Did some towing this weekend
#1
Did some towing this weekend
I had the chance to do some towing that approached the Dak's rated limits this weekend. I towed a Bri-mar CH18-7F car trailer loaded with my Kubota B7800 tractor/loader with a PTO-driven, 3-point hitch mounted wood chipper attached (not shown in attached pic). All told, it was about 6,100 lbs.
My Dakota is a 2006 4.7 H.O AWD (3.92 gears) equipped with rear lowering shackles, Firestone airbags (allows me to increase load capacity and keep the bed lift-over height reasonable) running 50 psi, and Rancho RS5000 shocks. In addition, I used a weight distributing hitch and a Tekonsha P3 proportional brake controller.
I was pleasantly surprised. I could definately tell the weight was there, but stopping and handling were well within the acceptable range. Acceleration was tepid, but more than enough to keep up with traffic. Maintaining 65 mph was not a problem on flat ground, but I wouldn't want to run this setup on a regular basis in a hilly area.
My Dakota is a 2006 4.7 H.O AWD (3.92 gears) equipped with rear lowering shackles, Firestone airbags (allows me to increase load capacity and keep the bed lift-over height reasonable) running 50 psi, and Rancho RS5000 shocks. In addition, I used a weight distributing hitch and a Tekonsha P3 proportional brake controller.
I was pleasantly surprised. I could definately tell the weight was there, but stopping and handling were well within the acceptable range. Acceleration was tepid, but more than enough to keep up with traffic. Maintaining 65 mph was not a problem on flat ground, but I wouldn't want to run this setup on a regular basis in a hilly area.
#4
#6
Have a similar tractor I pull on occasion using a 16' open aluminum utility trailer. Probably close to 5000 all up. I don't use the overloads or weight distributing gear, but do have the factory class III hitch. I'm carefull not to get the tractor too far forward on the trailer, watching for the truck to squat an inch or so (from unloaded) while spotting the tractor front to rear on the trailer. Similar results for towing. No feeling that the truck is being overworked at any point. '05 Laramie 4x4/4.7/3.92's
#7
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#8
They lowering shackles compliment the airbags by allowing a stiffer rear end without raising the rear of the truck too much. After a long day of motocross, pushing a bike up an extra inch or two can make a big difference.
#10
Fyi
I tow a 26' Travelaire Trailer with my 2005 4.7 Dakota. GVWR is around 7000 lbs. I did a TON of research to see if this was a good combo. It was. I use a Husky weight distribution hitch which levels the weight between the front and rear wheels and my rig tows like a dream. I F-ing love my Dakota! (Pic of rig in sig)