The 2011 Dodge Dakota pickup truck has a towing capacity ranging from 4,450 to 7,250 pounds depending on the engine, level of trim, drivetrain, and cabin size you choose. Look for the extended cab Bighorn/Lonestar trim with rear-wheel drive and a 4.7-liter V8 engine to get the maximum towing capacity from your used Dodge Dakota.

When you’re looking for a used truck to help with DIY jobs or to tow your family’s travel trailer, you probably want to start by looking for a vehicle with a towing capacity that meets your needs. Even if you know what make and model you want, there are still important factors like size, trim, engine, drive train, and more that can further affect a truck’s capabilities.

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How much can a 2011 Dodge Dakota tow?

Base towing capacity: 4,450 pounds

Maximum towing capacity: 7,200 pounds

Engines: 3.7-liter V6 (210 hp) or 4.7-liter V8 (302 hp)

The 2011 Dodge Dakota is considered by many to be a perfect size pickup truck—not too big, not too small, and plenty of considerable towing power to boot.

The 2011 Dakota was produced with three different trim options, two different drivetrains, and two different cabin sizes with eight possible configurations. That means eight different towing capacities depending on your needs and preferences.

See the chart below to see how different Dodge Dakotas with a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine fare when it comes to maximum towing capacity:

You can maximize your towing capacity even more by looking for used models fitted with the optional 4.7-liter V8 engine. Here’s how this engine upgrade affects tow capacity on select trims of the 2011 Dodge Dakota:

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Trailer hitches for the 2011 Dodge Dakota

You’re likely to find used Dodge Dakotas on the market that have the original optional towing package fitted to the vehicle. However, this package lacked satisfaction for many Dakota owners and caused a great deal of confusion when trying to hitch heavier tow loads.

If the Dodge Dakota checks off all other marks for your towing and driving needs, then consider buying an aftermarket trailer hitch to have fitted to your used pickup with the help of a professional. Just make sure the part fits your Dakota before committing to your purchase.

MORE:

How to install a tow bar

How to calculate the towing capacity you need

When you’re figuring out how much you can tow with your used 2011 Dodge Dakota, it’s important to keep in mind that the heaviest load you plan to tow should never come close to your vehicle’s actual towing capacity. It can be a little misleading but your towing capacity is much more of a limit-based warning than an actual maximum capability.

Although you shouldn’t expect to hitch a full 5,850 pounds to your ST 4x2 extended cab Dakota, here are some examples of what you could potentially carry with certain configurations of a 2011 Dodge Dakota instead:

With a 3.7-liter V6 engine, any configuration:

Jet ski trailer (400 to 1,800 lbs)

Small open utility trailer (700 to 2,500 lbs)

Small enclosed utility trailer (1,000 to 3,200 lbs)

Tow Dolly (600 lbs to 4,000 lbs)

With a Bighorn/Lonestar RWD extended cab with 4.7-liter V8 engine:

Large enclosed utility trailer (2,700 to 7,100 lbs)

Small horse trailer (2,900 to 7,200 lbs)

Remember that the closer you get to that 7,250 lb towing capacity, the higher the risk. If you need to regularly tow a fully packed large utility trailer it may be in your best interest to find a truck with a higher capacity like a 2008

GMC Sierra 3500

or 2012

Chevy Silverado 1500

Keep the payload capacity of your Dodge Dakota in mind, as well. The tongue weight of your trailer combined with the weight of any passengers and cargo will need to stay below the payload capacity to maintain the integrity of your Dakota’s chassis.

How to increase towing capacity

If you’re stuck on the 2011 Dodge Dakota and just need it to be able to tow a few more pounds, here are some upgrades you can add to slightly increase your Dakota’s towing capacity:

Weight-distribution hitch: minimizes sway and provides relief to the suspension

Heavy-duty brake pads and rotors: upgrades your vehicle's ability to handle heavier loads

Bigger radiator: keeps your engine cooler for a more efficient workload

It’s also in your best interest to avoid any upgrades that could potentially decrease your pickup’s towing capacity. For example, while certain style upgrades could seem cool, upgrades like larger-rim wheels could put more strain on your engine and hurt your TC.

MORE:

The top 10 cheapest trucks to insure

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FAQs

Is 2011 Dodge Dakota good for towing?

The 2011 Dodge Dakota is a favorably sized pickup that can tow up to a small enclosed utility trailer or a standard tow dolly. Models with the 4.7-liter V8 engine upgrade can tow up to a partially-filled large enclosed utility trailer.

Can you put a trailer hitch on a 2011 Dodge Dakota?

While the 2011 Dodge Dakota was offered with an optional trailer hitch package, many customers were not satisfied. However, you can still fit your Dakota with an aftermarket trailer hitch—just make sure you check the fit first.

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