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linwood
Dodge Dakota
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9/11/2005
19:53:09

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i have a 1988 dodge dakota with a v6 motor.3.9.it
has a trailer towing package on it but no one seem to know what it can tow for a travel trailer in weight.can someone help.it is long box single cab.it is also a 4x4.thanks.



Craig
Dodge Dakota
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9/11/2005
21:08:28

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How much your truck will tow is whatever you are foolish enough to try towing! ;-)

I think that your actual tow rating will be around 4500 lbs, maybe a little higher. I don't know if in '88 it was comming with a class IV hitch yet, but assuming it does you can probably tow a bit more than that, probably around 6000 for long distance would be all the more I would personally tow with one. Remember you're putting your faith in a truck that is going on 18 years old. You don't want to push it too hard and end up blowing the transmission.

Your towing performance will also vary depending on what rear axle ratio and transmission it is equiped with. The '88 is pre-magnum, but it is fuel injected. Probably puts out no more than 150 hp at the flywheel.



linwood
Dodge Dakota
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9/12/2005
18:42:56

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i have spent alot of money on my 1988 dakota.i just replaced my rear end.2300.00.i keep everything in top working order.i tow a hardtop tent trailer that weighs about2300lbs.now i want to upgrade to a travel trailer.my truck is going on 18 years.but it is in mint condition with
134000 km.it has no overdrive so it is low sped so it slows me down on ther hills.thanks.




Craig
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9/12/2005
20:50:28

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Glad to hear you take good care of your truck. It does pay off all of that expense...

I don't know if I would personally recommend towing a much larger trailer than you have long distance with the older 3.9. It's not going to be very nice to tow. That's not to say it can't be done, or that I haven't seen it been done.

Personally, I feel that I would want to buy another tow rig. I wouldn't tow much more than about 4000-4500 lbs with your truck long distance. Much more than that is silly with the V6, particularly with the older injection and less power. As it is I don't think you'll be able to get out of your own way on the hills towing a lot more than what you have now.

Well, whatever you decide to do, good luck, and as a side tip- buy a decent hitch setup. You won't regret getting a hitch with equalizing bars and sway control, no matter what other people say. I've towed heavy loads for long distance in much bigger trucks, and I can say that the extra money on a high quality hitch is well worth your while.



Demon
Dodge Dakota
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9/12/2005
23:48:53

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Go to Vehix.com and do a search for a truck similar to yours and see what others are getting.



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