I purchased my Dakota used and had it shipped. I put my faith in the dealer and, well, that's another story... So I didn't get to drive it before I purchased it. I had an '02 Dakota quad cab AWD 4.7l that was an awesome truck. Anyone who drove it made the same comment. The one time I had it in for service, the shop owner told me if I was ever going to sell it he'd buy it in a heartbeat. So after it met it's fate too early in life, I decided to go for the 3rd generation. The new truck is supposed to have significantly more tq/hp. Which I can feel at times, but most of the time not. Light on the throttle and it feels great. Mashed to the floor it feels great. In between, not so much. Almost seems to bog down at times if under a load, going up a hill, etc. It also seems to be down on fuel economy 1~2 mpg than from what I see others getting. This is all with no load in the bed, driver only or maybe driver + 1 passenger.

The truck was set up with a hitch and trailer brake controller when I got it. I'm wondering if it has a towing tune in it... Does anyone have a towing tune in their truck and can confirm/deny this type behavior when driving around with an unloaded truck?

Also wondering if there isn't a vacuum leak somewhere, but I would think I'd be throwing a code if that were the case...

 

Could also be transmission issues. Toasty clutches, cooked torque converter.

Dragging brakes?

Wheel bearings?

How's your alignment? A little extra toe does all kinds of damage

 

I don't know how to check the tune in the truck. But, in my 2011 V8, I've noticed a similar throttle response that you mentioned. She does well with light acceleration and responds well to mashing the peddle hard. But, a "middle mash" on the peddle seems to be a confused or anemic response. I'll check my brakes. Last time I had the alignment checked it was good as were the bearings. Could just be the way these trucks are.

I like the throttle response a little better in Tow/Haul mode with a full bed or towing a trailer.

BTW...what brake controller do you have and where is it mounted? I've been considering one, but haven't figured out a mounting location where I can get to it without constantly hitting it accidentally.

 

Transmission issues, hmmmmmm

No dragging brakes, wheels turn freely, just had a computer alignment along w/printout

Not sure on the brake controller brand and it's just sitting in the cubby under the dash. Definitely in the way...

 

Any photos for reference?

You might take a look at the TSBs and see if any of them help.