Forums
Forum Tools
|
 |
00:48:43 - 12/20/2024
V8 Dakotas
| From | Message |
cars
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/15/2002
12:26:48
|
 Subject: Towing
IP: Logged
Message:
Ok, here's my question.
Background:
2000, CC, 4.7, 3.92, Manual T:
GCWR 10,500lbs, Truck weighs 4375, I figure with people & gas we'd add about 650lbs. I'm having trouble determining realistically what is the maximum we should tow. I have read that it should be about 80-90% of your capacity. According to the guide we can tow about 6100lbs. However, this does not consider weight we would add to the cab. My final caculation put us between 5500lbs. The travel trailer we're considering puts us at about 5,850. Which is about 95% of our capacity. My question is, considering safety towing issues, is this just too much?? Can anybody tell me about their towing experiences??
|
mj
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/16/2002
18:17:20
|  RE: Towing
IP: Logged
Message:
Yeah cars, here's my situation. I have '02 QC 4X4 auto 3.92 suregrip axle 5.9 with complete tow pak. Had purchased a 25ft Prowler travel trailer that is spec'd out at 5900lbsGVWR/4250lbs dry wieght. Now the dealer rep for the trailer worked with me on this and assured me that I would be OK. I then called my Dodge dealer and they also confirmed to me the wieght spec's would be well within range and will not affect my warranty. Well, I took this a step further and took the truck and trailer (loaded) to local scales. Well, I had a combo wieght of 10,500lbs(minus people wieght). Maximun is 10,800lbs! I don't know, but I think I am pretty close to max. I don't think I really did consider the cargo weight in the tow vehicle. I am also utilizing a 800lbs tongue weight rated distributing system that is required for this type of weight being pulled. Now I know I have plenty of towing power, I am just concerned how this will affect my chassis and trans in the long HAUL. I could of went with smaller & lighter trailer if we would of found one that meet our specific needs. Have towed the trailer severals times so far with no problems. But most of it has been on flat land driving. I am still not very comfortable with this whole thing . I plan on going to the scales again due to the fact that the way I did it before might of been incorrect. Is the GVWR on the trailer you are considering 5850lbs? You might want to recalculate everything with the sales rep prior making your dicision.
|
Jerry J
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/17/2002
01:42:08
| RE: Towing
IP: Logged
Message:
cars,
I would stay at a max. of 80%. Have you noticed how many Dakotas you see towing travel trailers? I have a 95 Dakota 4wd, 5spd. 3.90, Club Cab. I tow a 20' 5500 lb. loaded trailer and when on a freeway, uphill, or headwind am wishing for more power and brakes (downhill). 5th gear at about 2200 to 2500 rpm has little power when towing and must shift repeatedly at any incline or if a headwind. In Wyoming on a freeway and a headwind I've had to use 3rd at 4000 rpm to hold 65 with my foot to the floor. Salesmen will sell anything whether it will even be possible for you to tow. Advertised weight and actual weight of trailers are usually 1000 or so lbs off. A 40 gallon water tank will hold ,if you fill it, about 330 lbs. and you will probably add more weight than you think for food, clothes, supplies, etc. A trip to the scales is a must and if possible before you buy the trailer. Slow crooked roads are not bad with the Dakota and the smaller size is good for getting around in tight situations. A proper size trailer with the Dakota will be enjoyable but don't overdo it.
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
|
