& From: Peter.Russell@directory.Reed.EDU (Peter Russell)
& Subject: ? Towing with a Dakota
&
& Has anyone had experience towing a 3200 lb trailer with a Dakota? I am
& particularly interested in how reliable it is and learning how well it can do
& in getting the load to freeway speeds, on hills, starting on hills if stopped,
& etc., and what engine and other options would do the best job.
I normally tow my motorcycle trailer, which with two sport bikes is
maybe 1400 pounds. No sweat.
I did have the "opportunity" to tow a much heavier trailer once. It was
probably over 3000 pounds, but I don't know what it weighed for sure.
The toungue weight was also unknown, but substantial. No trailer
brakes. No load equalizing hitch. I have a club cab (LONG wheelbase),
V8, 5-speed, 2000 pound springs, 3.55 rear. I would not want to do this
on a regular basis. It went up hills just fine. Starting from a stop
was fine, but I wouldn't want to have to start on a steep hill. There
was no sway on the freeway, and it went around corners fine- but I
didn't push the cornering speed. It took FOREVER to stop. There was
not enough weight on the front wheels-a load leveling hitch and trailer
brakes would both have helped tremendously for braking and cornering.
If I was planning on doing this regularly I'd also get the 3.90 rear end.
Options you NEED: V8, 3.90 rear, 4 wheel ABS, 2000 payload package,
club cab (to get the long wheelbase), towing package or heavy duty
cooling system (the only difference is the tow package adds the heavy
duty alternator and battery. Then add a good rear anti-sway bar (I have
a 7/8" ADCO) and some decent front shocks (I have KYB).
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Frank Ball 1UR-M frankb@sr.hp.com (707) 794-4168 work
Hewlett Packard (707) 794-4848 fax (707) 538-3693 home
1212 Valley House Drive Kawi KDX200, Yamaha XT350 YZF600R Seca 750
Rohnert Park CA 94928-4999 '95 Dakota SLT Club Cab V8 5-Speed 2WD
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