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Dodge Dakota - General Topic
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Comments
At least not on Canadian vehicles - it just comes up so damn fast in 2nd gear!! Beat the *** in the souped up Civic though!!
Timing: probably since steve mentioned June, the mid to latter part would be ideal. Say, pick the 23rd (a weekend) of June and go one week forward and one back. Earlier (16th) would be slightly cooler and benefit the yankees ;-), and the later week or the 30th, but still the weekend before the 4th of July, would miss most of tornado season (benefit the SW folks who drive through Okla. and / or Kansas and / or parts of Texas).
The Drive - in approx. 'weird Jack miles' would be
From: To: Ketchum, Okla.
Grand Lakes area miles hrs
Midland, TX " " " 675 10
Houston, TX " " " 621 9
Denver, Colo. " " " 767 11
St. Paul, Minn. " " " 651 9
Erie, Pennsylvania " " " 994 14
Montgomery, Alabama " " " 750 11
Just a sampling, and figuring the mapping program I used for the distances doesn't usually pick the best routes - might shave an hour or more off each. But people have to eat and, uhh, stuff, so add it back on plus any sleep-on-the-ways -- can drive any Dakota for 12-14 I'm sure; I've driven 12 hours straight and been ready for more, easy -- and you can get a rough estimate from where you might be. Except for Houston - those guys should add a DAY to any trip they take. And that's just for the around town stuff!
Expense:
Consider two tanks of fuel each way from the above cities. That's $200 roundtrip unless certain politicians get restrictions put on us 'big oil' companies; then just ADD 25% to that! lol Anyway, if driving straight thru, you might get by for an Arby's 'hurler' or blue plate special X two each way, that adds $15 per stop if two adults eat, and about $10 per kid (mine) on top of that. Plus, figure about $100 per night at the local 'non-vacancy' sign ($75 if not lit). Add in some antiques, a couple of beers (kegs) and some real live entertainment (a_j knows some REAL LIVE types). So, Jack's math gets to about $5-600 for his stripped trip. But maybe a_j's 'Stripper' trip might run say, $5k (with bail). But he gets a roomy named 'Max.' ;-)~
Take into consideration we are looking at a couple of more 'spots' to go to. One might be up north and the other out west. (The TX folks might also get together this fall, there seems to be a whole passle of us). Could be a lively summer. I'm game, R U?
Bookitty
Bookitty
Just traveled from western NJ to Providence Rhode Island area, 20 mpg.
Approx. 1000 miles on vehicle.
Not bad?
Well, after a couple of years of viewing the townhall, I think that the Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 will fit my needs the best.
Can anyone recommend a dealer in the eastern- central New Jersey area?
Mercer, Monmouth or Middlesex County? I bought my Quad at Reedman in Langhorne, PA. The initial experience with the salesman, was horrible but the truck manager was great as was my deal. Are you aware of the Farm Bureau discount amounting to
$500.00? If you are not aware, please click on this link (in blue) www.fb.com for information. One must be a member for 30 days prior to accepting delivery. The cost of a membership is $75.00 in PA and I think that NJ is that or less. If Langhorne, PA is convenient, please Email me, the address is on my profile and I will provide a name and number for you. I tried several dealers in South Jersey (I have a home on LBI) and the interest level ranged from "ho-hum to duh!" I felt initially that I would receive better more personal attention from a smaller dealer, but I finally purchased from Reedman where this manager really treated me well and provided the service I needed. For me, that worked out very well as they are quite close to my home. Good luck, let me know if you need any other information or guidance.
Bookitty
I live in the town of Edison.
Middlesex county NJ.
Langhorn is a bit of a ride for me.
I would like to deal with someone a little closer "if possible".
So this would be Middlesex, Union, Somerset county area.
Did you send faxes or emails to different dealers in order to find one who would deal close to invoice? Autobytel?
Thanks for any input.
Bookitty
Liked the running boards on his truck and wondered where he had found them.
Thanks for any help.
Please update, we all could use and extra 2 mpg.
As far as the JET chip goes, I've seen nothing but disappointed owners with the JET. 10 to 20 people on the Dakota Mailing List (www.dakota-truck.net) have tried it and none have gotten near the recommended gains.
For these 21 mpg's, are you using hi-test gas or regular? I don't think that there would be a thing to complain about if I was getting 21 mpg except for a little torsion bar chatter.
www.fb.com
Then go to 'State Fb's'
then go to your state
Then look under Member Benefits.
Ben
And bringing communities together, one Quad at a time.....
thanks.
Also, what is a good price on this? Dealer currently wants 25K Canadian; a new equivalent is about $31K Can. The truck has been there many months, however, I don't know if they will take another 2-3K off.
Just had it's first oil change at 3750, dealer recommended. I only use Chevron or Texaco 87 oct. And also the computer average now is 20.8 mpg. Which is mostly 60 to 70 mph freeway driving. This truck still is great.
I've been away from the forum for a few weeks, and am trying to get caught up. I did want to mention, however, that I made my first camping voyage with the QC. I was a little "curious" to see how the 3.9 would tow while loaded and pulling the tent trailer. I was honestly surprised at how well it performed. The trailer was nearly 2000 lbs., and the truck was loaded with firewood and camping accessories, two adults and a four y/o. I purposely loaded it down as much as I ever will. I kept the O/D locked out at maintained 65mph. I only had two occurences where I needed to downshift for power (passing trucks up hills). Mind you, this was through the Poconos in Pa, where there are some pretty big hills. I also averaged about 16 mpg for the whole trip. Not bad, I'd say.
I should point out that I've made three simple modifications: K&N drop in filter, Flowmaster series 70 muffler, Jet stage one. They've perked the truck up nicely.
boo: Amber Fire looks AWESOME with fall foliage in the background!
Bookitty
Now, I know the naysayers will chime in to the effect that the 4.7 would have done the same job...better...with more power and at a comparable mpg, I just ended up with the 3.9 under some unique circumstances. I had a good experience with a '95 Dakota 3.9 and have no regrets with the new QC. There are a good deal of performance parts available for the 3.9, and IMO, it is a good low end (torque) motor. It's just not a speed demon.
Mailman
You must be new to this particular forum. We fellow Dakota owners do not call each other names nor are we impolite to each other. We collectively respect each other and recognize that some people have more knowledge than others in certain areas, but we are all here to learn and have some fun.
Please refrain from calling anyone any names.
Thanks,
KnK
hanahou.. PLEASE keep it civil... we are all here to discuss our Dakota ownership experiences. Not to attack each other. If we wanted that type of language, we can find plenty of it in NON-Dakota forums.
http://www.car-truck.com/chryed/buzz/b100600.htm
Bookitty
Bookitty
Kia and Hyundai both have been making "doublecabs" for some time here (the "Bongo" and the "Porter.") Picture, if you will, a snub-nosed 4-door cabover design, with a short bed and dropsides. Single rear axle with very tiny duals. Overall length shorter than the Dakota. 0-to-60 probably in the low twenties. In short, not much threat to Dodge's market share and for one still plan on getting the Dakota. Someday.
Bookitty