Forum Discussion

oldcoach's avatar
oldcoach
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013

Toad

I know this has probably been asked before, I apologize if this is an old question.

We just upgraded to a 2013 Jayco Redhawk. 32 feet long. Now the boss and children say they are tired of folding down the seat and crawling into the Jeep Wrangler we use as a toad.

I have found a Dodge Dakota 4X4 that meets the weight requirements of my hitch.

My question is for those who have towed a Dakota. Is there any problem with towing something of that length with a 32 foot motor home? It seems to me that we will be taking up a lot of road.

Any problems that would be different from the Wrangler?

Thanks for any input. The best answers always come from this forum. The dealers either don't know or tell you what they think you want to hear.
Class C
  • pauldub's avatar
    pauldub
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2013
    Just look up the weights on the web. The Libby is only a few hundred pounds lighter than the Dakota. Did you happen to mean Durango?
  • rcase13's avatar
    rcase13
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2013
    You also need to keep in mind the GCWR of the MH. Time to go and get it weighed fully loaded with the entire family onboard.
  • lanerd's avatar
    lanerd
    Explorer II
    Jul 12, 2013
    Just remember even if you are under the 5000 lb limit, you are at the maximum. Common sense tells me that your mh will be working harder pulling this weight than it would if pulling 3000 lbs. Working harder will reduce the overall efficiency of your mh and shorten its life span. I would think that you will be experiencing problems much sooner than you would if pulling less weight.

    Ron
  • DougE's avatar
    DougE
    Explorer
    Jul 12, 2013
    Towed a 3 door GMC Sonoma on a heavy flatbed trailer from South Texas to Fort Myers with a 30' Class A, Chevy 454, and hardly knew it was back there. Go for it! (I've done many 400 to 700 mile days towing toads and trailers)
  • snellville-dave's avatar
    snellville-dave
    Explorer
    Jul 12, 2013
    I'll 2nd the Jeep Liberty with the added thought to get a 2006 or 07. I've been using a 2007 for a few years without any problems. Dave
  • wbwood's avatar
    wbwood
    Explorer
    Jul 12, 2013
    I would go with the jeep liberty. Don't forget that the weight on the dakota does not include a full tank of gas or any cargo that you may have in it. You also need to include the weight of the base plate, tow bar, brake system if additional piece of equipment. If 4600lbs, I would say you would be at the 5000 lbs if not close to it. I would go lighter.
  • oldcoach's avatar
    oldcoach
    Explorer
    Jul 12, 2013
    My hitch is rated at 5000 pounds. The dealer says he thinks the weight will come out to about 4600. He is getting the exact weights for me. If it comes out at over 5000, we will look at a Jeep Liberty he also has in stock. Both are 4 wheel drive.

    I would prefer the Dakota for room but was not sure how they towed.
  • 2chiefsRus's avatar
    2chiefsRus
    Explorer
    Jul 12, 2013
    I don't know that I would worry so much about length as I would weight. Is your motorhome hitch rated to tow something that heavy? What is the hitch rating and how much does the Dakota weigh?

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