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Cary
Dodge Dakota
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9/26/2003
02:48:37
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 Subject: 5th wheel
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Has anyone put a 5th wheel hitch in your Dakota?
I am wondering if the universal hitch will work, or can it be modified to work? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Cary
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Kowalski
Dodge Dakota
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9/26/2003
16:02:30
| RE: 5th wheel
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I went with the Reese 15,000 lb. sliding hitch, but as my trailer has a fairly long extended pin box I haven't had to use the sliding feature yet. What do you mean by the universal hitch ?
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Cary
Dodge Dakota
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9/27/2003
10:16:18
| RE: 5th wheel
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I just got a reese,what I meant by universal was that when I went looking for a hitch the store only showed one part number to fit full size trucks. It didn't list any for the Dakota. The hitch I have has the Dakota in the instructions though. How far is it from your king pin to the front of the trailer? I could not afford the slider and I am concerned about the trailer hitting the cab in a sharp turn. Cary
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Kowalski
Dodge Dakota
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9/27/2003
12:29:26
| RE: 5th wheel
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About a foot from the frame, but only about 6" from the most forward part of the camper shell. That's higher where my cab curves in so still good clearance. Our cabs being narrower than the full size helps clearance too as the angle approaches 90 degrees. You wont hit that angle towing, and if you plan backing up, maybe taking an extra cut, can keep away from too tight an angle. Just remember to keep an eye on it.
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Cary
Dodge Dakota
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9/28/2003
19:19:20
| RE: 5th wheel
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Thanks for the info. I installed the hitch yesterday. I mounted it with the front rail 26 inches from the front of the bed which puts the saddle about a half inch behind the axle. The trailer I am going to try and pull is a 22 foot 1977 Prowler. The RV dealer I got it from said it weighs about 3000lbs. Im am hoping my Dakota will handle it ok. It is a 1993 extended cab with the v-6 auto. How has yours done. I have been told it will be fine by some people and that I will be right at my trucks limit by others, therefore I should expect some mechanical problems as time goes by. I won't pick it up till friday but I am going to go tomorrow and hitch it up do see how it looks. I still have to hookup a brake controller and wirering harness before friday. Thanks Cary
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Kowalski
Dodge Dakota
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9/29/2003
17:17:57
| RE: 5th wheel
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I pull a 1987 24.5' Prowler that I think weighs 3700 lbs empty - he might be lowballing the weight to sell it to you. I'm keeping up with full size diesels and v-10s on the hills with my 4.7 with 3.55 gears; one guy who thought he had a quick motor home is having second thoughts after trying to keep up with me. Do you have a tranny cooler ? Might be a good idea. If you feel like you're borderline you might want to look for a boneyard 9 1/4 rear with some lower gears, do you know what gears you have ? I think you'll like the way fifth wheels handle.
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Cary
Dodge Dakota
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9/30/2003
12:52:11
| RE: 5th wheel
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I am going to go weight it friday when i pick it up. I am pretty sure I have the 3.55 gears but of course you have a bigger engine. I have not installed a tranny cooler yet but I will before we go any distance. I am not to worried about it right now becouse the weather has cooled off and I live in Oklahoma where it is pretty flat, but I will get one before next summer. I figure I will see how it pulls before deciding to change gears. Thanks again for all your help. Cary
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Kowalski
Dodge Dakota
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9/30/2003
16:36:51
| RE: 5th wheel
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You'll probably be fine then - enjoy your new camper !
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