Just got a hold of a 1977 F250 4x4 that is not running and is non-op. Have to move it 50 miles from where it is and would like a suggestion or two on how to do this as u-haul does not have a trailer available for this size/weight vehicle. A tow bar, tow dolly, car hauler or just have a tow truck company move it? It is located in the mountains and the roads are very steep, so bringing it down to the valley using a tow rope may not be a good idea. Thanks...

 

A stout tow bar works well I have one that gets used for bringing the occaisional old truck home. I bungee the steering wheel so it will return to center, unlock the hubs and disconnect the drive shaft on the truck being towed and off I go.

I'd think a heavy duty car dolly would be as good or better !

One other suggestion would be an equipment rental business (backhoe, bulldozer etc.) they rent trailers by the day that are plenty big enough to put that "Ef" on.

 

I'm not a big fan of tow bars because you loose your braking capabilities. I have a 20' carhauler with 5200lb axles and brakes on both trailers. I'd recommend something similar.

 

I've towed full size dentsides home a couple of times using the uhaul trailer, most national equipment rental locations don't carry a trailer big enough for the truck. The uhaul trailer will work but its gonna be a slow trip. Your best bet is to either rent the uhaul or try to borrow a friend's trailer.

 

I think for what you are going to pay to do it your self it will be just about the same if you pay a tow company. It's faster easier on your tow rig and they have insurance to cover your investment better. I had an issue towing my jeep to California from wasington. I rented a budget truck and the jeep was barley under weight to haul on the trailer. Plus the only way they let me tow it was with a 26ft truck they said that my f250 with a diesel was under rated ??? I think the tow company will be your best bet.

 

towbars require the truck to be registered and insured to be legal

 

we just picked up a 79 4x4 n we used a u haul tow dolly but its gonna have to be on stock wheels n tires to fit just take ur time n u will b fine every so often we would stop n ck the straps our trip was about 35 mi

 

you can ruin tranny's and transfer cases by towing with all 4 wheels on the ground. I think the owners manual calls for removal of both Dshafts.

"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 lockout hubs may be a worthwhile addition for this reason.

We have seen and heard of a few incidents of this over the years, the worst of which producing a complete friction welding of third gear to its mainshaft.

This is one of the only quirks of the 435, and easily avoidable. "

The above is copied from here - The New Process 435 Transmission - Novak Conversions

 

I rounded up a friend that has a backhoe and we placed it on the trailer and got it to the shop. Just one reminder, after a few miles recheck your tie-down straps as we had one come completely off and another cutting half way through from all the bouncing. Good thing we had 4 on that beast as we may have lost it on the trip.

Again thanks for all your input, it was very helpful...

 

FYI when you strap a vehicle on a trailer, only strap the axles to the trailer and let the body move on it own.

If you strap the body every bump will loosen the straps as the suspention bounces.

And X the chains on both ends.....

At least you got it home safe and sound, how about a pic?

 

Here is a pic of the truck:



After looking at it closer, majority of the body is rusted out, the entire thing has been abused and not well maintained. I decided to go ahead and use it as a parts vehicle for my 67'.

 

I am amazed at these trucks that you guys use for parts vehicles. Many of them are in better shape and a lot nicer than the truck I drive!

 

Pictures tell a better story than real life, they don't lie but they do let the viewer fill in the blanks...

 

That blue looks like it has potential......see what I mean?

 

parts?! that thing looks pretty good!