F150 vs DAKOTA

[C.K.]

We are looking into buying a new truck. It's main purpose will be towing the Jeep. We have looked at the F150 with the 5.4 and the 3.73 gears. Our other option is the Dakota with the 4.7 with 3.92 gears. Both will be autos. The Ford will be the extended cab while the Dodge will be the quad cab.

My question is, do you think the Dakota is enough truck to pull 5K-6K for up to 8 hours? I'm concerened that the trailer/ Jeep combo will outweigh or control the smaller truck if the wind is bad or hills are too steep. Should we just go with the Ford?

[GreaseMonkey]

What years are you looking at?

[Haggar]

I think the bigger factor is how often will you tow. The more you tow, the more you want the F150.

Jsut below your thread a few down, there's a good post about towing with 1/2 tons, and a little more down is a good one about Dakotas.

Most of you answers are in those two threads.

[DuffMan]

I've got a 2000 4.7 L Dakota Quadcab with the trailer package.

Pulled a 4200-ish lb 20' Four Winns like a champ (better than the 99 5.7L Tahoe we had). Would run at 70 without breaking a sweat.

I thought long and hard about getting a flatbed for the Jeep and ATVs. I even hooked one up (16' beavertail). I solicited comments from those that had done it and got some great feedback (see below).

I finally decided that it just wasn't enough truck. It's rated for 6000-ish pounds, and I don't think power would be the issue. I'm concerned the trailer weight would push the Dakota around (2000 lb trailer + 4000 lb-ish TJ). Around MI it would probably be fine, but I would want to tow it to KY, PA, Canada, and out west, and that's where I think the Dakota would be over-matched. The last thing I need is a broken tow vehicle.

If I had an aluminum trailer (1100-ish lbs) I might go for it, but that adds $3K to the trailer cost.

I think I'll look into a flat-tow setup for the TJ - the Dakota should handle that fine.

[C.K.]

GM we are looking at '06 models.

Thanks for the input DuffMan and Jesus . I will check out both of those posts. I was just on my way out earlier and didnt have the time then.

Originally Posted by DuffMan

I finally decided that it just wasn't enough truck. It's rated for 6000-ish pounds, and I don't think power would be the issue. I'm concerned the trailer weight would push the Dakota around (2000 lb trailer + 4000 lb-ish TJ).

That is my concern. Before I drop the $$ I want to know it will handle the weight behind it.

[Haggar]

BTW, the outcome of my search, I ended up buying a 1996 Ram 2500 with a V10, ext cab longbed 4x4.

Having previously towed with a V8 version of that, I was comfortable with it. Also, I end up working my trucks pretty hard doing, we are building a new house, and I had 3000+ lbs in the old truck pretty regularly.

So, I have that, and a Honda civic daily driver.


But I agree. Locally, the Dakota can and will work. Two of our club members have used them plenty of times.

Its when you look at, say, kentucky as mentioned, well, those are some BIG hills. So if you are planning that type of thing, then having some weight and bigger brakes goes a long way.

[Roadhouse]

Between those two models, I would feel much more comfortable towing with the Ford. Bigger truck with more power, seems it would handle the load much better than the Dakota.

[xj4life]

i think h8pvmnt tows with a Dakota

[Haggar]

Yes, he does. Thats a steel trailer, an XJ on 38s with a good bit of weight on it.

He runs a load equalizing hitch and air bags. Tows well for him.

[deuce228]

Why not get the v8 model of the dakota?

[GreaseMonkey]

7000 lbs. is the max on the Dakota, 9500 lbs. with the long bed F-150s, and as low as 6000 lbs. max depending on what trim level.

I'd go with the Dakota if it was me, mainly because I'm a Mopar fan, but some of the F-150's have a lower rating than the Dakota. Either/or, you'll be fine with either of the two, so why not just drive both and see which one you like better?

[Haggar]

Originally Posted by deuce228

Why not get the v8 model of the dakota?

The 4.7 is the V8 version..

[deuce228]

Oh didn't catch that, the dakota drove great when I drove it, but never hauled with it.

[C.K.]

Originally Posted by GreaseMonkey

7000 lbs. is the max on the Dakota, 9500 lbs. with the long bed F-150s,

some of the F-150's have a lower rating than the Dakota.

Last time I looked 9500 was more than 7000. My concern isnt with good condition straight down the road pulling power. I was more concerned that if something came up the trailer/jeep combo would control the ass end of the Dakota.

Like was mentioned earlier this shouldnt be white knuckle driving time. I want my family and others on the road around me to be safe.

I think the Dakota is out of the picture. If we go Dodge it will be a Ram, but I think we are leaning towwards the Ford.


Thanks for the input guys.

[GreaseMonkey]

Originally Posted by Throwin Mudd

Last time I looked 9500 was more than 7000.

That was only on long bed models of the F-150. Every other box/cab option was between 6000 and 8000.

[DuffMan]

My 2000 Dakota has been a gem - no problems at all.

Tows reasonable sized (20' Four Winns, 23' Wellcraft Nova, triple ATV trailer) loads well, rides good, and (with the 4.7 and 3.9x rear end) hauls ass. I mean it drives like 1970 all over again - suprisingly healthy exhaust note and just enough intake sound to remind me of my 340 Challenger...

But, as I said not enough truck for a 16' beavertail with a TJ on it...

[Roadhouse]

Originally Posted by GreaseMonkey

That was only on long bed models of the F-150. Every other box/cab option was between 6000 and 8000.

No I test drove a Super Crew short box with 3.55 gears and the 5.4L towing rating for that truck was 9500lb. I also test drove an extended cab short bed w/3.73 and 5.4L...same tow rating. At least thats what the dealer told me.

[Noah's Ark]

Originally Posted by Throwin Mudd

Last time I looked 9500 was more than 7000. My concern isnt with good condition straight down the road pulling power. I was more concerned that if something came up the trailer/jeep combo would control the ass end of the Dakota.

Like was mentioned earlier this shouldnt be white knuckle driving time. I want my family and others on the road around me to be safe.

I think the Dakota is out of the picture. If we go Dodge it will be a Ram, but I think we are leaning towwards the Ford.


Thanks for the input guys.

I have the Dakota w/ 4.7. I am planning on a 18' trailer. Just priced one out that was 1300# for $1900. Trailer + Jeep is about 5000 to 5500 #. Says it will tow 6800. I'm about 1k under. I'm only going to tow a few times a year for now. Hope it will work.