Towing Issues: 1998 Dodge Dakota towing capabilities, dodge dakota club, dakota club cab

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota Club Cab with the 3.9L 175HP v6.  My question is what is my max towing capacity?  I have looked at different sites and each say a different towing capacity.... one says: Max 3800
the other;
Standard Towing (lb.) 2300
Maximum Towing (lb.) 6700
Standard Payload (lb.) 1250
Maximum Payload (lb.) 2000
Standard GVWR (lb.) 4790
Maximum GVWR (lb.) 5920

and calling Dodge they stated 2000lbs.  
I would like to tow my 3800lb boat from missouri to michigan and back.  
I have contacted several rental companies and they ststed that the only vehicles they rent that they allow to tow trailers with are cargo trucks, which i don't need and not standard full size trucks(doesn't make any sense.

ANSWER: One site I use says 3800 max towing capacity.  I am not sure if that is with the V8 and tow package or not.  

If you have 4WD that comes down a little.  

I would say you are right on the edge of overloading, but not by a lot.  If you have a manual transmission your capacity might be less because of the limits of the transmission.

of the places you checked, sounds like Dodge might be the best since they know the vehicle, and maybe they knew what tranny, and options your truck has.

Don

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks,
i have the 2WD with no towing package(though i have a class III hitch installed).  i have checked multiple site and other dakota owners state that they have pulled the same weight or more (same vehicle)but i am trying to be cautious since my truck has 125K on it.  but i need to pull this boat and have no other vehicle to do this.  Dodge's answer of 2000 lbs seemed a bit low from all the answers that i found.  I guess i ondering what could happen if i pulled this boat with my vehicle.  after i am out of Missouri the land flattens out and there are no real hills.  any answers will help me evaluate my situation.

Answer
Again, it is hard to help without information.  Still don't know what transmission you have, so I will repeat, if you have the manual, that could be a weak link, so make sure your clutch is healthy and some fresh lube in the tranny wouldn't hurt.

If you have an automatic, flush and fill the tranny while you install an aftermarket tranny cooler.  Using synthetic ATF like Amsoil would also be a good idea.  NO matter what your final capacity (and it is probably closer to 2000 than 3800 without the towing package) you are going to be close to the limit and more tranny cooling is going to be good.

There are some good long hills you have to go over, so take it easy with those.  

Also, if you don't have it, you MUST have a good electric brake controller.  A load equalizing hitch is also a good idea to level out the truck and take some load off the rear axle.  Sounds like a lot to spend, but two or three hundred spent preparing the right way may prevent a huge repair bill, or worse, a wreck.  

Also make sure your tires are up to the load.  You will be putting over 300 extra pounds on the rear tires through the hitch without a load equalizing hitch. WITH the load equalizer, you will be putting under 200# per axle. (tongue weight should be close to 10% of total trailer weight.)

Also, remember to add in any weight from stuff you might put IN the boat or passengers and stuff in the truck in addition to the boat and trailer.  Have you actually weighed the combination?  If not, you could be over or under estimating.  Get it weighed at a truck stop or grain elevator nearby.

Check your truck and trailer brakes and make sure the trailer bearings are freshly lubed.  Boat trailer bearings are notorious for getting water in them and seizing up on the highway.  Be sure to check the tires and bearings by touching them every time you stop while on the road (and be sure to stop within the first hour just to make sure you aren't having a problem).

In reality, most vehicles will tow, at least for a while, much more than they are rated for, but you always take a risk with ANY towing, more so if you are near the limit.  But preparation and some good judgement on road planning, keeping speeds in check and good driving habits will help you get there and back safely.

Don