'm also selling off my 30 ft fifth wheel camper. It's time to kick back and go fishing and crusing in the "cuddy". I just moved to the Finger Lakes in Western New York. I've got 11 lakes plus Ontario and Erie. I'm looking forward to boating.
Thanks again for all your help.
Ken O.



al fank
Dodge Dakota
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2/21/2005
20:46:50

RE: Towing
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i just towed a 3300 pound van with a v6er and it didnt even feel as if it was back there



Hammerdak
Dodge Dakota
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2/24/2005
21:54:09

RE: Towing
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My 2001 Quadcab 4x4 4.7L V8 Dakota with 3.55 gears is rated for 4800lb and thus equipped is the low end of the possibilities.
The 2001 Dakota can tow up to 6500 lb, "properly equipped" according to the brochure.
That would be a 4x2 with a V8 and 3.92 gears in regular cab form , I'm guessing.

The only thing you're going to notice with 2700lb is longer braking distances and worse mileage.
The same thing you'd expect in any truck.

Don't worry!




Skipper
Dodge Dakota
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8/01/2018
21:06:11

RE: Towing Trailer Bounce
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Have a trailer bounce problem on concrete Hwy only 50-65 mph. Tow vehicle 2011 Dakota quad cab V8 magnum, trailer 1999 Bayliner 18 ft fish/ski boat, only happens over concrete hwy not asphalt. It has done this when I had my 2001 Dakota SLT and with my 2011. Had 4 different brands of tires over the years all balanced and same issue. Is this a wheel base issue or tongue weight, newer Hwy tar lines?? Have tried strapping the boat vertical to the trailer at the front with no difference. Heard this is a common problem and try putting 200lbs in back but haven't tried that yet. Not thrilled about that option every time boat goes out. Tongue weight drops hitch about 1 1/2 inches. Any input appreciated would like to take longer trips but this can't be good for the truck or trailer & boat.



Skipper
Dodge Dakota
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8/01/2018
21:07:49

RE: Towing Trailer Bounce
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Have a trailer bounce problem on concrete Hwy only 50-65 mph. Tow vehicle 2011 Dakota quad cab V8 magnum, trailer 1999 Bayliner 18 ft fish/ski boat, only happens over concrete hwy not asphalt. It has done this when I had my 2001 Dakota SLT and with my 2011. Had 4 different brands of tires over the years all balanced and same issue. Is this a wheel base issue or tongue weight, newer Hwy tar lines?? Have tried strapping the boat vertical to the trailer at the front with no difference. Heard this is a common problem and try putting 200lbs in back but haven't tried that yet. Not thrilled about that option every time boat goes out. Tongue weight drops hitch about 1 1/2 inches. Any input appreciated would like to take longer trips but this can't be good for the truck or trailer & boat.



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