Is Dodge Dakota flat towable?
The Dodge Dakota is not generally suitable for flat towing (all four wheels on the ground) behind a motorhome. For most model years and drivetrains, the safest approach is to tow the Dakota on a dolly or trailer. The pickup was discontinued after the 2011 model year, and official guidance on four-down towing is limited. Always confirm with the owner's manual for your exact vehicle before towing.
What flat towing means for the Dodge Dakota
Flat towing refers to towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the road as you travel behind a motorhome. For the Dodge Dakota, manufacturer towing guides and common RV resources generally do not endorse four-wheel-down towing for most configurations. Drivetrain components such as the automatic transmission and transfer case require lubrication and specific conditions that aren’t reliably preserved when towed with the engine off. As a result, flat towing is typically discouraged or not supported, depending on year, engine, and 4x4 system.
Because the Dakota ended production in 2011, many current towing guides direct owners toward safer alternatives. The exact recommendation can vary by model year and drivetrain, so owners should consult the manual and a dealer for a definitive determination.
Common towing options for the Dakota behind an RV
Here are the typical alternatives RVers use to move a Dodge Dakota safely behind a motorhome:
- Tow with a tow dolly (two wheels on the dolly): Place the Dakota with the appropriate wheels on the dolly and tow with the remaining wheels on the road. This avoids driving the Dakota's transmission and drivetrain while being pulled.
- Tow on a trailer: Load the Dakota entirely onto a trailer and pull the trailer behind the RV. This provides the safest control and braking integration, especially for 4x4 configurations.
- Consult the manual for any year-specific neutral or special towing procedures: Some configurations may have steps, but these are not guarantees of safe four-down towing.
Conclusion: For most Dodge Dakota models, flat towing four wheels down is not recommended. Tow dolly or trailer methods are the safer, more widely supported choices.
Model-year and drivetrain notes
The Dakota’s production ended in 2011, and guidance for four-down towing varies by year and drivetrain. In general, 4x4 Dakotas with automatic transmissions are not approved for flat towing, and many RV towing resources mark the vehicle as not suitable for four-down towing. If you own a 2WD or 4x4 Dakota, verify the exact instructions in the owner’s manual and, if needed, consult a dealership or RV towing specialist for year-specific guidance.
Practical steps if you plan to tow a Dakota
To ensure accuracy and safety, follow these steps before selecting a tow method:
- Locate and read the exact owner's manual for your Dakota’s year and drivetrain to see if flat towing is permitted.
- Check with your RV dealer or a professional tow shop for official guidance relevant to your vehicle and RV setup.
- Consider a tow dolly or trailer as the default option if flat towing is not approved.
Always ensure that your lighting, brakes, and wiring are compliant with towing laws and your RV’s hitch system.
Summary
The Dodge Dakota is not generally recommended for four-down flat towing behind an RV. The safest and most common approaches are to tow on a dolly (lifting one axle) or to tow the entire vehicle on a trailer. Since the Dakota was discontinued after 2011, owners should rely on the exact manual and professional guidance for model-year-specific instructions. If in doubt, choose a non-flat-tow method to avoid drivetrain damage and warranty concerns.
