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Tim
Dodge Dakota
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12/06/2005
04:19:58

Subject: RV type towing?
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I have a 1994 V-8 4x4 extended cab wih automatic transmission. Can someone out there with experiance tell me how the towing of this vehicle behind a motorhome goes. I assume transfer case in neutral, transmission in park, or better in neutral? Steering column locked? All tires on the ground, or is it better with a tow dolly. Any information or experiances would be appriciated. Thanks



caulk04
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12/06/2005
05:08:34

RE: RV type towing?
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Transfer case should be in neutral, transmission position will be irrelevant with t-case in N. I'd put it in park so you can remove the keys and lock the vehicle.

I've never towed a vehicle behind a motorhome, but I have pulled a couple vehicles down the road with and without a dolly. I would prefer a dolly as you won't have the slight wandering from slop in the steering system.

'02 CC 4x4 4.7 HO
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2147050

modain
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12/06/2005
05:16:28

RE: RV type towing?
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Wouldn't the steering column need to be unlocked so it can negotiate the corners?

=========================================
2002 Graphite QC SLT Plus, 4.7L, NV3500, Superchips 3715, 3.92 LSD, loads o'fun...
2001 Patriot Blue Durango SLT, 4.7L, 45RFE, Superchips 3715, 3.55 Open (for now)
1999 Forrest Green Dakota RC Sport, 2.5L, NV1500, 3.55 Open


OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
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12/09/2005
00:41:52

RE: RV type towing?
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Yes > unlocked for sure IF no dolly but if your talking a long haul and your truck is 4x4 your going to eat a lot of rubber off the tires > They fight you a bit in the turns > Your way better off using a dolly >

So many problems > So little time



SR
Dodge Dakota
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12/09/2005
01:13:21

RE: RV type towing?
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I've towed my 2003 QC 4x4 behind a 23 foot motorhome on several occasions.

A towed vehicle will NOT negotiate tight turns very well. Even at a regular street corner, you'll want to swing as wide as you can. The rear overhang of the RV swings opposite the turn, dragging your Dakota's front end away from the turn and the tires sideways a little bit. Then you'll need to make sure that the steering wheel returns to straight (see the next paragraph). Forget even trying to back up with a Toad.

On mine, at least, the steering column doesn't lock. To make sure that the wheels return to straight after a turn, attach two bungy cords between the front seat mounts and the steering wheel.

Read the truck instructions carefully. For mine, the procedure says to stop the motor and then shift it from neutral to park. If you forget to shut the motor off first, it makes a terrifyling grinding noise (so far no apparent damage besides some ruined underwear).

Dakotas are heavier than most Toads. Therefore, make sure that your RV hitch and tow bar are rated high enough. Most dollies can only handle 3500 lbs, which is far less than your truck probably weighs.

You'll need towing lights and most likely a system to activate the truck's brakes, particularly in the event of a breakaway.

Consider all the hardware you need to tow a Dakota (tow bar, tow bar mounting plate, safety chains/cables, tow lights or tapping into your truck's own lights, and the auxilliary braking system, and your into around $2500 new (the braking system is usually the most expensive item).



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