Towing Questions for a 1992 V8 4x4
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Towing Questions for a 1992 V8 4x4
I'm preparing to purchase an RV that my 92 Dakota can tow. I have a V8 1992 4x4 with the Extended (Club?) Cab, 10 inch brakes, and I believe the 3.9 rear end. I've searched this forum for answers, but still have a few questions.
The Service Manual indicates a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs for my configuration. This is somewhat less than the maximum towing capacity of 6,400 listed on the same configuration for the 95 manual posted on this forum. I'm no expert on Dakotas, but I don't understand what would account for the discrepancy. If I go with the higher number, I feel up to 4000 lb. trailer would be acceptable, but if the 5000 lb figure is more accurate, I wouldn't feel safe with anything much more than 3500 lbs. which is fairly limiting. Does anyone know number is more accurate to the real world capabilities of the vehicle? I don't have the owners manual, but perhaps that may have some information.
My truck is in storage at the time being so I haven't poked my nose around her innards. I am going to install a brake controller. It appears I'm going to have to splice it in since I can't find any reference to a dedicated wire or harness for a brake controller. Has anyone one added a brake controller to their 1st gene, and do you know if there's a harness or wire dedicated to a brake controller?
I also intend to add a transmission cooler, but I seem to recall seeing one in there already. Anyone know if they ever came from the factory with a transmission cooler?
Who here has some experience towing with their 1st gen Dakota? What weight ranges have you towed successfully (and not so successfully)
I know a Dakota is not necessarily an optimal towing vehicle, but another truck is just not in the budget, and I know my truck is in good repair. I'm going to take a good look at her insides this weekend, any response with any knowledge is greatly appreciated.
I apologize if I missed some of answers to my questions in my search. If you could point me to the right link here, I would appreciate it.
Thanks!
The Service Manual indicates a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs for my configuration. This is somewhat less than the maximum towing capacity of 6,400 listed on the same configuration for the 95 manual posted on this forum. I'm no expert on Dakotas, but I don't understand what would account for the discrepancy. If I go with the higher number, I feel up to 4000 lb. trailer would be acceptable, but if the 5000 lb figure is more accurate, I wouldn't feel safe with anything much more than 3500 lbs. which is fairly limiting. Does anyone know number is more accurate to the real world capabilities of the vehicle? I don't have the owners manual, but perhaps that may have some information.
My truck is in storage at the time being so I haven't poked my nose around her innards. I am going to install a brake controller. It appears I'm going to have to splice it in since I can't find any reference to a dedicated wire or harness for a brake controller. Has anyone one added a brake controller to their 1st gene, and do you know if there's a harness or wire dedicated to a brake controller?
I also intend to add a transmission cooler, but I seem to recall seeing one in there already. Anyone know if they ever came from the factory with a transmission cooler?
Who here has some experience towing with their 1st gen Dakota? What weight ranges have you towed successfully (and not so successfully)
I know a Dakota is not necessarily an optimal towing vehicle, but another truck is just not in the budget, and I know my truck is in good repair. I'm going to take a good look at her insides this weekend, any response with any knowledge is greatly appreciated.
I apologize if I missed some of answers to my questions in my search. If you could point me to the right link here, I would appreciate it.
Thanks!
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