How much will a Dodge Dakota tow?
The Dodge Dakota can typically tow about 5,000–7,000 pounds, with certain V8-equipped configurations and factory tow packages pushing toward 7,500 pounds. The exact rating depends on the truck’s year, engine, drivetrain, and options.
In this article, we break down how towing capacity is determined for the Dakota, how to find the precise figure for your specific truck, and how to plan safe towing for common loads.
What determines the Dakota’s towing capacity
Several interacting factors determine the published towing rating for a Dakota. The following list outlines the main influences you should consider when planning to tow.
- Engine choice (V6 vs V8) and whether a tow package is installed
- Drivetrain configuration (2WD vs 4WD)
- Transmission type and rear axle ratio
- Tow package cooling, trim options, and overall vehicle weight
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
- Trailer type and braking requirements (braked vs unbraked trailers)
Because these variables can significantly change the rating, the exact figure for any given Dakota should be taken from the door jamb label or the official owner’s manual for that specific vehicle.
Typical towing ranges by configuration (approximate)
Below is a general guide to what you might expect across common Dakota builds. Use these as a starting point, and always verify the official rating for your truck before towing.
- Two-wheel drive with a V6 and/or base tow package: roughly 5,000–6,000 pounds
- Four-wheel drive with a V6 and tow package: roughly 5,000–6,500 pounds
- Four-wheel drive with a V8 (and tow package): roughly 6,500–7,500 pounds
- Older, higher-displacement V8 configurations with tow upgrades: commonly around 7,000–7,500 pounds
These ranges reflect typical factory specifications across generations, but the exact figure for any individual Dakota can differ. Always confirm the rating listed on the vehicle’s door sticker and in the owner’s manual, especially if the truck has aftermarket modifications or non‑standard equipment.
How to determine and plan for safe towing
To ensure safe towing with a Dodge Dakota, follow these practical steps to match trailer loads to your vehicle’s actual capabilities.
- Locate the official ratings on the door jamb sticker (GAWR, GVWR, GCWR) and consult the owner’s manual for the exact tow rating of your truck.
- Calculate the loaded weight of your truck, including passengers, cargo, and tongue weight of the trailer, to ensure you stay within the GVWR and GCWR.
- Determine the trailer’s gross weight rating (GVWR) and ensure the combined weight does not exceed the GCWR.
- Account for tongue weight (the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch) and ensure your hitch, hitch ball, and weight-distribution components are appropriate for the load.
- Consider braking requirements: braked trailers typically allow heavier towing; unbraked trailers have stricter limits.
- Check trailer wiring, cooling, and engine/transmission cooling capacity if you regularly tow near the upper end of the rating.
By verifying these factors and adhering to the published ratings, you can plan to tow safely with a Dodge Dakota without exceeding its designed limits.
Summary
The Dodge Dakota’s towing capability generally sits in a broad range from about 5,000 to 7,000 pounds, with some V8-equipped models reaching approximately 7,500 pounds when equipped with a tow package. The exact number for any given truck depends on year, engine, drivetrain, and options, and the authoritative figure is found on the door jamb sticker and in the owner’s manual. When planning to tow, verify the precise rating, calculate trailer weight accurately, and ensure all towing equipment and braking requirements are appropriate for the load.
