[BRolke]

I recently got a tt to pull behind my dakota. It seemed to handle it just fine the few short distances that I've pulled it so far but next sumer a group of friends and I plan on taking it out to yellowstone for a week. We live in Ohio. Does anyone have any tips for me to prep the truck for this trip? I already plan on probably installing an auxiliary trans cooler. (And before you ask, yes I use a WD and sway control setup).

2008 Dakota, crew cab, 4x4, 3.55 rear.
2006 R Vision Max Light 23-RS, ~4000 lbs dry, 20' box, 23' tongue to bumper.

Thanks in advance!

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[DAKOTA.BC]

got anything that shows your vacuum or mpg?

 

[Primus]

You definitely want to look at the brakes on the truck. Chrysler was notorious for putting subpar brakes from the factory on these trucks and yours is no different. Being an 08, you only have the front discs and rear drums but switching the fronts out for a set of EBC slotted and dimpled rotors with their green stuff pads will help with the braking.
You are already set up from the factory with the better 4.7, so power isn't going to be a concern but range will. At 22 gals(with about 21 being the most available), you are looking at a range of only 250 miles when towing that much. Now, extending that means getting a bigger tank from a Ram but it will be tough to get mounted in the Dakota. Which leaves you with ECU tuners. You have normal canned tuners from Superchips and Hypertech but SCT is a much better option and will allow for more customization for your truck but the custom tuning does come at a price. However, for your application, it might be worth it.
Lastly, make sure you have the proper wheels and tires. Some aftermarket wheels look pretty and cool but they severely reduce your load carrying capacity at each wheel and a wheel failure at high speed is not fun. Also, make sure you have Load E rated tires. Load D and below will not hold up and could blow out.

 

[BRolke]

Braking hasn't been a problem so far. I have a tekonsha p3 brake controller and both trailer axles have brakes. I'll definitely look into some tuners. Thanks for the tips.

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