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Anthony
Dodge Dakota
11/09/2001
17:42:59
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 Subject: Towing and some ????
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Message:
I recently purchased a 2k1 QC w/4.7 engine 4x4. It has 25k mi, and it is ready for its first oil change since I purchased it 2 months ago. I need to get the truck setup to tow a trailer with 2 snowmobiles or atv's. I guess the trailer and 2 snowmobile or ATV’s would probably weigh a max of 1500lbs. I don’t believe I will tow anything much more than that. I will probably tow no more than 2000miles a year. The truck is not equipped for trailering right now. I think when I take her in for the oil change, I may see what the dealer would want to slap on the hitch stuff.
A) Are factory fluids fine, i.e. do I need to have synthetics in front and rear axles ? how about the tranny ? it is an automatic.
B) Is towing from the bumper fine or do I need to get one of those tow hitches mounted to the frame. Obviously that would be better, but do I need it.
C) Is their anything funky with the electrical wiring. When I had my ford ranger, I bought one of those plug harnesses from like a Autozone and used that. It worked fine for a short time. Then I guess it some how got some water in it and things got strange. When I stepped on the brakes the parking lights would go on.
D) I have not had a chance to take a good look under the hood etc. but I noticed quickly their seems to be another fan bolted to the radiator, but I don’t see how that is powered ?
Thanks
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mike
Dodge Dakota
11/09/2001
18:09:22
|  RE: Towing and some ????
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Message:
I've towed many trailers fine on my original fluids....31k on my 2000 v6 2wd.
Personally, after towing off a hitch, i wouldn't go back to the bumper....with the hitch you're going off the frame, less resistance, and less worry about weight. My particular hitch is rated at 8000 lbs, and i know i won't ever come close to that!
However, i wouldn't recommend going thru your dealer for the hitch setup....they will charge two arms and half a leg. I used to work for Dodge, and the price was outrageous! Based on experience, and the fact that i work for them, i would recommend going thru your local U-Haul. I'm trying to remember prices, but i am fairly certain with labor and the wiring kit included, you can get it done around, or slightly more than $200. What they will most likely do for wiring is use one of their quick-connect kits, which run $24.95, but are THE way to go...they plug directly into the wiring harness, and are sealed well against water
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Dak2WD
Dodge Dakota
11/09/2001
19:20:41
| RE: Towing and some ????
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For towing even that modest weight at highway speeds, don't even think about a bumper hitch. With a REAL hitch you can also adjust the ball height to where it belongs.
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sandman
Dodge Dakota
11/09/2001
21:29:06
|  RE: Towing and some ????
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Message:
Regular oil's are fine but synthetics are better. I doubt that you will ever tow in 4 wheel drive. I would run synthetic oil in the engine, transmission, transfer case and rear end. I would not worry the front axel much as few people spend enough time in 4x4 to require synthetic. You do not have to do all of these at one time. You can do one this pay day and one the next and so on.......
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Dave Mitchell
Dodge Dakota
11/09/2001
22:14:41
| RE: Towing and some ????
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Message:
"D) I have not had a chance to take a good look under the hood etc. but I noticed quickly their seems to be another fan bolted to the radiator, but I don’t see how that is powered ?"
Sounds like you have the heavy-duty cooling packaage on the truck. It has an electric cooling fan behind the radiator. Should also have a power steering cooler just below the power steering pump and if an automatic, a transmission cooler in the vicinity of the lower radiator, also.
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Jeff M
Dodge Dakota
11/10/2001
09:57:31
| RE: Towing and some ????
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I too have a 2001 QC w/4.7 and Auto, however only the 2x4. I purchased the hitch from U-Haul (which is a draw-tite hitch) along with the 2" ball, hitch insert and wiring for about $200. It is used to tow an 18' boat, weighing in at about 3500lbs. I have not had to do anything special to get this truck to tow the boat, and it pulled it out of the water using an insanely steep boat ramp with relative ease.
The only tool I needed for installation was a torque driver which I borrow to make sure the hitch was installed to the frame properly.
The wiring harness I have removed for the winter since it will not be used. It only takes about 2 minutes to install and from what many have told me, they have a tendancy to "break", so its worth removing it for extended periods of non usage.
My setup has a maximum towing capacity of 5000lbs or more and 600lbs or more tongue weight which is more than I need and more than the truck is even rated at with my setup.
For two jetskis this setup would be overkill, but it gives you flexibility for future use, and better than using the bumper. $200 is a good investment for this, and far cheaper than your local Dodge dealer is going to charge you.
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William
Dodge Dakota
11/10/2001
23:42:40
| RE: Towing and some ????
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Message:
Go to U-Haul for the hitch. They give a lifetime warrenty on it and will usually make sure that you are properly set up for towing including the wiring harness. Synthetics are good for the engine, I would use AMSOIL in the engine but you should flush it first to rid yourself of all that gunk that has built up. Also use a filter designed for synthetic oils AMSOIL or K&N.
2001 QC 4.7 FTFWD
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