Flat Towing
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Just thought I would throw in about the tow dolly. I did two cars today with one. I tell you, they really mean it when they say not to back one up, even if it is possible to do it straight. Going down a very steep hill with a long incline with a Ford Taurus on the back made me glad it was a 35 mph zone with no cross streets. The worse thing is you do not have trailer brakes to straighten it out. I think cross country I would get a good car carrier even if I rented it from U-Haul. Though from their site, it appears they only have surge brakes.
U-haul tried that scam thing with the plug adapter someone mentioned earlier, so I rented from some place else.
U-haul tried that scam thing with the plug adapter someone mentioned earlier, so I rented from some place else.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Yes, I kept it in second going up and down the biggest hill (actually 3rd on the NP435) so I never hit above 40 mph going downhill. Granny first is wonderful for starting off on hills at stoplights. The wornout 390 still has enough torque to spin the tires at launch, only did that once before I got the hang of it.
I think the tow dolly having a wider track then the rear axle of the truck does not help much going downhill.
I think the tow dolly having a wider track then the rear axle of the truck does not help much going downhill.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
From: Ocean Park WA
I used to work at U-Haul and all the Auto Transports have surge brakes. The will not rent one to you unless you have a receiver hitch unless you go to a dealer and not the center. Tow dollies have a twisting bed plate that allows them to turn tighter. The wider wheel base helps stability. I would trailer the Bronco and use the AT (SAFER)
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
Depends on what you're towing and how much it weighs. If I'm pulling my '82 Lincoln (not an unusual occurrence) I like to put some weight in the back of my truck, but not too much because your brakes have to stop it all too. I've done it without too and can't say I really noticed much difference. About the only time I can think of when it would make a real difference is on a rough road where the two vehicles are bouncing in different directions. If the vehicle you're pulling has a really loose front end and might start wandering, it might help, but in that case I really prefer not to use a towbar anyway.
New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Any recommendations on types of backup chains and best ways to utilize them when towbarring? I assume steering wheel locking should be prevented on towed vehicle as well?
Thanks so much again.
Thanks so much again.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
From: Ocean Park WA
I pulled my Bronco II from Minnisota to Colorado behind a Dodge 2500 due to work on a tow bar but that was due to not being able to get a tow dolly or trailer to rent in time. It can be done just make sure the towing is heavier than the tow and be sure and keep your speed down. If it starts to get loose be ready to slow down and be carefull. Safety chains attach from frame to frame and try to get them to cross under the bar wether it's a tow bar, dolly, or full trailer You have to have enough slack in the chain to allow for turning but not so much as to drag.
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LipschitzWrath
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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