using a tow bar ?
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Senior User
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using a tow bar ?
I have an excursion(01) an need to tow a bronco full size from buffalo ny to columbia mo (800mi) since uhaul says it weighs to much for a dolly or trailer
i was thinking of getting a tow bar ( the bronco is dead driving it is not an option)
any warnings or advice?
i was thinking of getting a tow bar ( the bronco is dead driving it is not an option)
any warnings or advice?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
U-haul is not the only place for trailer rental. I have never flat towed before, but I see folks do it all the time with moter homes.
I would disconnect the driveshafts from rotating wheels before starting out.
John
I would disconnect the driveshafts from rotating wheels before starting out.
John
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Ocean Park WA
I don't recall if the Excursion weighs more than the Bronco and that's the key here. I've pulled quite a bit of equipment and the key is always the weight. If the Bronco is heavier then NO WAY. When you try to stop it will try to push you down the road. The other opteion is to rent a bigger truck and I would stay away from U-HAUL any way as they always try to get you for more.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Wayland, MI
You can use a tow bar on that bronco safely, the transfer case can go into nuetral so there is no need to remove any driveshafts. Take a good look at the tow bar you would be using, make sure it will handle the weight. Why not rent a trailer to tie it down too? IMHO the trailer would be the safest.
Toyman
Toyman
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i must not know the right people because i donot know anyone with a trailerand i cannot find a nother company that rents trailers in buffalo,ny
ps. this truck is free i would like to keep the price down getting tis out to my brother
ps. this truck is free i would like to keep the price down getting tis out to my brother
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 187
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From: New Bern, NC
How about Penske? They rent trailers. http://www.pensketruckrental.com/per...r_carrier.html1 in Buffalo, 5 more around Buffalo.
If the Bronco is 4X4, slap the tranfer case in neutral, unlock the steering wheel, hook up a tow bar and be gone. You didn't mention a year for the Bronco, but there is no way a Bronco outweighs an Excursion, regardless of year.
If the Bronco is 4X4, slap the tranfer case in neutral, unlock the steering wheel, hook up a tow bar and be gone. You didn't mention a year for the Bronco, but there is no way a Bronco outweighs an Excursion, regardless of year.
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 53,911
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From: NY and VA
Uhaul would not rent us a trailer to bring a 1970 F100 from Columbus to NY (about 450 miles) said it was too heavy and wouldn't fit. Went to another Uhaul dealer and said it was for a Crown Vic. The truck is in NY with no problems. Also check the swap sheets for a tow dolly (my brother bought one in Buffalo this summer for $100 with magnetic lights) or tow bar. Sometimes you can buy cheaper than renting.
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Wayland, MI
The key to renting from uhaul (for trailers) is to not tell them exactly what you are using it for. The trailers are heavy enough, but if they don't like how you act they can deny renting to you (this info came from a freind that used to manage a uhaul store). Just be specific, tell them it is a Bronco II that only weighs 3500#. Make sure that you have enough insurance on your vehicle to cover everything if for some reason there was a problem.
Good Luck
Toyman
Good Luck
Toyman
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OK... You have a tow bar...
If I was you I would disconnect the drive shafts before towing it that far. That will protect the trans no matter what 4x4 system you have. Besides it may reduce the drag on the Bronco and net you a 1 gal savings in fuel for your trip.
If I was you I would disconnect the drive shafts before towing it that far. That will protect the trans no matter what 4x4 system you have. Besides it may reduce the drag on the Bronco and net you a 1 gal savings in fuel for your trip.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
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From: Saint Augustine, FL
Disconnecting the drive shafts is a very good idea. It will save wear on the transfer case AND gas mileage. You can put the transfer case in neutral and that should be fine but before I set out on an 800 mile trip I would check the fluid in the transfer case.
Flat towing I think is better than a tow dolly. Be sure that the Bronco has good tires and wheel bearings. The Excursion should have plenty of brakes to stop the Bronco is you use your head.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
Flat towing I think is better than a tow dolly. Be sure that the Bronco has good tires and wheel bearings. The Excursion should have plenty of brakes to stop the Bronco is you use your head.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Annapolis, MD
I tow cars on a tow dolly and, frankly, I frequently wish I'd gone the tow bar route instead - except for one point: the tow dolly has brakes. (Well, that, and one of the cars can't be flat towed.)
I know you didn't ask about this, but watch your brakes. You're going to be loading them a lot more than you're used to, and they'll get hot. After a couple people pull out in front of you, causing you to jam them on repeatedly, they'll overheat and could fail. (Personal experience. Fortunately I didn't hit anyone and was able to pull off and wait until they cooled off.)
I know you didn't ask about this, but watch your brakes. You're going to be loading them a lot more than you're used to, and they'll get hot. After a couple people pull out in front of you, causing you to jam them on repeatedly, they'll overheat and could fail. (Personal experience. Fortunately I didn't hit anyone and was able to pull off and wait until they cooled off.)
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well my first trip using the tow bar was getting rid of my uncles international travelall well it was more of a trade paul's bronco for my uncles international, ( Hmmm my brother gets the bronco paul gets the international what i get???) nyc to buffalo
all went well after the rust burned off the travelall's breaks. i was a little worried seeing smoke pouring out the front wheels ....20 min letting them cool everything was fine
all went well after the rust burned off the travelall's breaks. i was a little worried seeing smoke pouring out the front wheels ....20 min letting them cool everything was fine
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