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Danderson
Dodge Dakota
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11/04/2011
11:38:20
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 Subject: Towing capacity
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Message:
I have a '99 Dakota SLT v8 4x4. Curb weight is
4400lb. Can I tow a 3500 lb car on a trailer that
is 2200 lbs? Total = 5700 The trailer's max
capacity it well over the weight of the car, so
there should be no issues there.. This is U-haul
claiming that my truck isn't satisfactory. Any ways
of getting around this with U-haul?
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DakotaCC
Dodge Dakota
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11/06/2011
16:51:18
|  RE: Towing capacity
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Message:
Your problem won't be pulling the rig, it will be stopping it--and UHaul is probably doing you a favor. Even with trailer brakes you'll be over-running the braking capacity of the Dak, and asking for trouble. I used to once in a while pull a Kubota backhoe on a trailer about the size you're describing. While I could pull it anywhere (except past a gas station) braking was a real iffy proposition requiring lots of advance planning. Fortunately, I never had a panic stop situation.
IMHO you really need a 2500 to pull this kind of load, or a 1500 at the very least.
Best,
DakotaCC
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JB2002
Dodge Dakota
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12/16/2011
01:36:06
| RE: Towing capacity
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Message:
While I can apprecaite the advise from DakotaCC I'd have to object on the answer. If that were the case then a 1500 couldn't pull and safely stop an 11K lb load that they are rated for or a 3500 couldn't stop the 21K lb load they are rated for.
Check your manual. It will tell you what you can and can't do. For example, my '02 QC 4.7 Auto with 3.55 gears is rated at 4900 lbs. If I had 3.92's it is 5900 and if it was a manual I think it's over 6K. Same brakes, same engine etc.
On the Uhaul question...no way to get around them. It's all about what is plugged into their computer. The enter your vehicle info and it tells them what they can let you tow.
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dakownr
Dodge Dakota
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12/19/2011
19:47:37
| RE: Towing capacity
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Message:
I'd have to lean more towards JB2002's comments. I have towed alot with my dak and have never had any problems with stopping. If the trailer has brakes, that helps a TON with your loaded stopping power. I am pretty sure that the u-haul car trailers have surge breaks on them, but that point is moot since they won't let you tow with that combo.
The only thing I will disagree with JB2002 about is the parts that different options come with to up your tow rating. In my experience, the different rear-gear isn't the only thing that ups the tow-rating. When I switched my diffs to 3.90s, I also had to buy all new brake parts because the drums were 10", in stead of the 9 or so inch ones on the 3.55s. A manual transmission also has different gear ratios and is mechanically connected to the engine, both of which improve engine breaking capability. Tow packages for autos usually come with a tranny cooler, as well.
You can get around the u-haul problem by picking up the trailer with a friend's full-size truck or saying that you are towing a smaller vehicle, but if you have an accident and it is obvious to u-haul that you lied on the rental agreement, you could be in a lot of trouble!
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dakownr
Dodge Dakota
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12/19/2011
19:50:17
| RE: Towing capacity
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Message:
engine breaking..! I meant engine braking! Although, the former could be true, I guess...
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