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MVP2
Dodge Dakota
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9/07/2008
19:18:56

Subject: Towing Question...Please Help
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I'm considering purchasing a 2003 v8 4.7 Dakota with a Quad Cab for towing our 19' Trailer (3400lbs)dry weight.

I was told by another Dodge Dakota owner that there is a problem with the Dakota's ability not to pull the trailer...but with the weight of the rear Axyl...which I think is rated for less than my trailer...Can someone please confirm this for me before I purchase one!? Thanks!!



Kowalski
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9/08/2008
18:07:33

RE: Towing Question...Please Help
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Confirm it ? No. But I can deny it.
For starters, there is no need for the rear of the truck to supprt the weight of the trailer. The trailer has it's own axles, to bear it's own weight. For decent handling, we want 10-15% of the trailer weight on the tongue. Your rear end will have to support that portion of the weight - which it will do with no problem. My '00 4.7 has towed two campers larger than yours, as well as a fifth wheel 20' flatbed trailer rated for 7000 lbs for many years with no trouble. Even if this truck has the lighter duty 8 1/4" rear, it should still pull that trailer without overloading the rear. Most v8 Dakotas, however, have the heavier duty 9 1/4" rear. It can be identified by the 12 bolt octagonal shaped cover.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way

biagio
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9/19/2008
04:07:39

RE: Towing Question...Please Help
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i would listen to kowalski, i did. i bought a 19 foot trailer that as a dry weight of 4500lbs. i have no problem pulling it. just get the distributions bars hooked up. and again thanks kowaslki for your advice



Massey
Dodge Dakota
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9/19/2008
04:22:23

RE: Towing Question...Please Help
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I have an 04 Dakota with the 4.7 and have towed with it many times with no problem. I added the Dodge Hitch, my truck didnt come with the towing package. My first tow with the truck was a very full U-haul 12' trailer that was filled with my household goods like furnature and tools. (very heavy trailer when it was full) and I drove that from WA to VA in about 5 days down I-5 and I-40 to VA. That was 3 mountain ranges and alot of miles, again no problems at all. You will be able to tow happy with your truck

Massey



Lisa
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10/07/2008
19:59:32

RE: Towing Question...Please Help
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A little late, you probably already bought but I have a 2001 4.7 QC with 150,000 miles that pulls a 21 ft trailer with a dry weight of 3500. And we pack it up heavy! The only problem the last 2 years is on hills where it slows down a bit and starts to run a little hot...I put it in lower gear and we have more power, less engine heat. If you bought, good luck and enjoy!



doggio
Dodge Dakota
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10/07/2008
20:17:54

RE: Towing Question...Please Help
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even the 8.25 axle is more than strong enough. I don't know why the myth is spread that it is junk. the main thing with either axle is to run synthetic in them. then read the sticker in the drivers door jamb, it will give max weight that the axle can carry safely. the only two things to pay attention to weight wise is axle weights and gross combined.

test tow and be happy.





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