I'm thinking about buying a 06 dodge dakota...quad cab..V6.


I have a couple of questions for people that already own this type of truck.. I would like to know if you have any problems hauling items? i.e. a boat /or if you can haul a boat?.. I would also like to know how is the overall maintenance of this truck? And anything else you might think is helpful...Thanks

 

Buy a V8, same gas mileage as the V6 with the added power and towing capacity.

 

the 3.7 is not a good choice if you plan on towing much, concider the 4.7 it has more horsepower, equal(sometimes better) gas mileage and substantially increases the towing ability of the truck. i work and a dodge dealer and i haven't done any major work on the new dakotas, they are nice and hold up well.

 

WOW I could of had a V8.......

 

There's nothing wrong with the V6. For 2 years now I've towed a tandem axle trailer with my stock car and many others and had no problems. The max trailer weight on a v6 is 6,500lbs.

 

the 3.9 is a solid motor. it has decent power for the size of it. it just lacks the power of a V8.

 

its best to get a V8 if you want to tow or haul anything. the previous owner of my dakota, used it to tow a 5th wheel travel trailer

 

Thev6 engines gets a whole 1 or two mpg better then the v8 if you compare them Empty with no load or towing weight.Put a trailer with 6.000 pounds on the back of both of them then compare the two.(no comparisin)v6 will strain the whole time under load therefor will get about 2 or 3 miles less then the v8.Go withe the majority of the awnsers you asked for and get the V8.300 pounds of torque will handle all what you give it over the 235 or 40 whatever the v6 puts out.No offence to the 6banger guys for towing the 4.7 Beats it common sence.

 

I tow a 19 foot bayliner and i have no problems. 4.7 v8 is what my truck came with. I also towed Waverunners, Quad trailer and a small toy hauler.( when I owned them) never had a problem at all. Some of the long grades tend to rev the motor up but other than that it tows fine.
Rob

 

I have a 06 quad cab V6. Pull an 18' center console fishing boat,maybe 3300lbs. Short distances all the timeand a couple 400 mile trips... no problem. You will definitely know its back there. For that matter I know when my small boat, maybe 1200lbs, is back there.

You didn't mention the size/weight of the boat. The V6 can definitely get the job done, don't underestimate it,but just like these guys said you will be better off with the V8. 75mph cruise control on the hwy with the boat and my gas mileage is around 10-11mpg. No boat around town I get around 15mpg.

Unless you are getting a steal or planning on limited towing keep looking. I don't regret buying theV6 but if I had it to do over again....