Hi guys, new to this particular forum, but been on this site for a while

Just wondering if anyone knew if it was legal for me to tow an E350 box-van from PA to NY with a tow-bar (assuming I find one that will take the load).

The van is fully registered and insured, but the tranny ain't workin'

I can get the lights fully working, so anyone behind will know when I hit the brakes, directionals, etc...

Just curious if anyone knows off the top of their head ... I'll be using the stock 5K hitch, but without any tongue weight, and I'll unload as much from the van as possible into the bed of my pickup.

thanks in advance!

art k.

 

Should be legal with the right towbar . I've seen full size PUs pulled behind motorhomes , even seen PU behind motorhome with trailer hooked to PU !

 

I don't see anything illegal about it. I do agree, definitely load as much weight into the truck as possible from the van. You don't want that heavy tail wagging the dog around!

The one consideration is brakes. You're pulling a sizeable amount of weight but have to rely only on the truck's brakes to stop it. I don't know the legality of it, but maybe someone riding in the van could use the van's brakes to help slow it down, communicating with one another via walkie-talkies to coordinate braking, if the van's brakes are at all effective without the vacuum pump powering them. Just an idea.

 

SoCal , I see your reasoning to have someone ride in the towed van , but I don't think it's legal . I just noticed krewat you didn't mention what you will be towing with .

 

It says it all in my signature - '01 F250 V10...

And no, I don't think it's legal to have someone in the van while being towed. At least, that's what I've heard ...

art k.

 

I guess my concerns would be the same ones I would have towing a trailer of simular weight with out brakes . Are you going down any long or steep grades ? You should be alright towing the van / box truck , I know you're not planing on towing at 70 mph. like some do .

 

I doubt there are any steep grades between Long Island and Pennsylvania ... might be better off just paying to get it towed by a pro...

 

You should be okay as long as the towbar's up to it....I wouldn't put anyone in the van even if it is legal (dunno if it is or isn't)--if they hit the brakes at the wrong time, might break the towbar or something attached to it.

Like SoCal said--lighten the van and put the weight in the truck. The heavy end of a van attached to the light end of a pickup can make for a wild ride if you catch a good crosswind or a bad road. Other than that--just take it easy. I've pulled lots of cars on a towbar, no big deal as long as you're careful.