Towing a '69 Tradewind-Dakota?

[shinybean]

Hi,

I am looking at a 1969 Tradewind 25'. My question is, can this be towed with a Dodge Dakota? The stats from the Dodge site for my model year (2003) are:

2003 dodge dakota BASE, REGULAR CAB, 2WD, 6.5 Ft Bed, Four-Speed Automatic Transmission with Overdrive, 3.9-liter Magnum(R) SMPI V6 Engine:

With 3:55 Rear Axle Ratio Axle Ratio [i] You Can Tow 4850 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) [i] = 5000 lbs
Payload [i] = 1200 lbs
Curb Weight [i] = 3800 lbs
Curb Weight Front/Rear = 2223 lbs/2223 lbs
GAWR Front/Rear [i] = 3100 lbs/3106 lbs
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) [i] = 8800 lbs


If I'm not mistaken, the dry weight of the '69 Tradewind is around 4300 lbs?. Barely within the maximum capacity of the truck at 4850 lbs. Will the truck even remotely tow this AS? Unfortunately, getting a new TV is not an option right now. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

PS. I will have a weight distribution hitch - not sure of the brand or type. It's coming with the AS.

[Janet H]

It wouldn't be my first choice... You will be underpowered. When you calculate the GVW you have to include the people and stuff in the truck.

But if the trailer is a peach and you love it, a new tow vehicle might be arranged in the future. Airstreams last a looooong time - tow vehicles come and go.

[Janet H]

1969 tradewind: 4340 lbs, hitch weight 490lbs

[Frank S]

Hi shinybean--Your loaded ready for the road weight will be about 5300lbs. You really need at least a 1/2 ton with a 5.3ltr, and a 3.73 rear (4.10 rear is best). If you tow your A/S with the Dakota, it will lug down at every grade, and the heavier A/S tail will wag the dog Dakota. You won't like it.--Frank S

[azflycaster]

The numbers do not always tell you the true story:

With 3:55 Rear Axle Ratio Axle Ratio [i] You Can Tow 4850 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) [i] = 5000 lbs
Payload [i] = 1200 lbs
Curb Weight [i] = 3800 lbs
Curb Weight Front/Rear = 2223 lbs/2223 lbs
GAWR Front/Rear [i] = 3100 lbs/3106 lbs
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) [i] = 8800 lbs

If you take the GCWR (8800 lbs) - Curb Weight (3800 lbs) = GVWR (5000 lbs)
That 5000 lbs includes everything in the truck (people, pets, fuel etc) and the weight of the trailer. Subtract everything in the truck from the 5000 lbs and that is the true safe tow limit.