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Brad
Dodge Dakota
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2/02/2005
11:34:10
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 Subject: 2000 Dak. Towing Limits
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I have a 2000 Dakota Club Cab with the 4.7 L. V-8, 3.55 gears. I just bought a camper with a dry weight of 4900#, i plan on packing very light this first year till i can get a Ram 2500....but does any one see any damage or problems in what i'm going to do? I do plan on using a Equal-I-zer to level this out. any other suggestions i should do, to beef up the suspension? i hate to spend more money in adding new gears in the axle...or is it worth it? Also i plan on addin Synthetic/Amsoil to the tranny and axle. thanks fors ideas!
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Crow318
Dodge Dakota
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2/02/2005
11:48:52
|  RE: 2000 Dak. Towing Limits
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Usually the Tow limits are based on truck weight and braking ability, and not the strength of the drivertrain components.
Having trailer brakes is a good idea. If the camper doesn't have them, put them on. They will work with your full size too. Changing your fluids in the rearend and transfer case if you have one is good. But make sure you get an appropriate transmission oil. I know the older models had to have the ATF+3 (or something like that) to function properly. All I’m saying is to do your research.
Tire inflation is important.
Also, remember that the equalizer moves weight onto the trailer wheels. Make sure they are rated correctly for the extra weight.
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Scott
Dodge Dakota
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2/02/2005
12:09:54
| RE: 2000 Dak. Towing Limits
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Yeah, a 3/4 ton will make a better tow vehicle. Even so, I have a similar setup that I use for towing our camper up to the lake and back once per year.
My Dakota is an '02 QC 4x4 w/ 4.7 and 3.92 gears. I think my tow rating is around 5700 lbs (owners manual). My camper is around the same dry weight, 4880 lbs. I always tow it dry and with little stashed inside. I do have the equalizer hitch. You'll need a brake controller if you don't already have one.
Overall it handles pretty well. Make sure your engine's in good shape with new plugs, fresh synthetic oil, etc. Braking seems fine with the trailer brakes. Suspension seems fine with the equalizer and 530 lb tongue weight.
I guess most of my concerns are around the transmission. The tranny cooler is a very good idea if you don't already have the towing package. I also decreased my tranny drain intervals.
A lower rear end would probably help, but I'd take it out for a spin with your current setup and see how it does. I try to keep my hwy speeds low, 55 max, and give myself lots of space.
Good luck!!
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Kowalski
GenIII
2/02/2005
18:30:57
| RE: 2000 Dak. Towing Limits
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A transmission cooler is a good idea, and get an electric brake controler so you can use the triler's brakes. I've never seen a camper that big that didn't already have the brakes on it. I pull a fith wheel camper about that weight with no problem. If everything is set up right , theres no need to stick to 55, I'm often out in the passing lane with a very similar truck - '00 4.7, also with 3.55 rear. Transmission fluid is +4, I think some get confused on that as the other transmissions were still running +3 that year.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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Brad
Dodge Dakota
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2/03/2005
00:48:14
| RE: 2000 Dak. Towing Limits
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i do have brakes on the trailer and a Prodigy brake controller. Thanks for the inputs!!!!
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Scott
Dodge Dakota
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2/03/2005
09:48:10
| RE: 2000 Dak. Towing Limits
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You can certainly go however fast you feel comfortable. I would think a fifth wheel would be a more stable setup. Mine is a travel trailer where my concern is just as much about physical size as it is weight.
A camper that is close to 8' wide by almost 30' long equals a pretty large object to tow with a midsize truck! Heavy wind or speeding semis can make it a bit interesting.
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Kowalski
GenIII
2/03/2005
18:55:20
| RE: 2000 Dak. Towing Limits
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You're right, fifth wheel is definitely a more stable set up. Sounds like you have plenty of tongue weight Scott, inexperienced towers often go too light on the tongue for good handling - I know I did, and that tail wagging the dog feeling is no fun. Catching that much wind you're wise not to go faster than you're comfortable with; just wanted to let Brad know he should have enough power.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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Brad
Dodge Dakota
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2/04/2005
12:45:24
| RE: 2000 Dak. Towing Limits
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Why is there a such a huge difference in towing capacities with the 3.92 vs. 3.55 rear end gears?
Also what is a good synthetic to stick in the transmission and rear-end?? in the manual it says only the Mopar type(eqivelant)?
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Kowalski
GenIII
2/04/2005
16:40:54
| RE: 2000 Dak. Towing Limits
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Rear end is just a torque multiplier - more power for the 3.92s, doesn't beef rear up any more. I beefed my rear up a bit with Roadmaster active suspension, you might want to check that out, haven't heard anyone who's tried it that wasn't happy with it yet.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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DSW
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2005
04:07:54
| RE: 2000 Dak. Towing Limits
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Kowalski, I am thinking of the Roadmaster Active Suspension for my 03 QC. I tow a 3000# boat and 4000# camper and feel that the rear end sags too much when the trailer is dropped on the truck. I have about 300# tongue weight on the boat, don't know about the camper.
How did the Roadmaster help while towing, did it help keep the truck leveled out? I saw on thier website that they had 2 different versions available for Dak's, did you go with the standard or heavy duty? Looks like it might help out a lot and it's not too bad for $160 shipped.
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Kowalski
GenIII
2/08/2005
16:29:58
| RE: 2000 Dak. Towing Limits
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Yes, this will help support the extra weight. There was only one version offered when I bought, so can't help you compare. I went with the recomended preload, seems like you could add a bit more if you wanted. That gave me about 2"lift in back and better load carrying ability. Didn't seem to add as much extra stiffness to the unloaded ride as helper springs do, but helped as much with extra load.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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