Are you wondering how much you can tow with your Dodge Dakota Truck? If this is your concern, then you are in the right place.
There is no exact answer to this question since it depends on some factors that you must optimize to tow a maximum weight. Optimizing a Dodge Dakota to capacity isn’t a one-way approach since you must consider safety, generation among other issues.
In this post, we will have an informative overview of the Dodge Dakota generations, with their respective maximum towing capacities. In addition, we will explore specifications that affect the towing capacity of the car.
Dodge Dakota Overview
The Dodge Dakota, also known as Ram Dakota, is a mid-size pick-up from Chrysler Ram Division. It has a conventional body-on-frame design with a live axle wear wheel. The first Dodge Dakota was a product of the Dodge Truck Division in 1986.
A Dodge Dakota has three generations as outlined below;
- First-generation (1987-1996)
- Second generation (1997-2004)
- Third generation (2005-2011)
In 2011, the third generation Dakota was discontinued after a 25-year truck run. According to the CEO of Chrysler Group, there was no replacement since compact trucks were losing popularity in the North American Market. In addition, there were complaints that the car was overpriced since it cost more than a full-size Ram 1500.
However, in September 2014, Mitsubishi Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced a partnership to co-develop a new generation of Mitsubishi Triton to be sold by both companies. As of today, it is sold to Middle East countries as RAM 1200.
Unique Features of a Dodge Dakota
- It is the largest mid-size pick-up and the only mid-size truck available with a V8.
- A Dodge Dakota has a 7150-pound maximum towing capacity; thus, it is the best mid-sized class.
- It has a five-star safety rating in both front and side-impact testing by NHTSA.
- Has a smooth and quiet underway
- A Dodge Dakota has a light and easy to maneuver steering. In addition, the steering responds exceptionally in hilly terrains.
- It can accommodate six occupants.
- A Dodge Dakota has a comfortable interior with easy to reach and operate components.
2000-2011 Dodge Dakota Towing Capacity
2011 Dodge Dakota Towing Capacity
| Year Models | Towing capacity |
| 2011 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab Bighorn | 4,800 lbs |
| 2011 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab Laramie | 4,750 lbs |
| 2011 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab Bighorn | 4,900 lbs |
| 2011 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab ST | 4,650 lbs |
The optimal towing capacity for Dodge Dakota 2011 model varies from 4,650 to 4,900 lbs. depending on the trim level. Crew Cab Bighorn and Crew Cab Laramie come with 4,800 and 4,750 lbs. respectively. Meanwhile, the Extended Cab Bighorn has the highest, i.e., 4,900 lbs. while ST has a 4,650 lbs. capacity (the least).
2009 Dodge Dakota Towing Capacity
The maximum towing capacity for Dodge Dakota 2009 model year depends on trim levels as shown below;
| Year Models | Towing Capacity |
| 2009 Dodge Dakota Lone Star | 4,650 lbs |
| 2009 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Laramie | 4,900 lbs |
| 2009 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab ST or TRX | 4,500 lbs |
| 2009 Dodge Dakota Club Cab TRX or ST | 4,700 lbs |
| 2009 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab Bighorn | 4,500 lbs |
However, the trim level isn’t the only determinant, other than factors like horsepower and engine capacity are also crucial.
2008 Dodge Dakota Towing Capacity
The towing capacity for the 2008 model year not only depends on the trim level but also horsepower, torque, and engine capacity. Here is an overview.
| Year Models | Towing Capacity |
| 2008 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Laramie | 5,800 lbs |
| 2008 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Sport | 4,850 lbs |
| 2008 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab ST | 3,150 lbs |
| 2008 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT | 4,400 lbs |
| 2008 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab Sport and TRX | 4,700 lbs |
Although the main is trim level, the other factors also play a role.
2007 Dodge Dakota Towing Capacity
| Year Models | Towing Capacity |
| 2007 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Laramie | 4,850 lbs |
| 2007 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab Laramie | 4,750 lbs |
| 2007 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab | 3,150 lbs |
| 2007 Dodge Dakota Club Cab ST | 3,300 lbs |
| 2007 Dodge Dakota Club Cab SLT | 3,150 lbs |
2007 model year Dodge Dakota has several trim levels with distinct towing capacities. The Club Cab Laramie and Quad Cab Laramie have the biggest capacities, towing at 4,850 and 4,750 lbs., respectively. Quad Cab models can pull a maximum of 3,150 lbs. while Club Cab ST and SLT can pull 3,300 and 3,150 lbs. respectively.
2006 Dodge Dakota Towing Capacity
| Year Model | Towing Capacity |
| 2006 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Laramie | 4,550 lbs |
| 2006 Dodge Dakota Club Cab SLT | 3,250 lbs |
| 2006 Dodge Dakota Club Cab ST | 3,300 lbs |
| 2006 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab Laramie | 4,450 lbs |
| 2006 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT | 3,150 lbs |
| 2006 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab ST | 3,150 lbs |
Depending on the trim level, a Dodge Dakota 2006 can tow between 3,150 and 4,550 lbs. While Club Cab Laramie and Quad Cab Laramie boost the highest capacity, Quad Cab SLT and Quad Cab ST have the least, Club Cab SLT boasts 3,250 lbs. capacity. In contrast, Club Cab ST has a median capacity of 3,300 lbs.
2005 Dodge Dakota Towing Capacity
| Year Model | Towing Capacity |
| 2005 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Laramie | 4,550 lbs |
| 2005 Dodge Dakota Club Cab SLT | 3,250 lbs |
| 2005 Dodge Dakota Club Cab ST | 3,300 lbs |
| 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab Laramie | 4,450 lbs |
| 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT | 3,150 lbs |
| 2005 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab ST | 3,150 lbs |
The towing capacity of the 2005 model year Dodge Dakota also varies with trim levels. Club Cab Laramie and Quad Cab Laramie tops the list with 4,500 and 4,450 lbs. respectively. Club Cab SLT and ST come second with 3,250 lbs. while Quad Cab SLT and ST come last with 3150 lbs. capacity. Moreover, towing capacity varies with horsepower, engine capacity, and torque.
2004 Dodge Dakota Towing Capacity
| Year Models | Towing Capacity |
| 2004 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Base | 4,000 lbs |
| 2004 Dodge Dakota Club Cab SLT | 4,000 lbs |
| 2004 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Sport | 4,000 lbs |
| 2004 Dodge Dakota Club Cab SXT | 4,000 lbs |
| 2004 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT | 3,650 lbs |
| 2004 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab Sport | 3,650 lbs |
| 2004 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SXT | 3,650 lbs |
| 2004 Dodge Dakota Sweptline Base | 4,900 lbs |
| 2004 Dodge Dakota Sweptline SLT | 4,150 lbs |
| 2004 Dodge Dakota Sweptline Sport | 4,900 lbs |
| 2004 Dodge Dakota Sweptline SXT | 4,900 lbs |
Its towing capacity depends on trim level. The Club Cab Base, Club Cab SLT, Club Cab SXT, and Club Cab Sport trim levels have a 4,000 lbs. towing capacity. On the other hand, Quad Cab SLT, Quad Cab Sport, and SXT have a 3,650 towing capacity. The Swiptline Sport, SXT, Base, and SLT have a capacity of 4,900lbs.
2002 and 2003 Dodge Dakota Towing Capacity
| Year Models | Towing Capacity |
| 2002-2003 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Base | 6,500 lbs |
| 2002-2003 Dodge Dakota Club Cab SLT | 6,500 lbs |
| 2002-2003 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Sport | 6,500 lbs |
| 2002-2003 Dodge Dakota Club Cab SXT | 6,500 lbs |
| 2002-2003 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SLT | 6,350 lbs |
| 2002-2003 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab Sport | 6,350 lbs |
| 2002-2003 Dodge Dakota Sweptline Base | 6,700 lbs |
| 2002-2003 Dodge Dakota Sweptline SLT | 6,700 lbs |
| 2002-2003 Dodge Dakota Sweptline Sport | 6,700 lbs |
| 2002-2003 Dodge Dakota Sweptline SXT | 6,700 lbs |
| 2002 Dodge Dakota Club Cab R/T Sport | 6,500 lbs |
| 2002 Dodge Dakota Sweptline R/T Sport | 6,700 lbs |
2002 and 2003 Dodge Dakotas belong to the second generation; therefore, their maximum towing capacity is identical and varies between 6,350 and 6,700 lbs. depending on the trim levels. Club Cab SLT, Club Cab Sport, Club Cab SXT have a 6,500 lbs. towing capacity. On the other hand, Quad Cab SLT, Quad Cab Sport have a 6,350 lbs. towing capacity. Swiptline Sport, Swiptline SXT has the highest, i.e., 6,700 lbs. towing capacity.
2000 and 2001 Dodge Dakota Towing Capacity
The 2000 and 2001 Dodge Dakotas belong to the 2nd generation. Both of them can tow a maximum of 6,600 lbs. This towing capacity takes into account the suspensions, tires, rear and wheel ration, and transmission. Thus, to pull at this capacity, optimize the above factors.
What Specifications Affect Towing Capacity?
Several factors determine the maximum towing capacity. These include the engine capacity, trim levels, horsepower, and torque. As the engine capacity increases, towing capacity also increases. Furthermore, the maximum towing capacity is influenced by; manufacturer’s specifications, the strength of your car’s towing bar, tire size, and the total weight of the vehicle and trailer.
Additionally, if you’re looking to increase the towing capacity of your Dodge Dakota, consider using the winches factory-installed on many models. These winches are designed to increase the truck’s towing capacity by up to 1,000 pounds. You can also use aftermarket winches that are similar in size and weight capacity to the factory-installed ones. If you’re not sure which winch is right for your Dakota, consult with a qualified mechanic who can take a look at your truck and recommend the best option for you.
Sum up
In summary, the Dodge Dakota Towing Capacity varies according to engine capacity, tire size, tow bar strength, and the total weight of the trailer and vehicle. For identical year model vehicles, towing capacity varies with trim level.
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Helpful resources:
- 1997-2000 Dodge Dakota Owners Manual
- 2004 Dodge Dakota Owners Manual
- 2005 Dodge Dakota Owners Manual
- 2006 Dodge Dakota Owners Manual
- 2007 Dodge Dakota Owners Manual
- 2008 Dodge Dakota Owners Manual
- 2009 Dodge Dakota Owners Manual
- 2010 Dodge Dakota Owners Manual
- 2011 Dodge Dakota Owners Manual
