Sorry posted this in the New person section, shoulda put it here:

Hey guys, I've been looking for a truck for quiet a while now. I've found a dakota in my local CL and am interested in buying it, but I have a few questions. Here is what I'm looking for in a truck:

Scenario 1: Motorcycles, 2-3 sportbikes with a 6x12 trailer.
Scenario 2: 2 bikes in the back of a truck, hauling a popup camper. (the bikes are 80 inches long, not sure how long the bed of the Dak is)

The dak I'm looking for is a 97 Extendedcab, 80k miles, v8 magnum, top of the line (he says) all automatic 4x4.. I know hauling all depends on the hitch, and it only has a bumper hitch, so I'll have to upgrade it. He is asking 6G, is this a good price you think? I've also found a ram1500 4wd with the same mileage for a little bit more, would it be more capable? I really like the looks of the dakota, but is it gonna be enough for what I'm asking?

Oh, P.S. It will only be used for hauling bikes, SxS'ds, and possibly a camper+bike, and winter truck. It is not my daily drive, so MAYBE 4k miles a year will be put on it.

Thank you guys!

 

I ran Kelly Blue Book and came up with $5400 on the Dak but had to make some assumptions so you're in the ballpark.

At least on my Club Cab, the bed is 78" long. You won't fit your motorcycles in closed. It's also narrower than that of the Ram. When carrying a sheet of plywood you have to lift it over the wheel wells.

You didn't give any specs on the Ram but I'd probably head that way. The Dak can likely handle the weight no problem its just small in the bed. The Ram was available with an 8' bed. You can also fit plywood between the wheels wells.

 

Thanks Dan, I'm sure the Dak can handle what I want it to, but like you said the beds gonna be a little short, so I'd have to leave the tailgate down (would this cause a problem you think?). I have been looking for long beds but most of them are reg cabs and I'd like to have atleast an extended cab. I also have to add in a few extra inches for a wheel chock so I am prob getting pretty close to the edge of the tailgate.

 

it can handle the weight but the problem is the size i put in mines a quad and didnt close
by some inches like 1 so what i do is tie it very well and drop the rear tire over the tailgate
and zero problems

 

Good Idea Chris, the bikes I'll be loading are 250 ninja's they are 400 lbs and 80" each, so not to far off. Can the tailgate take the weight of the rear of the bikes?

 

Go with the ram you will have a wider bed and cab space. Going 2 bikes wide in the bed of the dakota is going to be a little tight. Not to mention the second gen rams and dakotas look about the same.

 

yes....!!!! i put the rear tire in the tailgate load the suspension and tie it with a ratchet straps and lets go also 400 lb give it a amazing feeling to the suspension and handling improves... i could said that thats the perfect weight

 

but yes i would go with the ram

 

Thanks for your input, although I dont like to hear it lol. I really like the dakota, but I'm afraid it wont be what I want it to be. Here is the ram I've found: http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/2652678792.html But once again its only got a 6ft bed, I might as well hold out for an 8 ft'er

 

well if you like the dak buy a v8 it never will give you problems I've put on it 800 lb over the bed (2 200L containers) and i go like nothing in the bed and that with the v6