Has any one installed a gooseneck hitch or 5th wheel hitch in a dakota?
I have a 2001 4.7 Quad cab and would like to pull a 24ft 5th wheel camper, though I don't know if I would trust the brakes on my truck.
Please let me know if this is recommended or not.
Thanks

 

How much does the trailer weight? How much does the 5th wheel hitch weigh? Might not be a good idea but if everything is within your dak's limits go with a brake upgrade to ceramics and get a brake controller for the trailer.

 

Dont think the bed in a quad cab would be long enough for a 5th wheel anyways. Gotta figure in trailer swing. MOre than likely the trailer will clip the back of the cab when turning. Neighbors shortbed 3/4 ton almost has the trailer hit the cab as it is with a 6.5' bed.

 

I had see a dakota quad cab with a 5th wheel on it, the mount was higher than in a full size truck and the front of the trailer was above the cab of the truck so it can be done........we looked at some trailers when it comes to something 24' it best be an ultra lite becasue loaded most will be over your tow limit but some of the ultra lites were in the 4k range unloaded.

 

If you want to spend some big bucks, there is a hitch available that as you turn a corner, the 5th wheel head actually will slide back towards the tailgate. Close to a grand though! Was intended for trucks like the real short box quad cab Ford 1/2 tons(can't think of the actual name of them right now!)

 

Well heres the big obstacle.

Every 24' 5th wheel/gooseneckk travel trailer I found will exceed the towing cap. Most are 6,000 UNLOADED with a GVWR or 8500lbs and up. That can get you cited in many states for towing out of class. Fill the water tanks, load luggage and gear and get everyone in the truck and its overweight. Plus most 5th wheel hitches we've mounted had to be mounted slightly in front of the rear axle. ,

 

These guys are summing it up big time: BAD IDEA!!!!!! Get a 3/4-1 ton or atleast a 1/2 ton. Just the though of that poor truck trying to pull that thing.............

 

I personally think this idea is definitely not the safest idea in the world. Have you considered how you are going to accellerated into traffic on the freeway or any public road? I have a dodge durango with the 5.9 when I use it to have my jeep on a uhaul auto transport trailer, I personally feel this is the best it will tow in the way of acceleration, braking, and durability. AFter towing my jeep with my durango my brakes and transmission are always in need of service so I bought something else to do the pulling. I also used to have a durango with the 4.7 and the 45rfe transmission I never used this durango to tow but at 16K miles I new this transmission was a piece of crap and I would never let my mom talk my grandmother into using this durango to pull the horse around town. I knew the transmission would never hold up. You have the 45rfe in you vehicle, If you know transmissions like I do you would never hook up to a big heavy trailer like you are wanting. If you are still not convinced about putting a 5th wheel hitch in I highly reccomend you talking to the experts whom make 5th wheel hitches and turn over ***** for trucks and spend some time talking to them. I install their hitches on a regular basis and I feel they are top of the line if you decide to go ahead. heres their contact info.

B&W Custom Truck Beds, Inc.

1216 Highway 224

PO BOX 186

Humboldt, KS 66748

USA



phone, fax

toll free, US#: 800.248.6564

local: 620.473.3664

www.turnoverball.com