[theJester517]

Hey guys I have a 97 Dakota V6 5Speed 4x4 with a 3.92 rear and 219 on the clock. I'm interested in maybe getting a jetski or a trailer and wanted some more information on towing and hauling. I have an original brochure for the 97 Dakota. The payload is what I believe to be weight in the back of the truck. I have no problem with that I move my motorcycle, I've moved firewood no problem I'm just completely uneducated in towing. I have a class IV receiver hitch and I have the connectors for wiring, it came with when I bought the truck. I was thinking of something along the lines of like a single car trailer, just to move a car since I'm buying another one. The brochure says I have a Gross Combination Weight Rating of 8,800 lbs whatever that means. I just want to know if I could just simply buy a trailer hook it up and tow a car.
Thanks in advance

 

[TazRango]

A jetski would be fine, but I wouldn't tow a car with a V6.. not regularly or long distances anyway

 

[theJester517]

Do you think my truck could handle it? It was built with all the heavy duty stuff, just the 6 cylinder. I'm not talking anything crazy just like a sedan on a trailer

 

[Big_Texxan]

Do you think my truck could handle it? It was built with all the heavy duty stuff, just the 6 cylinder. I'm not talking anything crazy just like a sedan on a trailer

depends what car, 4 door hell no. honda civic or similar would be alright. but like taz said, not regularly or long distance. and if you tow through the city or your route is through there, I would try and schedule the trip to be where little as possible traffic is likely. I have a v8 and I still schedule for less traffic, easier on the engine, trans, and brakes.

 

[DrPepper]

Tex has a good point.... you need trailer brakes for the heavy stuff

My 2004 QC is a 3.9, 5 speed with 3.90's that I installed. I've towed some things that really made me wonder if I should! I bought a 2000 Dak 4x4 QC with a bad engine and towed it 4 hours home on a tow dolly, it did OK pulling but the brakes were marginal. Running it in 4th gear (3rd?) up hills is what you will need to do. I have also towed a rented car trailer w/brakes (several times) carrying an '87 Ramcharger. Pulled just fine, stopped just fine, I will always go that route if I can. My '04 has bigger brakes than yours does, if you use a trailer make sure the trailer brakes work. Starting from a stop let the engine (not the clutch) do the work, as soon as you start to roll let the clutch up and give the engine just enough throttle to pull the load. Fast...no, get the job done, Yes. You will get used to it.
If you go to U-Haul and try to rent a car trailer they may not allow you to rent as it will exceed their computer weight limits. Go around now and talk to the independent rental places and see what they say. They are all into trailer towing and are a wealth of information.
If you go to buy a trailer, look carfully at what you are buying and what you want to do with it. Go to some RV trailer sales and chat about the options. I have a 5x7 open utility no brakes and it has paid for itself many times over. But, I'm real careful/sensible about what I do with it.
Get truckers attitude, if you pull something heavy and you are slow, there will be Jxxxaxe drivers that will do all sorts of stupid stuff. Watch out for them, expect them and do your best to protect your drivers licence.
The more experience you get the better you will get, hope this helps.
DrPepper

 

[cbr600rx7]

My 3.9 was able to handle a lot more then most people would think. Granted mine was a automatic extended cab. The truck was definitely not the king of towing however it did get the job done and I never had a mechanical failure despite being young and dumb. I pushed that little 3.9 way harder then I would ever consider safely doing now but maybe it was dumb luck but she never missed a beat. I will say she will get bogged down when you throw 2000lbs or more behind her so just consider that.