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Dex
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2005
11:23:48
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 Subject: Towing TT 3,300lbs w/3.9
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I'm looking to do a trip from Florida to Alaska towing a travel trailer weighing 3,300lbs loaded. Maybe another 300lbs in the bed.
Anyone have experience doing this with a Dakota like mine? I currently have 38K highway miles on it.
The Specs are:
2000 Quad Cab 4X4-Sport 3.9L V-6 Automatic Sports Plus Package 31X10.5 tires, Limited Slip, 3.55 Gears, Trailer Tow Group, HD Package, Skid Plates, LineX Spray in bed liner; Added:Airaid air filter & heat shield, Flowmaster 3 chamber muffler, Steel Horse Torneau cover, front hitch, Autolite Double Platinum 3923 Plugs, Removed air horns from Throttle Boddy, added new TB bolts, Cool Tape around air filter and A/C tubes, Amsoil in: crank case, differential and tranfercase.
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Doug
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2005
11:51:17
| RE: Towing TT 3,300lbs w/3.9
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I have towed a trailer with 3000lbs(manual trans), but only for about 125 miles not 5000+ miles... i think the specs on yours is approx 6000lbs towing, but i don't if your transmission will overheat, especially with the hills you are probably going to take. Did you ask a dealership?
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Dex
Dodge Dakota
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2/07/2005
12:16:32
| RE: Towing TT 3,300lbs w/3.9
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I didn't ask a dealer. I have the towing package that has the oil and transmission cooler.
I'm just looking for any input on what to expect and other's experinces I might learn from.
I can't really do much about the configuation of the truck. I'm not going to swap out the motor.
I think the towing limit with my spects is between 4400 - 4900lbs. I'm not at home so I can't look it up.
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93dak4x4
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2005
15:48:08
| RE: Towing TT 3,300lbs w/3.9
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my advice is to pull w/o overdrive on, you will be constantly downshifting if you hit a hill. i'm in the upper peninsula of michigan....we got hills.
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IntenseDak39
*GenIII*
2/08/2005
16:47:44
| RE: Towing TT 3,300lbs w/3.9
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you shouldnt be running the overdrive at all while towing.. hill or no hill. (according to your owner's manual).
for that distance, i think i'd run an aftermarket cooler inline with the factory tranny cooler... couldnt hurt.
also, run full synthetic lubes where ever you can.. that will help decrease heat, too.
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scott1981
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2005
17:11:31
| RE: Towing TT 3,300lbs w/3.9
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i agree with what others have said. synthetic would help. really you have the towing package already on your truck and you appear to be under the manufacturers max tow rating. i dont see a single problem with it, if dodge says it can tow 4400+ then i see no reason it couldnt tow 3600. also i would be more worried about stop and go traffic, once up to speed that trailer wont be so bad. and as one other stated keep it out of overdrive for the entire trip and when stopped at a light put the trans in nuetral to keep the heat down.
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Dex
Dodge Dakota
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2/09/2005
10:33:41
| RE: Towing TT 3,300lbs w/3.9
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Thanks for the replies.
I think I have a case of engine envey.
I like the 3.9 for the mpg - I'm getting about 22mpg highway (with the synthics).
I got the tow package for the hell of it when I ordered the truck. I didnt think I would do any serious towing. Now I've decided to take a little vacation.
Once underway I report on the performance.
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