Got a new (to me) Dakota- towing hitch/ wiring questions
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Professional
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 198
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From: Tampa, FL
Got a new (to me) Dakota- towing hitch/ wiring questions
Just got a 2004 Dakota SLT Quad Cab with only 18k miles on it! 
It's a 2004 2WD Quad Cab 2WD with the 3.7 liter V-6. Got a great deal too- it's an awesome truck and I love it so far. I have a few questions, hopefully someone on here can help me out.
What is the tow capacity for the 3.7 liter quad cab?
I don't want to pay U-Haul $400 for something I can do myself for $200, I found a class III tow hitch made by Reese from advance auto parts for $170, says no drilling required, just bolts up to existing holes in the frame. Good deal?
Also, I found a Hoppy brand trailer wiring kit for $30, says that there is no splicing required. How easy is this install? I am pretty good mechanically, and I'm sure I have done more complicated things than this, but I'm under the assumption that I have to remove the rear tail light assembly?
I will be towing a small boat that only weighs about 2000 lbs with boat, motor, trailer, etc. fully loaded with fishing gear and everything, so I don't need a fifth wheel but I want to make sure I do this right.
Thanks for any help!
It's a 2004 2WD Quad Cab 2WD with the 3.7 liter V-6. Got a great deal too- it's an awesome truck and I love it so far. I have a few questions, hopefully someone on here can help me out.
What is the tow capacity for the 3.7 liter quad cab?
I don't want to pay U-Haul $400 for something I can do myself for $200, I found a class III tow hitch made by Reese from advance auto parts for $170, says no drilling required, just bolts up to existing holes in the frame. Good deal?
Also, I found a Hoppy brand trailer wiring kit for $30, says that there is no splicing required. How easy is this install? I am pretty good mechanically, and I'm sure I have done more complicated things than this, but I'm under the assumption that I have to remove the rear tail light assembly?
I will be towing a small boat that only weighs about 2000 lbs with boat, motor, trailer, etc. fully loaded with fishing gear and everything, so I don't need a fifth wheel but I want to make sure I do this right.
Thanks for any help!
Record Breaker
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 20
From: Clermont, Florida
Welcome to the forum.
Not sure about the price on the hitch, I have never bought one but it probably is a good deal though. On the wiring harness, most likely the way it is done is underneath the back end of the bed, you unplug the plugs from the factory wiring harness that goes to the lights and there is a "Tee" harness that plugs in from your new trailer wiring harness to splice it into the brakes, tail and turn circuits. The harness should come with directions and should be very easy to do.
Enjoy the new truck.
Jimmy
Not sure about the price on the hitch, I have never bought one but it probably is a good deal though. On the wiring harness, most likely the way it is done is underneath the back end of the bed, you unplug the plugs from the factory wiring harness that goes to the lights and there is a "Tee" harness that plugs in from your new trailer wiring harness to splice it into the brakes, tail and turn circuits. The harness should come with directions and should be very easy to do.
Enjoy the new truck.
Jimmy
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
From: NC
If you have some time, check your local salvage yards. I found a used hitch from HIDDEN HITCH made specifically for my Dakota for $50. I also think it is a stronger mount to the frame the way it is designed. You can also order one made for your truck, one piece, no drilling, 20 minute install for less than $170. There are several manufacturers out there. Some of them even offer free shipping!