What Is Needed To Tow A 28 Foot Trailer With A 2005 Dodge Dakota V8 Club Cab
Question:
Im looking to tow a big 28 trailer that will max out the towing capacity of my V8 05 Dodge Dakota club cab. What would be the best set up for me? Reciever hitch and all..
asked by: Steven W
Expert Reply:
On a 2005 Dodge Dakota the Draw-Tite Class III 2 Inch Hitch, part # 75251, will have a 5000 lb towing weight capacity and can be increased with the addition of a weight distribution system. The towing capacity of your Dodge Dakota is listed at 7000 lbs, so the towing capacity of your vehicle (7000 lbs) is what will be the maximum weight capacity you will be able to tow with an additional weight distribution system added to your hitch. You will want to verify the towing capacity of your vehicle by looking in the owners manual or checking with the Dodge dealer.
The 28 foot trailer you are going to tow will need to be less than the 7000 lbs loaded, for you to be able to tow it with your Dodge Dakota using a weight distribution system.
Weight distribution systems are rated by the tongue weight of the loaded trailer. For a weight distribution system I would recommend the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control, part # RP66084. This system will work for towing a trailer in the tongue weight range of 600 to 1200 lbs. If your trailer is at the 7000 lb maximum weight that would put your tongue weight at 700 to 1050 lbs, which would fall in the tongue weight range of the Reese system.
The Curt 2 Inch Hitch Ball, part # A-90, for the weight distribution system is the only other thing you will need.
If you want to let me know the exact weight of your trailer I can make sure you will be using the correct weight distribution system on your Dodge Dakota.
I am including a link to a FAQ page on weight distribution systems.

Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 8000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 800 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 8K GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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