Dodge Dakota Towing Capacity by Year
Find out how much the Dodge Dakota can pull with data across 13 years, from 1999 to 2011, and a total of 190 vehicles.
Use the links below to see more details in the Dodge model you're interested in by year.
- 2011 Dodge Dakota
- 2010 Dodge Dakota
- 2009 Dodge Dakota
- 2008 Dodge Dakota
- 2007 Dodge Dakota
- 2006 Dodge Dakota
- 2005 Dodge Dakota
- 2004 Dodge Dakota
- 2003 Dodge Dakota
- 2002 Dodge Dakota
- 2001 Dodge Dakota
- 2000 Dodge Dakota
- 1999 Dodge Dakota
How Good is the Dodge Dakota for Towing?
The average tow capacity of all vehicles in our database is 4,880 pounds. The table below shows the Dodge Dakota towing capacity range for each Dodge Dakota year, and compares it to the average towing capacity of all vehicles in our database.
| Year | Towing Capacity | +/-% of Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 4,450 - 5,850 lbs | +5.5% |
| 2010 | 4,500 - 6,700 lbs | +14.8% |
| 2009 | 3,950 - 4,950 lbs | -8.8% |
| 2008 | 3,150 - 7,050 lbs | +4.5% |
| 2007 | 3,150 - 4,450 lbs | -22.1% |
| 2006 | 3,150 - 4,550 lbs | -21.1% |
| 2005 | 3,150 - 4,550 lbs | -21.1% |
| 2004 | 3,400 - 4,800 lbs | -16.0% |
| 2003 | 1,800 - 6,600 lbs | -13.9% |
| 2002 | 5,150 - 6,650 lbs | +20.9% |
| 2001 | 6,100 - 6,700 lbs | +31.1% |
| 2000 | 6,100 - 6,700 lbs | +31.1% |
| 1999 | 2,000 - 4,100 lbs | -37.5% |
How to Check the Tow Capacity of Your Dodge Dakota
So you're looking to tow something with your Dodge Dakota and wanna make sure it's up to the task? Well, there are a few different things to consider when it comes to figuring out a vehicle's tow capacity.
First things first, you'll want to check out the owner's manual for your ride. It'll probably have a section that tells you the manufacturer's recommended maximum towing weight for the Dodge Dakota. It's always a good idea to follow their guidelines, since they've done all the testing and whatnot.
Another place to look is a manufacturer's towing guide. These are usually available on the manufacturer's website or at a dealership, and they'll have more in-depth info on the towing capacity of different Dodge models.
Size matters when it comes to towing, so it's worth taking a look at your Dakota's engine size and transmission type. A bigger engine and a heavy-duty transmission will usually be able to handle a heavier load. And don't forget about the weight of the load itself – the combined weight of your Dakota and the stuff you're hauling shouldn't exceed its maximum tow capacity.
It's also a good idea to check out the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your Dakota. This is the maximum weight that it's designed to carry, including the weight of the vehicle itself, any passengers, and any cargo. You can find the GVWR in the owner's manual or on a label on the inside of the driver's side door.
One more thing to consider is the tongue weight – that's the weight that's applied to the hitch when you're towing a trailer. Make sure the tongue weight is within the recommended range for your Dakota to ensure proper weight distribution and stability. You can calculate the tongue weight by weighing the trailer with the load on it at a weigh station or with a special tongue weight scale.
Last but not least, take a look at the hitch rating on your Dakota. This is the maximum weight that the hitch is designed to handle. Make sure the hitch rating is equal to or higher than the combined weight of the trailer and the load.
So there you have it – those are the main things to consider when it comes to determining the tow capacity of your Dodge Dakota. Better to be safe than sorry, so if you're in doubt, it's probably a good idea to go with a vehicle that has a higher tow capacity than you think you'll need. That way you'll have a little extra wiggle room in case you end up hauling more weight than you expected.
All of this data is available on this site, so you can always check back to see if we've added more info on the Dodge Dakota you're interested in.
Important: we provide the data for education purposes only, and we're not responsible for any towing accidents that may occur. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and use common sense when towing.