Hello all . I'm going to be moving from California to Nebraska and will be towing my auto trans short-bed behind a loaded U-Haul moving truck... Any advice would be appreciated on what to do or not to do etc... ?????

 

If flat towing/car dolly, Pull the drive line(s) and you're good to go. If its on a trailer, strap it down good.

 

Transmission in park transfer case in neutral works for me.

 

"A Cautionary Issue on Towing
Improperly flat-towing (pulling a vehicle not under its own power) any vehicle with the NP435 transmission can cause the very prompt destruction of third gear bore and its mainshaft journal due to insufficient oiling.
If you must flat-tow, and have a transfer case, you may set it in full neutral and place the NP435 in any gear to prevent mainshaft spin. However, note that many transfer cases themselves do not allow for flat towing.
Preferably,you may wish to disconnect the rear drive shaft. Rear axle lock outhubs (?) may be a worthwhile addition for this reason.
Wehave seen and heard of a few incidents of this over the years, theworst of which producing a complete friction welding of third gear toits mainshaft.
This is one of the only quirks of the 435, and easily avoidable."

Good tires, fresh repacked wheel front wheel bearings. Rear axle bearing in good shape also. I would pull both d/s to make sure there is NO way to mess up a trans/xfer case. DO NOT be surprised if U-Haul says NO to towing it with theie rig. What kind of hitch (on the truck) are you using? Are you removing the front bumper and attaching to the frame horns, or doing a front bumper clamp set up?

 

If its a short bed, it would probably ride OK on a Uhaul 4 wheel car trailer. Not sure they would consider that a safe tow however. A long bed may not balance the trailer right... too long and not enough tongue weight for safety.

If you flat tow or use a dolly, which would not be my choice, transfer case in neutral should protect the transmission. You could remove the rear drive shaft for insurance. Behind a heavier Uhaul (not van or PU type) the dolly may be OK.

My preference for heavier and longer PU's is a rental equipment trailer from Sunbelt Rental or similar. 10k lb rated with brakes and long enough for a PU. Not sure this is practical as it would be a local rental... return where rented originally.

 

I would at least price a U-haul complete car trailer, they can be (or at least use to be) really picky about what you tow with their rigs. As in if it is NOT their trailer, you can't hook it to their truck.

If you do not tell them you are towing with another business's trailer or tell you are putting a vega on the trailer and then put a short bed F100 (it will fit if, it has stock tires BTW) and then get in an accident you might be in a tough spot insurance wise by them.

I would rather trailer the complete rig that way you will for sure not have any trouble from your truck, tires, wheel bearings, trans ect...

 

You can check the UHaul website and enter tow vehicle and vehicle to be towed. The short bed PU may come up "OK"... and I think it would ride fine on a 4 wheel Uhaul car hauler. They are stout trailers. Just make sure to look it over before you leave the lot and check more before setting out. Lights, wheel bearing play, tires, brake fluid, tire pressure and lug nuts.

Is driving the PU an option?

 

Thanks everyone for the great advice !!! As for driving it, i haven't really considered it ? What would be the pro's and con's on that ???

 

Another option, tow a u-haul trailer behind the pickup? Don't know how much you are moving and condition of your pick-up but on option worth considering. Significantly cheaper as well.

I rented a u-haul and car carrier from CA to Idaho and it was close to $1400.

 

Bad gas mileage, have a hard issue breakdown, no cruise control....If the company is moving you, maybe they will cover the cost to trailer it? Then it is a no worries move.

 

Thanks for the information everyone