I have a 2000 CC 4.7 3.55 Auto with a trailer tow package recently purchased last year with 48k km in imaculate shape. Wonder what trailers I can tow with it...would like to tow a mid sized 5th wheel if possible. Anyone out there pull camping trailers with it and what can I expect for gas milage when towing?

DC

 

i thought the limit was 5000 lbs?

 

No way you'll be able to pull a mid size fifth wheel. Maybe a very small ultralite. They just weigh too much and usually 20% of the weight is on the tongue which would be too much for a Dakota. I pull a 23' travel trailer that weighs about 46oo pounds and I get about 10 MPG with my Quad Cab 4.7 and the 3.92 axle.

 

There is a local guy here that has a 5th wheel setup with about a 20"-22" trailer, not sure if he has added some extral leaves in the springs or air shocks but it stand level and really looks nice so I am sure he has beefed it up some but he does not seem to have any issues going down the road nicely.

 

you can pull a fifth wheel, the previous owner of my 93 had a fifth wheel in the bed and hauled an rv trailer. so yes it can do it.

 

You can pull a small 5th wheel with it. I know the 5.9s can tow 6000 pounds with a 3.92 axle, but the smaller engine and worse gearing are working against you. Keep it out of overdrive.

 

It all depends on the weight of the fifth wheel.

 

I had a neighbor who pulled a mid sized fifth-wheel with his S10
It's all in how gutsy you are

As for your dak, You might get away with it for a while but I'd recommend helper springs and Definatly get the towing brakes
I Wouldn't even think of pulling that size trailer without them.

consult your door panel for weight ratings and keep the trailer in the range as much as possible.

________
Web Shows

 

This may or may not be related to what you want to do but go this link https://dodgeforum.com/m_510430/tm.htm

It's a thread I started a little while ago in which I asked folks here for help on towing. It starts out with a description of what I wanted to do, then continues with folks offering good advice, and ends up with me describing the final experience.

Again, it's somewhat related in I that I offer some weights that I pulled and that you and I have the same Dak.

Tryng to offer something anyway.

Hope this helps even a little.

Matt

 

Does anyone know of a good online reference to check what towing guidelines are for various vehicle configurations?

I just put a Class III hitch on my Dakota a few weeks ago and while that is rated up to 5000 lbs., that is not specific to my truck, engine and drivetrain. And reading the owners manual - yech...

I just can't find anything online that allows you to plug in vehicle, engine, gearing, etc. and output the maximum recommendations. The only thing I found are from hitch manufacturers that only take you to the various hitches they sell that list only generic weights for the class of hitch.

And like someone commented above, I don't trust the guys at UHaul or even the dealer after my last visit...