Anyone towing a 2006 or 7 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 AUtomatic?

[KayLarGo]

We just got my neighbors 2007 Jeep Commance Limited set up and checked out. I am now ready to buy the tow equipment and Braking system for the Dodge. Weighs just over 4600lbs and the Mountaire is rated for 6k. We have the 8.1 workhorse -24. Any comments or issues?

[KayLarGo]

We just got my neighbors 2007 Jeep Commance Limited set up and checked out. I am now ready to buy the tow equipment and Braking system for the Dodge. Weighs just over 4600lbs and the Mountaire is rated for 6k. We have the 8.1 workhorse -24. Any comments or issues?

[ppeter313]

I just purchased a 2006 Dakota quad-cab. After I bought it, the dealer "found" an addendum to the owner's manual stating that the battery needs to be disconnected before towing. I have him checking on the reasoning behind it.

Paul

[KayLarGo]

Thanks Paul----I look for to your post as I haven't made my final decision as yet. I also have a tracker to tow if there are issues. We leave in May for the big trip.

[jdoc]

ppeter313 and KayLarGo, your dealer is correct in telling you to disconnect the negative cable on your battery. The reason being after you have gone through the procedure to put the transfer case in neutral and the transmission in park and leaving the ignition key in the on position so the front wheels will turn when you turn your coach the PRND12 and odometer light will stay lit, thus running down the battery. When you disconnect the negative battery cable it goes off. To disconnect the cable requires the use of a 10 mm socket or wrench. I found this out the hard way. After my battery ran down on three different occasions I took my truck back to the dealer and he found the same addendum for my truck ( I tow an '05) that your dealer found for yours.
Jerry

[KayLarGo]

Thanks Jerry ---- It sure doesn't say that in the manual. On my Vette I put a quick disconnect for the ground to eliminate battery drain. What type of braking system do you use? Many use the 12V plug for powering the compressor to push the brake pedal and that would eliminate that option. I see you have a 300 DP. Do you foresee issues towing with the 8.1 Vortec gasser?

[Gary RVRoamer]

You could add a Toad Charge unit to charge the battery while towing - that's what I plan to do with my new Acadia, which also recommends removing a fuse to prevent battery run-down. The Toad Charge delivers 5 amps. Toad Charge is available from RVupgrades.com and elsewhere.

That solution will also allow use of a Brake Buddy that uses the toad's 12v system for power.

[jdoc]

Kay and Larry, I can give you my opinion which is just what it is "My Opinion". When my wife and started rving we have had fifth wheels. I always bought diesel trucks to tow with. When we decided to go into a Class A I told her I didn't care what the interior looked like or anything else all I wanted was a diesel pusher. Sure they cost more in the beginning, but you get more power,less engine noise,easier handling,the fuel mileage is a toss up. In order to get more power you have to give up something ( more power equals less fuel mileage ). We have a friend that had an 03 Newmar MA with the 8.1 engine you have. He hated that rig. He had to have a trac-bar installed so he he could keep it steering straight and he did not like the loss of power from the gas engine. He also had fifth wheels and towed them with diesel trucks.
The maintenance on a diesel is higher, but to me it is worth it.
The tow rating is higher mine is 10,000 lbs.
These are just a few of things that are different form your rig,but like I said in the beginning this just my opinion.
Jerry

[KayLarGo]

Gary -- Great solution. I looked it up on Rvupgrades and sounds perfect. I like the versatility it offers. Thanks

[KayLarGo]

Thanks Jerry for your opinion. We just got this rig and has less than 4k on it. SO far it handles great as it has the optional W-24 chassis under it. I plan to upgrade the ECM and air intake from Brazils this month sometime to add a little more power and efficiency. My neighbor purchased a 2005 37' MA just like ours and they pull a 2007 Jeep Cherokee Limited and seem really happy with no upgrades. I know your right about Diesels in general. I have a buddy with a 39 Bounder that tried to talk me into one as he loves his. Again --- thanks.

[jdoc]

You're Welcome Kaye and Larry. I hope you enjoy your new rig as much as we have been enjoying ours. Maybe we'll be lucky enough to meet out on the road somewhere.
We may be Oregon this summer my sister lives in Winston and we may head up that way. Plans are not in stone as of right now.
Jerry

[KayLarGo]

Yea JDOC -- Kaye retires May 1 and we're off the 2nd week of May. We will hit Id,Montana, Wyoming, So Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Arkansas for the IRV2 Rally in July then return via Colo. the first of Aug. We'll probably start heading SOuth around late Oct. Hope to see ya out there somewhere.

[ppeter313]

Jerry,
Thanks for the reply. I was hoping it was a battery draw issue. My salesman first tried to tell me it was to prevent the transfer case from accidently shifting out of neutral. I run a charge line to the toad battery for the brakes, so battery draw is not an issue.

Paul