an important thing to remember about towing things heavier than the "tow capacity" is parts on your truck (brakes, u-joints, ect) are built to handle only so much of a load.I'm not saying you can't tow heavy loads or your truck can't handle it. It's just everything that comes into play with thetow capacity.

 

It says on the dodge website that for an 08 ST 4x4 club cab with the 3.7 has a towing capacity of 3,850 lbs, but when properly equiped it can tow 4,650 lbs. Things would probably start breaking at about twice that, that is the "safe" load.

 

http://www.wkjeeps.com/misc/curve_37.jpg
http://www.wkjeeps.com/misc/curve_47.jpg

3.7 and 4.7 curves.

With automatics, I would rate rear end ratio as the next most important factor to the engine type. V6's come with 3.21's or 3.55's (no 3.92's if I remember), and only certain 3.21's (my '07 being one) came installed in the stronger 9.25 axle.

Also, I would venture that the manual trans would be alot more towing friendly with the V6. Just leave it in 3rd or 4th and keep it at 55 MPH. The engine wouldn't be screaming, even in 3rd (3400 RPM or so). No gear hunting, no TC lockup issues...and no MPG .

If I had a good hitch and good trailer brakes, I wouldn't hesistate to go (reasonably) over the rated limit even for an extended tow, but I also don't have an automatic. If I had the 4 speed I'd be shopping for 3.92's before I went dragging all sorts of heavy stuff around.

 

here is another chart with all three overlayed

[IMG]local://upfiles/57176/3BA49FD538E343639ED7E60A1E7C8FAB.jpg[/IMG]

 

So, whats inclusive of "properly equiped"? Here's my application break down.

-06 ST
-3.7L (power wire and K&N drop in filter)
-Mopar class IV hitch and wiring harness

So, what is my towing capacity?

 

is it-
Auto/6 spd man
gear ratio
2x4 or 4x4
club or quad cab

 

look at this pdf- it breaks it down by Eng, Trans, Cab, Gears/2x4 or 4x4
For example my 06 v8 qd cab auto trans with 3.92 4x4 can tow 6850 if it had 3.55 gears it could only tow 5650, 1200lbs less.
so look up your set up. here
http://www.trailerlife.com/towrating...ngs_p20_33.pdf

all yearsavailable here
http://www.trailerlife.com/output.cfm?id=42175

hope this helps

This should be added to the FAQ area as a link?