Hello,
We are looking into buying our first trailer and we have a 2002 Dodge Dakota that we can tow a maximum trailer weight of 5050 pounds. My question is, I would assume you don't really want to tow to the max allowable pounds. Is there a general guideline of how close you can get to that max weight?

Thank you,
Cheryl

Well, general guide line is to stay at or below 80-85% of the max tow rating. I am presently over that with my 2209T and I would not recommend doing that to anyone, as I go all over the country, lots of mountains. My engine cooling is good but transmission temperatures go to dangerous levels.
You can go over 85% if you only do trips on fairly level ground with no problems.
Does your dodge have the factory tow package?

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Rich
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(215TL) - 1995 21' TowLite
(2209T) - 2009 22' TowLite
99 Ford Explorer 4DR 4X4

Thank you so much for the reply. We do hope to travel around farther from home so we'd better keep it under the 80-85%. Not to mention we have two young children and will have all of our bikes and stuff.

We do have the factory tow package. Does that make a lot of difference?

Oh wow. I just did the math on towing 80-85% of 5050 lbs. That is only 3788-4040lbs. That is not much trailer.

The 17-19 ft towlites fall into that category. Our 1707T is all the trailer we want. It gets us into small campsites pretty much anywhere.

- Jack

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Hi-Lo 1707T
2005 F150 4x4 KR SCrew

The factory tow package usually gives you a bigger radiator, larger alternator, and a transmission oil cooler. All of this is necessary for towing. Some tow packages provide dash gauges rather than the standard "idiot lights" for the dash.

Bob

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2001 2901L Classic
2011 Ford F150

21 ft. TowLites fall in this range, my 2209T which is 22 ft is 3860lbs and a couple hundred over 4000 loaded, classic models are heavier.

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Rich
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(215TL) - 1995 21' TowLite
(2209T) - 2009 22' TowLite
99 Ford Explorer 4DR 4X4

Cheryl,

I found a chart on Dakota towing capacities and if I'm reading it right and your truck falls into one of the three vehicles shown, your towing limit may be a little more than you thought depending on whether you have a 2-dr/4dr.

2002 Dodge Dakota Specs & Specifications - CarsDirect

According to this chart [shown when you select the [+] key in the capacities field ] the trailer weight limits for the three trucks shown are:

Max Trailer Weight 5,950 lbs. 6,450 lbs. 5,950 lbs.

With these limitations you might want to limit your Hi-Lo trailer length to around 22 - 24 foot length.

Our 2406 weight is 4025 lbs. and presents no problem for our 2000 4WD F250 with the 7.3 Liter Diesel with towing package. We hardly realize the trailer is back there. I would think it would be a maximum load for your truck when the trailer is loaded. Especially if you load a trailer with 'stuff' like my wife!

Hope this helps.

Jerry Curtis
Fredericksburg, TX

http://www.cascaderv.com/Towing/02towingguide.pdf

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2404T, 2003 2500HD 4X4 GMC Crewcab w/Astro camper shell
Far West Texas

Thank you so much for all of the great information, everyone!

Ok, on the tow limits, very confusing… I am getting different information everywhere I turn.


According to the dodge.com website my max trailer weight is 5050 lbs.

According to 2002 Dodge Dakota Specs & Specifications - CarsDirect my max trailer weight is 6050.

According to http://www.cascaderv.com/Towing/02towingguide.pdf my max trailer limit is 5300.

At this point I am just going by the lowest weight to be safest, and that is on the Dodge site. Also the Dodge site asked for my axle size and engine size so I feel like maybe the info is more specific to my vehicle.

Does anyone know why the information varies so much? As I mentioned, I am going by the lowest weight rating but if I can tow more I’d sure like to know it. I don’t want to rule out any trailers because I think they’re too heavy if in reality they’re fine.

Thanks again,
Cheryl