Can a 2002 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab with Automatic Transmission be Flat Towed Behind a Motor Home  

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Expert Reply:

I tried to find the owners manual online for a 2002 Dodge Dakota but was unable to locate it. You will need to consult the vehicle owners manual in the recreational towing section to determine if your model can be flat towed and if so if there are any special requirements.

If you determine that it can be flat towed then you will need base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking.

For base plates, if you have a 2-wheel drive, use # 271-1. For 4-wheel drive use # 266-1. Either set of base plates has removable arms that, when removed, make the base plates almost invisible. For a compatible tow bar for these base plates I recommend the Roadmaster Falcon 2, # RM-520. This tow bar has a 6,000 pound capacity and telescoping arms for easier hook up.

For safety cables, I recommend coiled cables # RM-643. These cables have a 6,000 pound capacity and the coiled design helps keep the cables off of the ground.

For lighting a simple solution that does not require cutting into the trucks wiring is the bulb and socket kit # RM-155. The bulbs in this kit will get mounted in the tail light housings on the truck behind red lenses. Some drilling is required. I have linked the installation instructions for you.

And finally, most states require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the easiest systems to set up and use is the Even Brake, # RM-9400, proportional braking system. It applies the trucks brake in proportion to how much the motor home is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

I have included some help video links and helpful links to our series of FAQ articles on flat towing for you to view.

expert reply by: Michael H

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