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QuadCab
Dodge Dakota
6/26/2001
20:15:36
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 Subject: Towing a Bobcat
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Message:
I will probably need to be towing a Bobcat in the next few days and I was wondering if my truck could pull it off with no problems. The Bobcat weighs about 4500 pounds, so this would need a tandem axle trailer, which I'm thinking will weigh about 1200 pounds. Is that about right for the trailer weight? I have a 2001 Dak QC 4.7L, 3.55 gears and Auto transmission. I have the tow group plus the tranny and oil cooler. If I remember correctly I think my truck can tow about 6200 with the setup I have, can someone confirm this?
Thanks for any help.
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QuadCab
Dodge Dakota
6/26/2001
20:20:19
|  RE: Towing a Bobcat
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Message:
Oh yeah, it's a 2wd with sure-grip and it has the tire and handling group.
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SA
Dodge Dakota
6/27/2001
22:39:08
| RE: Towing a Bobcat
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Message:
I have a '01 4 x 4, 4.7, 5 - speed 3.9 diff. Pulled a 25 ft travel trailer like 2000 mi already. Don't us Overdrive or 5th. Max torque is ~ 3300 rpm. I also travel with 5 of us. No problemo. Using this site to learn tricks for more torque / HP, for when I go to Colorado and loose 30%.
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SA
Dodge Dakota
6/27/2001
22:40:12
| RE: Towing a Bobcat
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Message:
I have a '01 4 x 4, 4.7, 5 - speed 3.9 diff. Pulled a 25 ft travel trailer like 2000 mi already. Don't us Overdrive or 5th. Max torque is ~ 3300 rpm. I also travel with 5 of us. No problemo. Using this site to learn tricks for more torque / HP, for when I go to Colorado and loose 30%.
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CHUCK
Dodge Dakota
6/28/2001
02:10:24
| RE: Towing a Bobcat
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Message:
I'm thinking you're a little light on the weight of the trailer. Most of the tandem utilities I just looked up online had 3500# axles and 4000# GVWs. Is that a 743 bobcat? They go 4750# so even if the trailer's only 1200# you're looking at only a 250# safety margin. Is this a one time deal, how far etc? I don't think I'd like to pull around the rig you're describing on a regular basis without a 3/4 ton fullsize.
GOOD LUCK,
CHUCK
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albert
Dodge Dakota
6/28/2001
19:34:41
| RE: Towing a Bobcat
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Message:
SA,
Do you constantly tow at 3300 RPM? I have basically the same truck as you except mine has the multispeed auto. I tow a 5000lb. boat and would like to keep the overdrive off but I am affraid of towing 300 miles at 3300 RPM in the desert heat. Does anyone know if this is too much strain on my truck? Thanks
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QuadCab
Dodge Dakota
6/28/2001
20:25:19
| RE: Towing a Bobcat
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Message:
Chuck,
Yeah, it's a 743 Bobcat. Yep, it would be a one time pull. We don't have a lot of hills where I would be towing, but distance wise it's probably 25 - 30 miles.
If the trailer didn't have brakes, would my truck brakes work good enough if I didn't have to stop fast?
Thanks for the replies.
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ME@
Dodge Dakota
6/28/2001
20:41:24
| RE: Towing a Bobcat
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Message:
THAT is the big problem. If you pull it with no brakes be sure to leave plenty of distance so you can get it stopped or have an escape route. I have been pulling big trailers many years and have had some real close calls. Take your time and be aware of the traffic around you. Some fools think because you're big and heavy you should be able to stop quick. WRONG!!!
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99DurangoV8
Dodge Dakota
6/28/2001
20:58:37
| RE: Towing a Bobcat
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Message:
Might be safer to rent a 3/4 ton for this mission. You may not have the hook ups for this size trailer, i.e. no trailer brakes.
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CHUCK
Dodge Dakota
6/29/2001
02:58:39
|  RE: Towing a Bobcat
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Message:
I agree with that, for a one time deal don't you know a friend or relative with a bigger, heavier truck? Your problem's not pulling power, it's control in the event something goes wrong (idiot cuts you off, kid chases a ball, you know....definsive driving class film stuff). I was an equipment mechacic and haul driver for nearly 10 years and I pushed the limits of towing safety more times than I care to remember, and that was with a 1 ton dualie service truck. It's pretty risky and a little inconvenience or added expense when weighed against the potential consequences don't justify the risk. Just my opinion, it's your truck and your business but there's probably an alternative.
Good luck,
Chuck
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AP
Dodge Dakota
6/29/2001
11:12:56
| RE: Towing a Bobcat
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Message:
I just finished a job where we had to tow a bobcat across town. I have a 93' Dokota, 3.9L, 5speed. Yes, your stopping distance is doubled while towing the bobcat, so go slow, let traffic go around you. By driving slow and watching ahead, you will be fine. One other thing, block up the rear of the trailor before unloading, or loading, the bobcat, the weight of the bobcat will lift your truck off the ground, not good for the bumper.
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99DurangoV8
Dodge Dakota
6/29/2001
19:20:44
| RE: Towing a Bobcat
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Message:
Those that want to tempt fate, have at it. I am a motor transport officer in the military and have been hauling stuff up to 70 tons for the last 5 years and I wouldn't think of hualing that much on anything less than 3/4 ton with trailer brakes but it is your truck, how does the saying go..."whatever your pocketbook can handle..."
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QuadCab
Dodge Dakota
6/29/2001
19:31:03
| RE: Towing a Bobcat
IP: Logged
Message:
I'll probably just get someone else to pull it...
I don't want to potentially damage my front-rotors or worse and not be able to stop in time. I saw an accident on the freeway a while ago where this Ford Explorer was towing a big boat and traffic stopped pretty quickly in front of him and you could see his smoking tires trying to stop and then he slammed into the person in front of him... not good :(
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