Anybody here tow with the 3.7 automatic??
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Anybody here tow with the 3.7 automatic??
I have a 23' travel trailer that has a 5k dry weight id like to tow. I would like to know if that is to much weight for my 05 4x4 Dakota? If the truck can handle the load, ill set the truck up with a break box because I know stopping will be an issue.
Thanks,
Thanks,
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Joined: Jun 2011
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5k probably already puts you over GTW and GCWR. I would confirm that before you do or check anything else.
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I've towed a few loads with my 3.7 auto. The heaviest being around 4000 lbs so far, and it pulled it fine.
If your truck has the factory tow package you can get the brake controller harness that plugs into the connector under the left side of the dash. IIRC the harness was about $30 from my local stealership.
If your truck has the factory tow package you can get the brake controller harness that plugs into the connector under the left side of the dash. IIRC the harness was about $30 from my local stealership.
My buddy towed 4956# trailer with his 3.7L auto with 3:55 gearing. It had trouble staying at 55 mph, disabled O/D (tow haul button) and it was fine. I too tow with mine but I have deeper gears lol
Professional
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: edmonton ,AB, Canada
Towed a holiday trailer with dry weight of 4000 lbs, had some extra stuff in it too. I did highway speed, just used some fuel. I was in tow/haul and was around 2500 rpms. Mine is an auto and v6.
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Just about the same. Did your truck squat much? I have yet to hook mine up to have a look.
Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Ft. Worth
I've driven 3 different configurations of gen 3 Dak while towing a 20' 4,000lb boat + gear = ~5,000lbs.
2006 3.7 v6 auto 3.21 gears = Tough haul around town. Any incline and the truck would downshift. Keep it to 55mph and you're ok, but stopping is another story.
2007 3.7 v6 auto 3.92 gears = Easier around town haul (rpm's are about 200 higher giving you better output from the engine). You don't end up downshifting on what's seemingly level ground, but when an incline comes you're lucky if you hold 60mph (unless you just stomp it and hold it). Braking is still a concern.
2006 4.7 v8ho auto 3.92 gears = No problem around town. No unnecessary downshifting unless it's a 'real' hill in which one downshift does fine and you could accelerate past 80mph if you cared to. Braking is still a concern.
Personally, if you're toting the trailer around town, you're probably fine if you have electric brakes and good weight distribution, but I wouldn't want to be going up or downhill for an extended distance because your brakes will get hot, fade, and you and your truck could end up totaled.
2006 3.7 v6 auto 3.21 gears = Tough haul around town. Any incline and the truck would downshift. Keep it to 55mph and you're ok, but stopping is another story.
2007 3.7 v6 auto 3.92 gears = Easier around town haul (rpm's are about 200 higher giving you better output from the engine). You don't end up downshifting on what's seemingly level ground, but when an incline comes you're lucky if you hold 60mph (unless you just stomp it and hold it). Braking is still a concern.
2006 4.7 v8ho auto 3.92 gears = No problem around town. No unnecessary downshifting unless it's a 'real' hill in which one downshift does fine and you could accelerate past 80mph if you cared to. Braking is still a concern.
Personally, if you're toting the trailer around town, you're probably fine if you have electric brakes and good weight distribution, but I wouldn't want to be going up or downhill for an extended distance because your brakes will get hot, fade, and you and your truck could end up totaled.
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I've driven 3 different configurations of gen 3 Dak while towing a 20' 4,000lb boat + gear = ~5,000lbs.
2006 3.7 v6 auto 3.21 gears = Tough haul around town. Any incline and the truck would downshift. Keep it to 55mph and you're ok, but stopping is another story.
2007 3.7 v6 auto 3.92 gears = Easier around town haul (rpm's are about 200 higher giving you better output from the engine). You don't end up downshifting on what's seemingly level ground, but when an incline comes you're lucky if you hold 60mph (unless you just stomp it and hold it). Braking is still a concern.
2006 4.7 v8ho auto 3.92 gears = No problem around town. No unnecessary downshifting unless it's a 'real' hill in which one downshift does fine and you could accelerate past 80mph if you cared to. Braking is still a concern.
Personally, if you're toting the trailer around town, you're probably fine if you have electric brakes and good weight distribution, but I wouldn't want to be going up or downhill for an extended distance because your brakes will get hot, fade, and you and your truck could end up totaled.
2006 3.7 v6 auto 3.21 gears = Tough haul around town. Any incline and the truck would downshift. Keep it to 55mph and you're ok, but stopping is another story.
2007 3.7 v6 auto 3.92 gears = Easier around town haul (rpm's are about 200 higher giving you better output from the engine). You don't end up downshifting on what's seemingly level ground, but when an incline comes you're lucky if you hold 60mph (unless you just stomp it and hold it). Braking is still a concern.
2006 4.7 v8ho auto 3.92 gears = No problem around town. No unnecessary downshifting unless it's a 'real' hill in which one downshift does fine and you could accelerate past 80mph if you cared to. Braking is still a concern.
Personally, if you're toting the trailer around town, you're probably fine if you have electric brakes and good weight distribution, but I wouldn't want to be going up or downhill for an extended distance because your brakes will get hot, fade, and you and your truck could end up totaled.
Thank you for the detailed info.