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16:06:17 - 04/25/2024
V8 Dakotas
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MJ
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2003
14:27:58
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 Subject: towing
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Message:
Hello,
I've recently purchased a 2002 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4.7/V8 and am wanting to tow a trailer with a wave runner or two, or a small boat. I see the bumper already has a place to put the ball - is this a good idea or should I get a hitch installed instead of towing directly from the bumper?
Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!
MJ
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Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2003
15:29:16
|  RE: towing
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Message:
MJ,
There's this thing, usually called a 'towing package'. Some think it's a rip off.
However, you probably drive an automatic transmission, which should have a special cooler for the tranny, that's included you install the towing package.
So, to make a vehicle 'equipped' to tow things, it's not just 'where the ball goes', and yes, I'd get a hitch reicever put on, also comes with the towing package, as does the wiring, etc. It actually comes with another option that has an enhanced charging system, etc.
And yes, you could just put a ball on the bumper, splice the trailer wires, and DON'T tow in overdrive, and you'd probably be allright.
Good luck
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MJ
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2003
15:39:10
| RE: towing
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Message:
Hi Todd,
Yes, it is an automatic - forgot to mention that
important detail~ anyhow, thanks for the quick
response.
MJ
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Dragon
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2003
08:45:00
| RE: towing
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Message:
MJ
THe rear bumper can not handle a large load. THe tongue weight is only around 150 lbs, and the towing capacity is ~1000lbs max. Make sure your wave-runner+trailer is lighter than that.
Personally, I tow my motorcycle and it's trailer (combined weight ~1200lbs) on a trailer hitch. This gives me teh peace of mind to know the bumper and one of my favorite toys isn't gonna end up wrecked ont he street somewhere.
Plus, on the 4x4 especially, the bumper is fairly high up. This would cant the trailer at a severe angle upward (unless you modify the trailer tongue) which could cause the trailer to weave back and forth at higher speeds. This has been known to result in having the trailer flip over.
A trailer hitch allows you to keep the trailer level, which tracks better at speed.
And finally, the trailer hitch gives you a nice point to attach a tow rope when you have to pull your buddies out of the mud pit they THOUGHT they could cross with their inferior 4x4s!
My $0.02
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Will
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2003
09:27:59
| RE: towing
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Message:
you can usually get a hitch installed and wired for like 250, so 250 or 1000's when you bumper lets go and your toys go all over the road.
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midnightdak
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2003
14:04:20
| RE: towing
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Message:
I haul a 67 chevy p/k with a bbc 5000 pound truck and the trailer is very heavy duty my uncle uses it to tow a small tractor around,my truck can easily haul this its a 2001 dakota cc 4.7 with all this wieght i almost forget its back there the 4.7 is a good towing motor.The bumper WILL hold up with a pretty good sized boat,mine is kinda bent thats all and the tailgate sets on the bumper cause its bent to bad,the wieght of my p/k when i load it lifts the back tires on the dakota OFF the ground until its all the way on the trailer.If you still have douts about towing MJ i'll tow that boat or wave runners right to my house...lol...i have a hitch now with the light hookups its good to have but you can get by with towing with the bumper for awhile.
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