I have an odd and more than likely dumb question. I am trying to get accurate weight and towing specs on my 2008 Dakota SXT 2wd extended cab. Unfortunately, there is no sticker label on my driver’s door as the door was replaced last month due to an accident. I do have the 2008 Dakota Base weight/payload sheet from Dodge which lists my truck (I think) as GCWR between 7700 and 9300 and towing between 3350 and 4950 depending on the transmission. This lists this SXT 2wd as having a standard 3.7l V6 engine, which mine doesn’t.

Yesterday I was able to find a build sheet for my truck from Dodge, which was interesting. It listed many options. It had a V8 4.7l engine, which obviously I was aware of, but I didn’t know that it had come as an option. It also listed a tow package with an axle ratio of 3.92, a 5-spd auto 545RFE transmission and an IV hitch.

On the Dodge Base weight/payload sheet they list some of the 2wd extended cab SLT and TRX models as having a standard V8 4.7 engine with the 3.92 axle ratio and these have a much larger towing capacity and GCWR. I know that the letters SXT, SLT, and TRX mostly indicate trim but my question is; does my truck, having the V8 4.7 and the 3.92 axle ratio as an option, equal the SLT and TRX V8’s greater towing load, payload, and weight capacity?

Interestingly, when I first got the truck (I’m the 3rd owner) I contacted someone at my local Dodge dealer and asked if my truck might have been equipped with the tow package with the 3.92 axle ration and was told no, it was not available on my truck.

I've attached the Dodge weight/payload pdf and the build sheet is below.

 

Your truck was built for the Canadian market, which probably had different options. The Towing Guide you attached reflects the trucks built for the US market.

That said, after studying this chart, I'm going to guess that your payload and tow ratings are the same as the SLT minus 100 lbs. In comparing the V6 2WD short bed SXT and SLT ratings it appears that the SXT is 100 lbs heavier than the SLT. So, your payload and tow ratings would be 100 lbs less than the SLT. I would start there as a general rule of thumb.

(Note: I compared the SXT V6 with the 42RLE and the SLT with the same power train.)

If you want more detailed numbers, fill your tank completely and leave whatever stuff you normally lug around in the cab. Then, go to the scales and get it weighed without you in it. Subtract that weight from the GVWR (6010 for all Dakotas) to get your payload. Also, subtract that weight plus your weight from the 11,700 lbs (the GCWR for all V8 2008 Dakotas) to get your towing capacity.

 

Thanks very much. I'll head down to the gov weight scales tomorrow.