Kinda new here, but I've had my Dakota since I turned 16 back in 2001. I've mostly been using the truck as a work truck the past few years, but I'm nearing completion of a car I am building for SCCA racing and I am putting thought on using the Dakota as my tow vehicle. I'll be doing a lot of interstate driving. The car it will be towing weighs in around 2500 or so lbs + the weight of the trailer [not an enclosed one so it is'nt toooo heavy]

It's a 5.2 V8, 4x4 w/automatic. It's also a shortbed which I hear is rare for that combo.

The main thing I am wondering about is suggested modifications to the truck if I use it to tow. Do any companies sell some sort of tow package [with an upgraded trans cooler/TC/trans temp gauge/etc] for them or is it wise to piece something together myself? Also, are there any recommended suspension modifications to assist in towing something of that size.

If anyone could give recommendations [even if it's to get a Cummins for that sort of job........] that'd be killer!

Thanks

 

your dakota should be able to haul around 6k pounds, so it should be a peice of cake to haul 4k (guessing car, trailer and gear) of course there are things that would be good additions to your truck. assuming you have a proper tow hitch I would start with wide mirrors and a load distributing hitch since the dakota is already rated to pull the load. then a tranny cooler and the regular performance mods as you feel the need.

 

If you're towing a standard sized flatbed tandem axle (with a wood deck) trailer, it'll weigh between 1800-2200 pounds empty. I would imagine that car and trailer will be a lot closer to 4500 pounds, which should still be within spec for your truck, given a class 3 hitch and trailer brakes. The brakes are absolutely essential. You're going to want to get a big tranny cooler if your truck wasn't equipped with the tow package. Bad news is that your short wheelbase isn't going to be as good for towing, you may get pushed around. Don't use overdrive except on downhill or flats, and even then only if your truck has enough power to maintain speed without downshifting frequently. If you find it hunting for gears, kill overdrive or you'll be buying a new tranny.

If you're also hauling tools, spare parts/tires, fuel, etc. in the bed of the truck you may want to invest in some overload springs and heavy duty shocks, or even some airbags depending on how much you're really towing.

 

I pulled 5550 lbs of car and trailer with my 98 rc v6 shortbed. It did just fine.

 

doing just fine and being safe/legal are two different things.