Can a 2002 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab with Automatic Transmission be Flat Towed Behind a Motor Home
Question:
Can a 2002 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab, Auto Transmission be towed behind a Motorhome?
asked by: Carl P
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit with Bulbs
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Bulb and Socket Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Proportional System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Not Power Assist Brake Compatible
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Recommended Parts Needed To Flat Tow 2000 Dodge Dakota With Automatic Transmission
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Replacement Roadmaster Breakaway Kit for BrakeMaster Flat Tow Brake Systems
- Q&A: Brake Controller Wiring Diagram for 1999 Dodge Dakota Without Factory Tow Package
- Q&A: How to Add 7 Way Connector to 2011 Dodge Dakota with 4 Way Factory Plug
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Q&A: Tow Bar To Attach To Warn Elite Bumper On A 2014 Jeep Wrangler
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop