Anybody know why the newer Dakotas can haul 7000+ but my 2006 is just over 5000?

Is it possible to get my 06 to pull the same amount?

Any recomendations on what to change or modify? I have the 4.7 6 speed manual. Factory tow package.

A54P 4.7L Eng(EVA)/6Spd M/T Getrag238(DEJ
DJDS 205MM Front Axle
DMDS 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio
DRBP Corporate 9.25 LD Rear Axle
DSA Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
NHBP Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler
NMCP Heavy Duty Engine Cooling
NZDS Next Generation Engine Controller
SFBS Front Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
SGBS Rear Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
SHAS Front Stabilizer Bar
SHFS Rear Stabilizer Bar
XFHP Class IV Receiver Hitch
XFKP 7 Pin Wiring Harness

Thanks

 

I have no idea, but did you look at the gear ratio for the trucks rated at 7,000lbs? My guess would be 3.92s vs 3.55s. I wouldnt want to get anywhere near 5,000lbs with 3.55s, but thats just me

 

didnt bother my 6 banger

 

The V8 is rated to pull 7000lbs. Not sure where you are getting your info.
from Allpar.com: "The only V-8 offering in the mid-size segment allows the Dakota to boast class-dominating power, torque and a 7,000 lb. plus towing capacity."

Here is the link: http://www.allpar.com/model/ram/dodge/dakota.html

 

http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/200...s/nd/dmlup.pdf

Link to the tow capacity for our trucks that is in our stickies above.
If you note, if you have club cab or quad cab... 7000lbs isn't rated. That being said, I also see that going to 3.92 vs the 3.55 gives you like 1000lbs more GCWR.

I have the 3.55's and tow fine, however most i've towed is about 5000lbs. I have helper springs on as a precaution, and of course the whole brake controller setup is necessary at that weight. If you don't have brakes on the trailer... don't pull it.

Also, If it has anything higher in the air, such as a camper, keep your speeds down to reduce the truck stress a LOT.

 

I got the info from the Dodge tow capacity site here is the link for my truck:
http://www.dodge.com/towing/D/vehicl...l+Transmission

It says with the Quad Cab and 4WD 3.55 Max is 5,200.

 

Thanks for the point in the right dirrection!

After looking at the chart for the 2006 4WD Quad Cab SLT Short bed. It looks like the highest is 6,850 that is with Auto Trans and 3.92 Axle ratio. Everything else seems to be the same. Do you guys think the manual trans is holding that number down at all or is it all the axle ratio? So if I got my axle ratio to 3.92 do ya think the 6,850 would apply to my Manual trans? I'm new to all this so if I don't make scense just let me know.. hehe

Thanks again!

 

The Man Trans is downrated for any engine / axle combination. It saves Dodge the warranty claims for fools to smoke their clutches or don't know how to properly tow with a stick.

The Getrag 6MTI520, which by specs and appearance seems to be what we call a G-238, is rated to over 6000# vehicle gross and 11,000# trailer gross. So a 4500# Dakota and 7000# trailer should be no sweat - even if the Dodge version is somehow less strong. (Which I doubt)

http://www.getrag.de/en/239

Some notes:

I've pulled 4400# with a V6 and 3.21 gears, and taking off in first was effortless. Maintaining 65 on the highway was no problem in 5th.

I would not stress over fuel economy - in other words, keep it in 5th on the highway.

Wind up each gear - I usually shift at about 4500-5000 when towing. Shift slowly and smoothly.

You will be fine. 3.92 gears would be even better, but there's nothing weak or inadequate about the 6 speed itself.

 

+1 ..This is your best answer.

 

Now wait, on the back of our trucks just above the licens plate molded in the black plastic is something that says max trailer load: 2000 pounds, and max toung weight is 200 pounds. Is that just for the bumper mounted ball, or even with the trailer tow group?