2005 DODGE DAKOTA trailer

TRAILER TOWING
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Definitions
The following trailer towing related terminology defini-
tions will assist in understanding the subsequent sec-
tions:
GROSS COMBINATION WEIGHT RATING (GCWR)
is the total permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer
when weighed in combination. (Note that GCWR ratings
include a 68 kg (150 lb.) allowance for the presence of a
driver.) Tongue Weight (of a trailer) is the weight placed
on a vehicle’s trailer hitch by the trailer.
GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT (GTW)is the weight of the
trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and
equipment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the
trailer in itsloaded and ready for operationcondition.TRAILER SWAY CONTROLis a telescoping link that
can be installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer
tongue that typically provides adjustable friction associ-
ated with the telescoping motion to dampen any un-
wanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
CAUTION!
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) your new
vehicle is driven, do not tow a trailer. Doing so
may damage your vehicle.
•When first towing a trailer, limit your speed to 50
mph (80 km/h) during the first 500 miles (805 km)
of towing.
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
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Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options,
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Certification label located at the
driver’s door for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
•Be sure the trailer is loaded heavier in front, with 60%
to 65% of the weight in front of the axle(s). Loads
balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear can
cause the trailer to swayseverelyside to side which
will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer. Failure
to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of many
trailer accidents.
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5

•Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system of
your vehicle with that of the trailer. This could cause
inadequate braking and possible personal injury.
•Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs. (907 kg).
•Use an approved trailer harness and connector. If a
hitch is ordered, the proper wiring will be provided.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer and
will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo that
cannot be fully secured, dynamic load shifts can occur
that may be difficult for the driver to control.
•All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer.
•Connect trailer lighting and brakes using factory har-
nesses only. Do not cut or splice any wiring to the
brake circuits.
Trailer and Tongue Weight
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) means the maximum allow-
able weight of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo and
equipment loaded on the trailer when in actual under-
way towing condition. The recommended way to mea-
sure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle
scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be supported
by the scale.
258 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tongue Weight is the weight placed on the vehicle’s
trailer hitch by the trailer. Always load a trailer with 60%
to 65% of the weight in the front of the trailer. This places
10% to 15% of the GTW on the tow hitch of your vehicle.
Trailer sway control and equalizing hitch are required for
tongue weights above 350 lbs. (159 kg).Also, there are maximum tongue weight ratings that are
not to be exceeded, as follows:
•Class IV (the receiver hitch type) 1100 lbs (500 kg)
Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR)
The Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR) is
theMAXIMUMallowable weight of the towing vehicle,
including passengers and cargo, and the weight of the
loaded trailer. Calculate the maximum trailer weight
(MTW) by subtracting the towing vehicle’s weight, in-
cluding passengers, and cargo from GCWR.
Trailer Towing—Hitches:
With a Class IV Hitch, you can tow a trailer with a Gross
Trailer Weight of up to 7, 000 lbs. (3175 kg.) depending on
your vehicle equipment. The Trailer Tow Package in-
cludes the platform hitch receiver, and a 7 lead wiring
harness mounted on the hitch. Tongue weight must be
equal to at least 10% of GTW, but no more that 15% of
GTW.
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5

NOTE: When towing a trailer, the following require-
ments must be adhered to:
•GCWR must not be exceeded
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
(4) ratings are not exceeded:
1.GVWR
2.GTW
3.Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight.)
4.GAWR ratings
Trailer Towing Information (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)
Trailer Towing Guide
NOTE:For trailer towing information (maximum trailer
weight ratings) refer to the following website address:
http:// www.dodge.com/towing.
In Canada, refer to the following website address:http://
www.dodge.ca.
Trailer Towing Requirements
All Dodge Dakota trucks are intended to tow trailers up
to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg) without added equipment or
alterations to standard equipment. Your vehicle may be
factory equipped for safe towing of trailers over 2,000 lbs.
(907 kg) with the trailer tow package.The electrical part of
this package includes an instruction sheet and wiring
pigtail for an aftermarket electric trailer brake controller.
These items are stored in the glove box.
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If you regularly pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop and turn signals on the trailer are recommended for
motoring safety.
When the additional trailer lighting is connected to the
vehicle, the flasher does not provide an indication of
outside lamp/bulb failure. Therefore, an occasional vi-
sual check around the vehicle is recommended. Once the
trailer is removed the above indication will return to the
vehicle.
WARNING!
The direct connection of hydraulic brake lines from
vehicle brake system to trailer system is not accept-
able. The extra load may cause brake failure and you
may be injured.
All Dakota models require an electrically actuated elec-
tric brake controller. A blue colored connector for electric
brake hookup is located under the instrument panel
above the brake pedal.
Heavy trailer towing also may require breakaway electric
trailer brakes, anti-sway devices or equalizing hitches for
safe operation. Such devices are commonly required by
state law.
Trailer Tow Wiring
The Trailer Tow Package includes a 4 and 7 pin wiring
harness located at the rear underbody of the vehicle.
NOTE:Connect trailer lighting and brakes using factory
harnesses only. Do not cut or splice wiring to the brake
circuits.
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The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
Cooling System Tips—Trailer Towing
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
4 - Pin Connector
7 - Pin Connector
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•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing, Taxi, Police or delivery service (com-
mercial service).
•Off-Road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
IfNONEof these apply to you, then change your engine
oil every 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first and follow scheduleAof theMaintenance
Schedulessection of this manual.4x4 Models, If Used Primarily For Off-Road Operation
Every 50 hours of use.
Dusty Conditions
Driving through dust-laden air increases the problems of
keeping abrasive materials out of the engine. Under these
conditions, special attention should be given to the
engine air cleaner. The crankcase ventilation system
should also be checked periodically. Make sure that these
units are always clean. This will tend to reduce to a
minimum the amount of abrasive material that may enter
the engine.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacture only
recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard
MS-6395. Use Mopar or an equivalent oil meeting the
specification MS-6395.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE