Hi everyone, this is my first time here.
I have a 2003 Prius that I have to move to a new location. 400 hundred miles away. The car is not running, so I'm thinking I would like to tow it on a dolly. Does anyone see this as being a problem for my Dakota? it's a 4.7 litre. The rental garage says I can't or it shouldn't be done. What do you dodge folks say?
thanks for any and all opinions
Ken, Star Ship Driver

 

I don't know what rear end gearing you have or whether your dak is automatic or manual, but I would think the 4.7 should handle that easily. Not sure why they're telling you that you can't. I assume you have a frame mounted receiver hitch.

I have towed a 16 ft dual axle trailer with a tractor on it with my 3.7 V6 and 3.55 gears. It would have been nice to have the 4.7 but I got it done. Just never went super fast and made sure to leave plenty of room to stop.

If it's UHaul, they've got all kinds of rules. I think you can do it though.

Jason

 

If you have a factory installed tow package it should be no problem. That is if the factory tow package included a trans cooler. My 2005 4.7 did not come with a tow package so I am not sure what would have been included or not. I added a hitch and pull my bike and ATV and it feels as if there is nothing back there.
I would get the weight of the car, find out tongue weight on the dolly with car on it, look in owners manual of the car to see ways it can or can't be towed(two wheel dolly, trailer, front or rear wheels down).
The truck should do it, just trans overheat will be a concern for that distance.

 

i will check the numbers...need this:
what year
what rear end ratio
what trans
4wd or rwd
single cab, extended

the dolley weight is 750lbs and max wieght load for the dolley is 3450lbs. prius weights about 3000 so if your max trailer weight is over 3750...the truck can do it. It may be insurance and liability reasons from uhaul.

what is uhaul saying...which is it: cannot be done or should not be done...

 

I have a 2005 Quad Cab full time 4WD, 4.7L V-8, 3.55 gearing, and towing package. I have flat towed my Jeep Scrambler with a tare weight of over 3,500 lbs. with no problems. Are you sure it is okay to tow the Prius with a dolly, as opposed to hauling it on a trailer?

 

the owners manual is the place to check. pretty much any fwd vehicle can be dolly towed.

 

thanks very much for that.

 

Thanks for responding, good advise