Dodge 2010 Dakota - Manual (Page 37)

Two–Position Tailgate/Upper
Load Platform
• Your tailgate can be opened to the
full-open or the partial-open position.
The partial-open position is for
loading objects longer than the length
of the bed (sheets of plywood, etc.)
by creating an upper load platform:
Installing Lumber
• Place lumber across the box in the
indentations provided above the
wheel housings and in the bulkhead
dividers, to form the floor. There are
indents in the sheet metal (or bed
liner if equipped) on the inner side of
the box in front (Crew Cab
® only) and
behind both wheel housings.
• Secure the tailgate in the
partially-open position.
• Open the tailgate slightly.
• Snap the tailgate support cable
between the cable guide and the
tailgate bumper. Do this on both
sides of the tailgate.
• To return the tailgate to the full-open
position:
• Lift up on the tailgate.
• Remove both cables from between
the cable guides and the tailgate
bumpers, and lower the tailgate.
CAUTION!
• Care should always be exercised
when operating a vehicle with
cargo. Vehicle speeds may need to
be reduced. Severe turns or rough
roads may cause shifting or
bouncing of the cargo that may
result in vehicle damage.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
• Ensure the load is securely tied
down and is properly identified
according to local laws if it extends
beyond the tail lights.
• Loading should not exceed 400 lbs
(181 kg) of material suspended
above the wheelhouse and
partially open tailgate or vehicle
damage may result.
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS
(MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT
RATINGS)
NOTE: For trailer towing information
(maximum trailer weight ratings) refer to
the following website addresses:
•
http:// www.dodge.com/towing
• http:// www.dodge.ca (Canada)
RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.)
Two-Wheel Drive Models
• Recreational towing of two-wheel
drive models is not allowable. Towing
the vehicle with the transmission in
NEUTRAL can cause severe
transmission damage. Removal of the
driveshaft for towing is not
recommended, since this would allow
fluid to drain from the transmission.
35
UTILITY