Question about max towing weight
 

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?

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

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

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.

Towing Capacity
 

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

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 https://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

Add the Trailer Life 2002 Guide to your list: https://www.trailerlife.com/Towing-Gu...-Towing-Guide/

You have to be sure how your truck is set up to make the proper determination.

That is the one that says 5300 lbs.

When you say I have to know how the truck is set up, what info do I need? So far what I know is it is a 2002 Dodge Dakota SLT quad cab 2WD with a 4.7L v8 engine and a 3.55 axle. And it has the tow pkg. Is there info other than that I need?

Which listing limits are known to be most accurate? I even tried calling the Dodge dealer and to be honest, it didn't really seem like they knew much about and limits.

Thanks,
Cheryl

Cheryl, I would say the source that asked for your engine size and axle ratio is the one to go by.

You should be able to find the axle code stamped on a tag that is on your rear axle. Once you have it, use this page to find the ratio: What Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep rear end ratio do I have? - Drivetrain.com

This page will give you other information relating to your VIN:
Dakota VIN Decoder

Larger engines and a higher rear axle ratio will increase the amount of weight you can safely tow.

You might also find the tow rating in your truck's owner's manual (along with the engine size and axle ratio). I was hoping to find a no cost source for an online owner's manual if you don't have one, but the earliest Dodge offers is 2004. You can buy one though. The source for either one is: My Dodge: Dodge Owners Service Manuals - Dodge Cars, Trucks, Minivans, SUVs, Wagons, Hatchbacks

Edit: You were posting while I was researching these sites, so I see you have the engine/axle information. Have you looked in the Owner's Manual?

- Jack

If Dodge had a towing guide for 2002 you may be able to get a more accurate determination. I know Ford publishes one every year and it pretty well covers all the possibilities.

Have you checked the owner's manual?

I just looked it up in the owner's manual. It says 4900 lbs, so that is Lower than what it says on the Dodge website. :( I don't understand why/how it is different than the website when I had to punch and select all the specific information about my vehicle.

80-85% of 4900 is mighty low. :(

What body style is it, 2 door, 4 door, club cab? Is it 2 or 4 wheel drive? Those all figure in with the engine, diff. ratio, and tow package.

Quad cab (4 door) and it is 2 wheel drive.

Cheryl, I have an '04 quad cab Dakota 4x4 with a 4.7 V8 - I tow a '95 21 ft Towlite, as PopRichie says about 3400 lbs. Loaded with gear maybe 4000. It tows it easily, with decent 13 to 15 mpg.

Cheryl,

It is one thing to get your Dakota and trailer rolling, which have all been discussed by previous posters ... the discussion about axle ratio, engine HP, supplemental transmission coolers, etc all having an effect on the towing limit of your Dodge.

It is another concern as to how you will get it stopped, not many people address the stopping issue! The condition of your Dakota brakes and pads as well as the total sweep area of those brakes will impact your stopping ability ... the same goes for the trailer brakes ... and the type of brake controler you use will also have an affect on your stopping ability. When you have an additional 3,800 lbs pushing you want functioning brakes on the trailer as well as your Dakota.

I would recommend you seek the advice of your local Dodge dealer mechanic and also a RV repair center and ask your questions of these experts who make a living servicing these vehicles. As you have discovered everyone has an opinion and often they differ, so ask an expert ... it could save you a lot of money in the future.

That is encouraging. Thank you.:)