RE: Dodge Dakota
I'll have to admit it took me a couple of seconds (I'm a newbie on the site) to figure out your "2cent" comment. Then I had a good laugh. I've been struggling with the grim reality of replacing my 03 Dakota Quad cab...pushing 68,000 miles, 3 more payments and its mine! Not replacing due to age or condition, It still feels new to me, I love it. Just wanting to upgrade to a hybrid from my pop-up and real concerned about towing capability. That's what brought me to this wonderful site, I'm hooked! However, with respect to me upgrading the trailer, the jury is still out on whether the truck will do the job. Opinions go both ways, probably a good sign its iffy. However, your comment's regarding your high miles were very encouraging.
RE: Dodge Dakota
We have a Dakota 4wd -- it's a '96 --- we just turned 185,000 miles on it! We've replaced the transmission, brakes, tires and just recently had to fix the A/C. It's smooth riding and easy to maneuver....I LOVE the darn thing! We're going to use it as our toad behind our MH. We've never towed anything like you're talking......so others can give you info there. But as far as PUs are concerned.....you can't go wrong with the Dodge Dakota.
As far as the replacements I mentioned above.....when you figure some people trade in pickups between 85,000 and 100,000, those repairs are NOT expensive....sure beats a payment to the bank!
RE: Minimum tow capacity for my trailer???
Hi Stk, hope the move out east went well. I'm originally from BC, Williams Lake. Transplanted to Dayton, OH area 1995. I'm assuming you're on a little flatter ground now. I've got an 03 Dakota quad cab 4x4 rated at 4600lb towing. I currently tow an 05 fleetwood laramie tent trailer, 2 kids, wife, bikes, firewood, etc. Mostly weekends at state parks, very little hills around here. We would like to upgrade to a hybrid, something similar to what you've got, (those middle of the night excursions ar taking their toll), we would like a bathroom and some more living space. How's my dodge gonna tow on the flatter ground with something with more wind resistance? If your advice is to upgrade the truck before the trailer, how do you like yours? I'm leaning towards a GMC. I was leaning towards gas though. What's your thought on that too.
Thanks for any advice.
Kevin
