7,000 lbs? you sure about that? that would mean your drivetrain is rated for a gross weight of at least 11,000 lbs.

I don't buy it.

I think your 7,000 lbs is TOTAL vehicle weight, to include the weight of your Dakota, which is probably around 4,000, giving you about a 3,000 lb towing capacity with the V6.

my 4.7L '04 Dakota is only rated to tow about 6500-7000 lbs, or, about 11-12k lbs gross vehicle/trailer combo.

that said...the dakota is a heavy truck. I know the 97-04's are minimum 4,000 lbs, my 04 quad cab, 4.7L, 2wd, auto weighs 4500 empty. if the new gens are just as heavy, then you have the "anchor" to tow a heavier load, the question then becomes an issue of power available to get going, and if you have trailer brakes or not.

for an occasional tow on flat land, go for it, but stick to the back roads, keeping the speed down, and avoid the freeway traffic moving at 65-75mph here in Ohio.