| From | Message |
Joe
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/18/2002
09:51:31
|
 Subject: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm looking for info from anyone.
I was using a GMC Reg cab 4.3 V6 200 hp and 260 torque to pull 4100 pounds. Did okay except when up some hilly areas. Needed a little more power. It was rated at 5000 pounds.
I changed to a 4.7 Club cab 230 hp 295 torque rated at 5150 pounds with 3.55 rear end. Since I needed a little more power I think this would work well.
I am going to add a trans cooler to help as well.
Any more suggestions?
|
scat pack
GenIII
 
2/18/2002
17:57:54
|  RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
Maybe some strap on extension mirrors and trailer brakes if you don't already have this stuff. I think you'll like how these trucks tow. Sounds like you already know most important thing to have.
2K RC 4.7 4x4
|
Joe
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/19/2002
09:58:15
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
Scat, I already had the electronic brake installed so that is taken care of.
I will be getting towing mirrors. I wanted slip on like I had on the other truck, but these mirrors are sport mirrors and have that curved piece that sticks out in the front.
I assume they dont make a slip on for that. Will it have to be straps and will straps hold on this mirror with the curved part?
I hope it doesnt have to be the big chrome looking type that sits on the side of the door.
|
Major Woods
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/19/2002
10:33:18
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
I currently have a 2000QC 4X4 4.7 auto and tow a 22' boat on a tandum axle trailer to and from launch (2 hour trip one way). Truck pulls great. Can't think of anything else you might need.
|
Joe
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/19/2002
10:45:11
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks Major,
I think my only concern now might be the 3.55 even though I will be about 1000 lbs under.
Yours is probobly 3.92.
Maybe also any concern about 15" tires and those tires only be "P" series instead of "LT" series.
It probobly wont make much difference.
|
BB2DAK
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/19/2002
12:31:15
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
The only thing that I have noticed when pulling a
loaded 12x6 single axle BoyScout trailer is that the back of the truck sits too low when loaded.
I am planning to buy some helper springs or such to improve to load handling. However, I don't want to sacrifice drivability.
I am looking into:
Roadmaster Active Suspension (from speedtweaks.net)
http://www.speedtweaks.net/roadmaster.htm
http://www.activesuspension.com/
www.supersprings.com
http://www.draw-tite.com/prodinfo/products/p16_s01.htm
http://www.hellwigproducts.com/helper_sp.html
Anyone have any suggestions on which is the best option ?
2001 Quad Cab SLT+ 4.7L, 5-Spd, 3.55 Lsd
ARE Cap, ArmaCoat Bed-liner, Pilot PILPL119X Fog Lights
Autolite 3923's, IAT Adjuster, K&N Drop-in w/modified intake
http://members.aol.com/bsbets/truck/intake4.jpg
http://www.dodgedakota.net/albums/viewer/101.htm
|
Joe
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/19/2002
13:22:55
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
I will be using a 1000 pound weight distribution system to move the added weight to the front of the truck and back of the trailer.
This should help considerably.
Get it off that rear end.
|
scat pack
GenIII
2/19/2002
17:26:34
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
I've had good luck with with the cheap strap on mirrors, I was going to get the slip ons but I heard they can rattle. Little nervous mirrors might creep because of mirror profile so I run inside straps a little tighter than outside, haven't had any trouble. I tow similar weight with 3.55's, no problem. I do have 15" 31x10.5LT tires though.
2K RC 4.7 4x4
|
Joe
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/19/2002
17:50:32
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
Scat, what does the 15" 31x10.5LT equate to?
215/75R15 or 235/75R15
I know the 235's can be put on the truck but dodge cust service says should not put 235's since the truck is not calibrated.
If yours equates to the 215's then being "LT" is actual truck tire where mine are "p" passenger.
Does your "LT" ride rough?
|
JPekar
GenIII
2/19/2002
19:33:29
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
I tow a 6x12 foot enclosed tandem axel trailer rated at 5500lbs max not encluding the trailer which i have only got the total weight to about 4,000 and had no problem towing. lost mpg averaged about 15 vs 19 on the highway during my trip from PA to Ohio. My only problem with the 3.55 is that i could not use 5th gear on anything but a flat or downhill surface and that gave me no power at all but 4th worked very good. Hoping to have 4.11 or higher when they come out but you should have no problem.
01 4.7 CC 5 spd 3.55 Flowmaster with dual out rear K&N Fliter With Bumper Covers painted to match truckModified Air Box. Ugly Grey
|
Gary F
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/19/2002
21:05:00
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
I take it that you don't have the factory trailer tow package, since you are adding a trans cooler. Just a suggestion, use the factory trans cooler. That way if you have a warranty issue come up, the dealer won't freak when he sees an aftermarket trans cooler. You might want to get a larger alternator if you don't have one already, to complete the replication of the factory trailer tow package.
In my previous Dakota I installed a B&M trans temp gauge just to "keep a eye on things".
Gary F.
'98 Neon R/T
'01 Dakota
|
Joel
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/20/2002
13:54:52
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
Does your rig have a LSD? You'll want one of those or a Lock-right is even better.
Joel
|
Joe
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/20/2002
14:08:32
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
According to running my VIN number through Dodge service dept.
It has 3.55, Corporate 9.25 LD
My question is what is the difference between
Lsd & LD or is this the same.
Even the Dodge service area could not give me an answer.
Thanks
|
joel
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/20/2002
15:17:06
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
Either on the door, door jam or glove box there should be a list of codes that the truck came with. One of them would indicate an LSD option but you'll need to know the code for that year ;) Try edmunds.com for a code.
Or you could make life easy and do a burnout ;) If one tire spins the lsd is worn or you dont have one.
Joel
|
scat pack
GenIII
2/20/2002
15:22:30
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
You may have LSD. Mine has a tag on left axle indicating open case. Why would you need limited slip to tow anyways ? With the extra weight on the rear I've never had any traction issues. My truck came with 31x10.5s on 8" rims. They measure about 8" across tread and almost 30" high. In the winter I run 235-75R15LT Goodrich All Terrain TA's- they measure 7 5/8" tread, and a good inch shorter. 235LT's have a little thicker tread than P235's, 1/8" I think. I run these on stock 7" factory mags I got at swap meet for $200. If you want the bigger rims they usually go about $300 for a set of 4. You have the beefiest rear available. Don't sweat what they're telling you about calibration - it just means your speedometer will be a little off. Most cops won't hassle you til you're 10 over the limit, If you run the bigger size you won't be going much faster than what the speedo says. My taller tires effectively give me a taller ratio than what you would have withh 235's, still pulls fine. Wider tread will give you a lttle more control, just don't go too wide for your rim width. I run max inflation and don't consider ride rough but trucks have been my primary ride for over 20 years. I'll be replacing rear shocks a soon as it warms up a bit, my only ride complaint is rear jumping a little when hitting a bump while cornering agressively unloaded. I also plan to add roadmaster active suspension soon. Many of my friends run the weight distribution set ups with good results, I don't seem to have problems with sway as long as I keep extra weight towards front of trailer instead of rear. Most of those systems are available with a sway control damper too but I hear they still help control sway without it, how you have weight on trailer makes a big difference in sway. BTW I'm Garrick, scat pack is a reference to the old Dodge muscle car ad campaign.
2K RC 4.7 4x4
|
Tom Perso
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/25/2002
01:08:09
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey Guys,
First time poster here, but I thought I could add to the towing issue and LSD.
I have a 2000 Dakota CC 4x4, 4.7L, 5-speed, 3.92 and LSD. I towed a 22ft Mariah for a year. The LSD really helped on the boat launch, but thats about it.
I had a 95 Ram previous to the Dakota and I installed a Lockright. I destroyed it in about 2 months from towing that very same boat. The extra tounge weight does not work to the lockright's advantage. Just my experience.
Oh, if anyone's interested, the rest of the details on my truck are on my website http://www.qtm.net/~persoj
As you can tell, I'm also into old VW's, so if that floats your boat, cool. If not, well... :)
Later,
Tom
|
Joe
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/25/2002
07:11:00
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
I have gotten some good information from everyone about my towing and thanks.
As I said, mine does not have the factory towing, so I will be adding the heavy duty trans cooler this week.
I got good advice relating to the LSD.
Any of you that are towing about my same weight, do you have an engine oil cooler? Mine does not and most places I have talked to said I most likely dont need it since being 1000 pounds under my trucks pull weight.
Have any of you had any problems with the oil overheating with this weight? Also, should I be using 10w40 for my weight pulling?
I am also having the rear end drained this week as well, after reading other threads here, should I be requesting synthetic rear end oil?
Thanks again.
Joe
|
Joel
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/25/2002
15:04:56
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
Oil coolers are great but sometimes they can work against you. This happens when the oil takes a long time to reach op temp. This is countered by a thermostate so the cooler does its job only when needed.
I don't know if its necissary to have one. You would need to get info on just how hot the oil gets when towing. Install a oil temp guage and pay attention to how hot the oil gets. If its getting upwards of 230* install a cooler or run synthetic.
Synthetic oil can also help you here if temps don't get to hot (280+), anything over that (actually 310*) synthetic will start to burn up.
Joel
|
scat pack
GenIII
2/25/2002
15:56:46
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
I'd stay away from the heavier oil. Reason for the lighter weight is not just fuel economy, the 4.7 was engineered with tighter tolerances so lighter weight may actually lube it better. I run mobil 1, synthetic oils don't shear (break down) as much.
2K RC 4.7 4x4
|
joel
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/25/2002
18:03:45
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
Joe, found a good artical that you'd like.
Towing guide
Joel
|
Spazmeister
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/13/2002
10:23:19
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
Looking for good towing mirrors that don't require permanent installation and don't vibrate. 2K 4.7L w/towing pkg. and 5X7 sport mirrors so I can't use the slide-on mirrors. Considering McKesh door mounts. Any comments or other ideas?
Thanks!
|
jimc
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/13/2002
10:38:09
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
While we are on the towing subject, how important is it to have a tranny cooler. The most i'll pull is a 1700 pound dual axle trailer with maybe 2 or 3 quads on it. Think i would need a cooler? i have a 97 dakota with 5.2l automatic. i here these trannies in these trucks are junk. is this true?
|
Clevite 77
GenIII
9/13/2002
10:59:21
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
I pulled a 3300 (roughly) pound vette on a 2000 pound trailer, total weight wa 5,300 pounds. my weight rating is 6,100lbs. I have a 2002 4x4 CC with every possible upgrade. at 800lbs under my weight rating it pulled it just fine.
A little advice though, shift manually, and while up shifting, let off the gas shift, and then get back into it. your tranny will warm up pretty good.
"If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're gonna see some serious shit."
|
CW
GenIII
9/13/2002
14:31:14
|  RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
I will be towing a 4500lb truck on a 23 foot car trailer tommorow. Think I will take pics as the trailer and truck I will be towing is larger than my dak. Might look kinda funny.
2001 4.7 5sp 3.92 LSD
Ported 68mm TB, IAT adjuster, 3" flowmaster cat back, TPS @ .76V, 4" Z-tube, Roadmaster active suspention, Removed Third cat, Electric fan Convertion, HO cams, Robert shaw 180 therm, HO intake manifold.
|
Clevite 77
GenIII
9/13/2002
15:35:51
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
hahaha that will be cool
Let me know how towing is with a 5 spd
"If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're gonna see some serious shit."
|
12GA Dak
*GenIII*
9/13/2002
16:13:23
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
I tow my boat & trailer with my 5 speed all the time. Works the same way as with a slushbox, only it's more fun. :-)
2002 Black QC Sport 4x4, 4.7L, 5-spd, 3.92 LSD
|
Buggy-Bumpers
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/13/2002
21:18:48
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
Okay you guys, now that you have finished taking about towing light weight stuff for short periods of time, here's the real deal.
I towed a 5000lb 25 ft travel trailer from the West coast to the East coast then to Disney World and back this summer. I ran the speed limit most of the time (actually about 80). Going thru the mountains the truck pulled without fear of any hill when running on cruise control & OD off.
My gas mileage sucked real bad 7 mpg avearge but thats what happens when running that fast w/AC wide open. Oh yeah, I had 2 other passengers also. So I know this setup will have no problems with all of your lite duty towing.
DrawTite weight distributing hitch is very important also.
01 QC SLT Plus Loaded (no Leather)
4.7ltr LSD FT4WD HD TT
4WALB; Access Tonneau Cover
AMSOIL thruout; BB Nerfbars; Brushgaurd w/PIAA Fogs
|
CW
GenIII
9/14/2002
22:12:50
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
5000lbs pish posh;) Just got back from towing my '81 home. It was a pretty hard pull. Could still pull it in 5th gear most of the time.
Truck GVW with trailer was a incredible 11,000lbs. Doh!!! The tounge wieght was 1200lbs good thing for Timbren load boosters. The trailer weighed 7000lbs. Oops a little over the limit. Here is your proof that the 4.7 can pull 11,000lbs GVW. hehe
This pic is just as I took it off the trailer the pic of it on the hitch didn't transfer so I lost it. The truck squatted pretty good though.
2001 4.7 5sp 3.92 LSD
Ported 68mm TB, IAT adjuster, 3" flowmaster cat back, TPS @ .76V, 4" Z-tube, Roadmaster active suspention, Removed Third cat, Electric fan Convertion, HO cams, Robert shaw 180 therm, HO intake manifold.
|
rtdkota
R/T
9/15/2002
14:01:10
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
FYI-- though you may 'think' you're truck is pulling fine in 5 gear (an over drive)-- The additional strain it suffers will eventually kill it. 5th gear isn't designed for towing-- I thought the same thing you do-- "It pulls fine"... and I only towed a 4500# boat 3 times a year on a 450 mile round trip through the mountains (where I never used 5th-- only on maybe 30% of the trip did I use 5th). 3 years of that, and the tranny puked-- plus 5th was wasted.
NV3500, '95 SLT w/ 5.2L (TB, Doug Thorley headers, exhaust-- 221 hp to the rear wheels, 330 torque-- 3.92 rear gear)-- RIP
Sam
www.socaldakota.com
RTDKOTA
|
CW
GenIII
9/15/2002
15:08:24
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
Minor thing if it does go. I know a mechanic.;) I keep the oil changed and up to level. Already put on about 1000 miles of towing.
2001 4.7 5sp 3.92 LSD
Ported 68mm TB, IAT adjuster, 3" flowmaster cat back, TPS @ .76V, 4" Z-tube, Roadmaster active suspention, Removed Third cat, Electric fan Convertion, HO cams, Robert shaw 180 therm, HO intake manifold.
|
01 Motorsport
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/16/2002
09:20:45
| RE: 4.7 towing
IP: Logged
Message:
I've never had any problems towing with the Dak. I've towed many vehicles ranging from Shadows & Omni's to a 70 Roadrunner and a Mazda Navajo. All on my 22' car trailer. I will admit that the Roadmasters helped out quite well. Also, I find that I actually prefer towing with a 5sp - even though I was a bit apprehensive at first.
01 Motorsport Edition
RC 4.7 5sp 3.92's
|
| | P 1 Next Page>> |
