How much can a V6 Dodge Dakota pull?

A typical V6 Dodge Dakota can tow roughly 4,000 to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The exact figure depends on the model year, drivetrain, and whether a factory towing package was installed.

The Dodge Dakota, a midsize pickup produced from 1987 through 2011, offered several V6 powerplants over its life, and towing capability varied with year and configuration. Because the Dakota is no longer in production, the most reliable figures come from historical factory specifications, owner manuals, and VIN-specific build data. To determine a precise limit for a given truck, check the door placard, the manual, or the official towing chart for that specific vehicle.

What affects the towing limit?

Several factors determine the actual towing capacity of a V6 Dakota. The most important ones are:

• Engine and transmission pairing (which V6 option and whether the transmission is automatic or manual)


• Drivetrain configuration (2WD versus 4WD)


• Presence of a factory towing package, hitch, and trailer brake controller


• Axle ratio and gearing, which influence pulling power and engine load


• Cooling capacity and whether an engine/transmission cooler is installed for prolonged towing


• Vehicle weight and payload capacity (GVWR) relative to the loaded trailer and cargo


• Overall vehicle condition and up-to-date maintenance (brakes, tires, suspension)

In practice, these factors mean that even within the same model year, two Dakotas with V6 engines can have different towing limits. Always verify the exact rating for your specific truck before towing.

Typical ranges by configuration

Providing precise pounds for every year would require VIN-specific data, but the following ranges reflect common outcomes reported for V6 Dakota configurations with proper tow packages:

• V6 with factory towing package (2WD): around 4,000–5,000 pounds


• V6 with 4WD and towing package: typically in the same general range, sometimes closer to 4,000 pounds depending on gearing


• V6 without a towing package: often toward the lower end of the range or below 4,000 pounds

Note: These figures are historical and represent typical limits seen across several model years. They are not a substitute for the exact rating printed on your vehicle’s door jamb sticker or manual. For any towing plan, use the GCWR (gross combined vehicle weight rating) and ensure the trailer’s tongue weight and total load stay within the recommended limits.

Practical guidance for safe towing

When planning to tow with a V6 Dakota, consider these practical steps to stay within safe limits and protect the truck’s longevity:

• Consult the exact towing capacity for your vehicle’s year, trim, and equipment


• Use a proper hitch and trailer brakes if required by the rating


• Confirm trailer tongue weight stays within the recommended range


• Ensure cooling systems are in good shape; consider an auxiliary cooler for extended towing


• Tune or upgrade components as needed (tires, braking system, suspension) for heavier loads

Ultimately, the V6 Dodge Dakota is capable of pulling meaningful loads for its class, but the exact limit hinges on the factory specifications for the specific truck. If you’re planning to tow regularly, document your vehicle’s rating and stay within the stated limits.

Summary

In short, a V6 Dodge Dakota can typically tow about 4,000–5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Exact ratings vary by year, drivetrain, and towing package, so always verify the manufacturer’s specification for your specific vehicle through the door sticker, owner’s manual, or VIN-based build data. With careful matching of payload, tongue weight, and towing gear, a V6 Dakota can handle a respectable mid-size tow load while maintaining safety and reliability.

Note: The Dodge Dakota was discontinued after the 2011 model year. For historical context and precise, year-specific figures, refer to archived Dodge/Chrysler towing specifications or the vehicle’s original window sticker.

What is the towing capacity of the Dakota V6?

7,250 pounds
Towing and Hauling
The Dakota can tow up to 7,250 pounds when properly equipped, which is well ahead of many competitors.

Are V6 trucks good for towing?

The V6 is definitely not fast, but it's surprisingly sufficient for moving a big truck. If it's your daily driver and you don't use it for regular towing and hauling, the V6 is the way to go.

Is the 2000 Dodge Dakota 3.9 V6 reliable?

Customers report the vehicle is highly reliable, with many driving it for over 100,000 miles with minimal issues. The truck's off-road and towing capabilities are also praised. While fuel economy is not the best, most owners feel the vehicle's strengths outweigh this drawback.

How much can a 3.6 L V6 engine tow?

The towing capacity for a 3.6L V6 engine varies significantly by vehicle, ranging from about 3,500 lbs for a Jeep Wrangler to over 8,110 lbs for a Ram 1500 with eTorque. Other models, like the Ram ProMaster, fall in between with a capacity of around 7,130 lbs. Always check the specific vehicle's owner's manual or door jamb sticker for its exact maximum towing capacity, as it depends on the vehicle's configuration and options.
 
This video shows the performance of a Ram 1500 V6 towing a 7200 lbs trailer: 59sVITAL ExplorerYouTube · Aug 18, 2021

• Jeep Wrangler: ~3,500 lbs (for two-door models)
• Jeep Gladiator: 4,000 to 7,700 lbs, depending on the Max Tow package
• Ram 1500 (with eTorque): Up to 8,110 lbs
• Ram ProMaster (2025): Up to 7,130 lbs
• Ram ProMaster (2023): Up to 6,910 lbs 

This video demonstrates the towing capability of a Ram 1500 V6 with an 8000 lbs trailer: 58sGetty's GarageYouTube · Sep 17, 2023
This video shows the towing experience with a Jeep Gladiator and a travel trailer: 57sProdigal OverlandYouTube · Jul 6, 2022