At one point I was actually in the market for a 3/4 ton, but it needs to be my daily driver and I can't park a full sized truck at work it turns out. So now I am going radically in a different direction. I have back issues and like the fact that the Dakota comes with power seats as an option.

How will it do off road (4x4 of course) Carrying a light camper?

Thanks.

 

you mean a truck bed type camper or a camper shell? I dont even know if they make a real truck camper that would fit a dakota.... I would assume you would need stronger springs and maybe the tow package for the extra tranny and ps coolers. Maybe someone one here has one....

 

I meant a true camper. They make light weight ones, 800 pounds or so dry. It is certainly within payload, though I suspect you are right about the tow package. One nice thing about the Dakota is that you can get it with a bigger engine. But in theory, the smaller size should make it better for off road trails....

 

I'm sure it would be fine. These trucks have a decent payload and with some helper springs you should have no issues. There's a guy on here w/ airbags that may be a good idea too. I would get the v8, tow package, 3.92 gears. Not because it's heavy, but that sucker is gonna catch some wind and you will NOT be happy w/ 210hp going up a hill against the wind. Post a pic of the camper/s you are looking at :-)

 

oh, and these trucks do much better with the load over both axles so the further you have your weight to the rear end will cause more strain on your engine. also, it will help your steering when those winds kick up ;-)

 

These are particularly popular for off road:

http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/products.htm


But I want something that can be used off the truck on occasion, which FWCs can only do with extra support, so I am also considering these:

http://www.coyoterv.biz/

 

Another option for heavier springs are to get Ram leaf packs. Either 1500 or 2500 I know will fit not sure about the 3500. I have a 3/4 ton (2500) set of leaf packs in my truck.

 

Thanks for the tip! What do you carry in your bed?

 

nothin really, bought the truck with them already on it lol

 

those are pretty cool. The dak should have no problem with either of those. I was thinking about one that was full size....really tall.