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08:10:24 - 05/04/2024
Dakota Performance
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ZenDak
Dodge Dakota
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12/22/2005
15:27:18
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 Subject: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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Towing Question for you Tow-Nutz out there...
I just got a new/sweet job in FL,,so I'll be moving from Austin,TX,,,to Boynton Beach, FL,,,,basically Jan.1st.
I have a '01 Club Cab 4.7 auto, w/3.55's / 4x2 truck,,,with 129Kmi.'s on it. I have a one bedroom apartment that's got a couple big oak ent. centers,,,two love seat couches,,bed,,,W/D,,and lots of boxes and TV's. Is it a transmission suicide mission to attempt to pull a 15ft-18ft trailer with my truck about 1500miles?
I'm in a crunch to get out there,,,and I don't want to pull my truck behind a 16ft Penske rental truck on a two-wheel dolly.
So my ques.'s:
Can I pull big ass traier with my truck?
&
Do I need to disconnect my driveshaft if pull my truck on a 2wheel dolly? (I'm assuming I do,,just for safety)
Any help is greatly appreciated. I don't tow much,,,at all,,,,,,Nervous as is gets about this move......
Thanks People!
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Kowalski
GenIII
12/22/2005
15:57:38
|  RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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You should be fine, though a transmission cooler might be a good idea - came with the tow package if you have that. In stock trim (4.7,auto,3.55) I pulled my 24.5' camper (about 5000 lbs) with no problems.
Don't save the heaviest stuff to load last - trailers need a bit of tongue weight for decent handling.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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modain
GenIII
12/22/2005
16:00:27
|  RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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You didn't specify, but if the truck does not have the heavy duty cooling (transmission cooler and bigger radiator) I would say "no" to towing your household possessions with it. If it does have those items you probably could do it. Heat is your big enemy when towing. Nothing kills a tranny quite like overheated fluid.
Properly equipped, your truck is rated for a 9500# GCWR. Meaning the manufacturer qualifies the truck to pull itself, a trailer, and all other contents safely and reliably up to that limit. The truck itself (empty) weighs in around 4300#. The rest (5200#) is what you have left over for the payload and trailer. If the trailer tips in at 2000# then you have enough capacity for 3200# of stuff and passengers, etc.
GraphiteDak has pulled way more than his rated tow limit with his truck (before and after gear change) and has not suffered any ill effects. He can provide you his opinion on this matter. I'm sure I have exceeded my "limit" too, but I don't have an automatic tranny to worry about.
It sounds like you are new to all the towing stuff, but it is absolutley imperitive that the trailer have brakes (either surge or electric). Not only is it illegal to pull a trailer that heavy without its own brakes, it is flat out (beyond) dangerous. Your truck's brakes are not adequate to stop all that weight in a panic situation.
If your truck has the factory installed towing group, then it is already wired for electric trailer brakes. You just need to plug a controller into a connector under the dashboard (next to the ebrake petal).
There is a lot to discuss based on the particulars of your truck, but the bottom line is you can easily (and safely) do it with the right equipment.
=========================================
2002 Graphite QC SLT Plus, 4.7L, NV3500, Superchips 3715, 3.92 LSD, loads o'fun...
2001 Patriot Blue Durango SLT, 4.7L, 45RFE, Superchips 3715, 3.55 Open (for now)
1999 Forrest Green Dakota RC Sport, 2.5L, NV1500, 3.55 Open
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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12/22/2005
19:04:10
| RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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I would just do it. But drive slow, take frequent stops, and don't let the fluid overheat. These trucks are pretty tough if you treat them right.
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TexasTodd
Dodge Dakota
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12/25/2005
22:19:22
| RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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Boynton Beach?
I lived near there a few years back, for a few years.
If you don't snorkel, scuba dive, you're missing out!
I could write for hours about my adventures snorkeling and diving, just off the beach near there!
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ZenDak
Dodge Dakota
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12/27/2005
09:24:31
| RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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I'm bugging out,,supposed to hit the road Jan.1'st with my best friend,,,and make the drive - don't even have an apt. secured yet! There is practically nothing to rent down there after the hurricanes.
Thinking that with 129Kmi. on my ride,,and slight Trans. leak that I'm going to tow her behind a 16ft Penske Rental truck with all my stuff in it. I would really like to drive her though,,,,would just be easier.
IF,,,IF I do decide to pull a trailer with my Dakota,,,when on the highway cruising,,,can I use Overdrive? Some say yes,,,some say no,,but once I'm up to speed would there be any problem with that? (Like I said,,,I can completely fill a 16ft trailer with what I'll be taking me.)
I haven't been snorkeling in a while,,but I love to swim. I hope it's nice down there,,I'm getting a place site-unseen,,,and going into what will be a relatively stressful job - programmer. Seems like alot of people from these boards are in FL,,,alot of clubs anyway. So that should be cool.
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Jecht
Dodge Dakota
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12/27/2005
11:06:43
| RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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I dont see a prob in towing your stuff. just as long as you have to go over no mountain reigons. if its all flat ground. but I would leave the OD off with that much wieght and no trans cooler. you can try with it on and see how to the vehicle acts.
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Kowalski
GenIII
12/27/2005
16:29:56
| RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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Many of us with the 4.7 leave the OD on for towing - only seems to catch OD in low load situations like going downhill. Never heard of this causing a problem for anyone with the 45RFE that comes behind the 4.7. Good luck with your move, however you decide to go.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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DSW
Dodge Dakota
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12/27/2005
17:03:26
| RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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You should be fine. Since your truck is basically stock I would leave OD off for the extra transmission cooling, better safe than sorry. When was the last time you had the transmission serviced?
I would take the loaded truck and trailer to a truck stop and scale your rig before you hit the road, this way you'll know what the trailer weighs and what your towing and stopping.
Keep it at 65 or under, allow plenty of braking distance and have a safe trip.
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donny g
Dodge Dakota
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12/27/2005
20:59:03
| RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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the owners manual says to leave o/d off when towing. Garrick doesn't read his or he wouldn't do half the things he did to his truck. There is a reason why they are not factory prepped for a snowplow and fifth wheel. I bet you dont follow blueprints either when you frame a house do you mr "carpenter"?
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.Doc
Dodge Dakota
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12/28/2005
13:39:02
|  RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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(Sorry for the long post-it might make good reading, though)
ZenDac,
If you're not towing-fluent with a trailer of the indicated size and weight I would suggest you get a large enough truck to carry your goods and tow the truck. Your safety and those around you is well worth the added expense. Highway deaths or injuries are far more expensive than the cost of a rental truck and trailer.
That said, for general consideration:
Reason for NOT using O/D when towing (aside from the mfr. recommendation to not do so): a) it keeps the truck RPM in a more efficient power range for towing purposes, b) avoids additional wear on the transmission in going in and out of O/D when additional power is called upon to go uphill, &tc..
I have experimented both using O/D and locking it out and have found towing to be easier locked out with no appreciable change in fuel useage. (There is no 'economy' when towing!!).
BTW, most rental trailers of the size you would need come with surge brakes, with the only hookup to the truck being for lighting.
Oh, donny g, your comment "Garrick doesn't read his or he wouldn't do half the things he did to his truck. There is a reason they are not factory prepped for a snow plow and fifth wheel" might be inaccurate. I don't have a factory book on his truck, but my '00 QC has a recommendation to not use a cab-over but does not address (as I recall) use of a 5th wheel or snow plow. I expect there is no 'factory prep' for these as the demand is somewhat restricted and therefore provides little profit incentive for DC to provide the 'prep'. I have seen numerous short-bed trucks using a sliding 5th wheel hitch and with beefed-up rear suspension having no problems with towing. 'Not prepped' does not necessarily equate to 'prohibited'.
Also, donny g, your statement: 'I bet you dont follow blueprints either when you frame a house do you mr "carpenter'?" is quite mean spirited. Unless you know the man, and his craftsmanship personally I suggest an apology is in order. Mass. uses the UBC, IRC or recognized equiv. and if his installations were not compliant with Code (and 'blueprints'), he wouldn't have a job. So, step up, be an adult, apologize.
Doc
'00 5.9 QC;KenneBell Supercharger; FastMan T.B.; R.A.S.; 3"Catback; &tc.,&tc..
A-Level Electrical Inspector; M.E.E.
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jayb
Dodge Dakota
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12/28/2005
23:20:34
| RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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you should have no problems. i tow my 30' travel trailer, that weighs in excess of 5000lbs easily with my 93 cc v8 4x4 and the truck doesnt bitch at all. hills and all were not a prob. and i have 3.55. and its completly stock with the exception of slightly oversized tires. as long as you have a tranny cooler and trailer brakes, i would definatly do it. btw, i thought newer dakotas could pull over 6500lbs and as much as 7100lbs if properly equipped? whats this 5200# bs that modain was saying?
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Jecht
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2005
06:20:41
| RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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I have experimented both using O/D and locking it out and have found towing to be easier locked out with no appreciable change in fuel useage. (There is no 'economy' when towing!!).
how fast are we talking here?
sorry but I towed a trailer down to my parents house and used almost a whole tank of gas with the OD turned offand that was a 168 mile trip. on the way back loaded I left the OD on and only turned it off when I got to the moutains and I used just above half a tank. so the od does make a differnce. I agree with how much weight is it going to be on weither or not to have the OD on or off.
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toolfan
GenIII
12/29/2005
06:26:42
|  RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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"donny g" wtf is your problem???
the newer 4.7 with the 3.92 gears and the tow package are suppose to tow 7100lbs like jayb said.
good luck but i think your dakota can handle it.
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deerridge
GenIII
12/29/2005
12:25:11
| RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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Fully loaded with say 6500lbs in tow my 4.7 gets 9.5MPG on a long haul with OD on or off. I prefer on most of the time and I've pulled fully loaded alot lately.
Real Horsepower
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ZenDak
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2005
15:23:51
| RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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Thanks for the good info guys! I've decided to tow it behind a 16ft Penske truck. I think it would be fine if I towed it myself,,,I've towed a few things in my short life,,my best bud who's going with me is the tow-king (imo). But my truck has crap for brakes when it comes to stopping itself,,,,I'm afraid to see what a trailer with all my belongs would handle :)
Nervous either way,,long ass trip,,,I just barely found an apt. in Boynton Beach (I'm 24 and single by the way,,so it's a big move for me!),,but have not been approved yet,,then I have to get utilities on,,,,,and I'm supposed to be there on the 2nd! Weeeeee.
My truck almost has 130Kmi.s on it now,,,regularly serviced,,,lots of TLC,,,but lots of pedal to the metal too :)
Wish me luck ya'll! I'm going to try and hook up with some of you FL guys when I get out there, as I really won't know anyone except the people I'm working for in Boca Raton.
Have a kick'n New Year's ya'll!!!!!
Andy
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Kowalski
GenIII
12/29/2005
15:33:57
|  RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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Thanks for your support guys !
.Doc - you're right on the money with your fifth wheel info; and while Dodge doesn't recomend a plow for the Dak, Fisher has done the math using the weight ratings of our front ends - five years of trouble free operation tells me they were right. Most of our Daks are pretty rugged - they don't recomend a plow for the larger 1/2 ton Ram. Not sure about the '05 Dak design.
donny g - You called out the wrong guy. Not quite just a carpenter actually; I'm a liscensed construction supervisor with many years experience. Not only can I follow blueprints well; I can usually figure what structural changes must be made when someone wants to deviate from a plan and know to consult an engineer or the architect when needed. I've never had a remodeling design of mine rejected by a building inspector and designed my own home correctly to code (actually made the floor a bit stiffer, a code minimum floor can feel a little bouncy).
Now as far as the OD goes, I read the manual and know that it only advises against using it in hilly terrain when it might hunt gears, a fact most usually fail to mention. Observing it never does this when I'm towing, and other 4.7 owners observing the same; I'm comfortable running it to take advantage of the lower engine speeds on downhill runs. I wouldn't recomend this for Mopar's other transmissions. Perhaps you should try spending more time attempting independant thought yourself intead of slamming people you know very little about ? Nice to see you took the time to read my profile though.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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donny g
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2005
18:44:29
| RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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Garrick, did you use tjis or floor trusses to stiffen your floor?
It is good that you are a licensed supervisor but anything you talked about can be done by someone in the field without any special license as long as a engineer/architect is consulted when needed.
Back on topic...
The reason for the lack of a factory snowplow option is the weakness of the front suspension components as I was told by a Dodge dealer. I know the aftermarket people make them but it doesn't mean it is "mopar" approved but you are free to do as you choose just as I am to disagree. I am glad that you have 5 years of trouble free use and you don't seem to be the type that adds a plow then b!@#hes about something breaking on your truck and blaming shoddy build quality. Let me point out that for 2006 the owners manual says" do NOT use Dodge Dakota Models for snowplow applications." page 266. It has to do with the airbag sensors. I know you discussed this on another post. Sorry for calling you out have a nice day.
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caulk04
GenIII
12/29/2005
22:22:29
| RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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Just to add my thoughts...
Its yours/his truck, don't worry about it. I bet dodge doesn't recommend smoky burnouts either...but they sure are fun and I haven't had any trouble from them with mine. Recommendations outlined in a manual are for protection from lawyers and idiots, nothing more.
'02 CC 4x4 4.7 HO
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2147050
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2005
00:19:14
| RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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ZenDak, you'll like that Penske truck. A few months ago I drove the largest truck they rent from MA to CO. You sit up high, have a huge window, lots of interior room, it was very comfy. The seat isn't too bad for sleeping, either (for 1 person). When I got back into my '01 QC, I couldn't believe how small it felt.
You probably made a good decision; saves a lot of wear and tear on your truck.
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ZenDak
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2005
16:23:04
| RE: Tow Ques. for a 4.7L
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LOL,,,just left my work here in Austin. Got escorted out (policy to do so),,,and as I was leaving,,I pulled to the front of the glass window lined building,,,and let the rubber fly!!! Left my mark(s),,,took several thousand miles off the tires I haven't paid for yet,,,but hey,,,it was AWESOME!!!! Redneck!!! too much fun. Got thumbs-up too :)
.boB - what kind of mileage did you get with that Penske truck?
I'm expecting around 5mi./gal,,,16ft truck pulling my ex.cab behind it,,,,it's got a gas V8,,,they didn't seem to have any diesels,,that sucks.
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