tow bar question
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
tow bar question
I have a 78 f150 with a 300 in it, 3 speed manual. I need to pull a 90 plymouth laser 8 miles, I figured instead of paying 80 bucks for a tow company to do it I'd buy a tow bar and some lights. Will I have any issues doing this?
New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Flat Towing
What trans does the Laser have? I don't think towing 8 miles would hurt an automatic, but I wouldn't tow it any further than that. If it has a stick you can tow it all day with no problems. Are you sure you can attach the towbar to the laser? I flat-tow my 07 f150 a lot with no problems.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
laser has a manual trans. From what I've read it shouldnt be a problem hooking one to a laser front bumper/support. Looks like I should be ok. 3 speed might be a little tough to start out with though.
Thanks
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Texas
This may stir some people on here but have you considered a tow rope? 
Here are a few suggestions.
1. Don't get on a superslab.
2. Plan and pre drive your route.
you should be able to map a route with few or no stop lights
3. Tell the lucky volunteer of the Laser driver that he/she will be doing MOST of the braking (this will help keep the rope tight).
4. A water ski rope $20.00 makes a nice tow rope, get the 100' one and double it.
5 GO SLOW STOP SLOW it's only 8 miles.
Good luck
Here are a few suggestions.
1. Don't get on a superslab.
2. Plan and pre drive your route.
you should be able to map a route with few or no stop lights
3. Tell the lucky volunteer of the Laser driver that he/she will be doing MOST of the braking (this will help keep the rope tight).
4. A water ski rope $20.00 makes a nice tow rope, get the 100' one and double it.
5 GO SLOW STOP SLOW it's only 8 miles.
Good luck
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 7
From: Burnsville, MN
Don't know where you are, but in many places towing with a rope is illegal. I'm not saying I haven't done it, but a $60 fine will definitely change the economics of what you are doing..........
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Republic of TEXAS
Originally Posted by albran
This may stir some people on here but have you considered a tow rope?
Here are a few suggestions.
1. Don't get on a superslab.
2. Plan and pre drive your route.
you should be able to map a route with few or no stop lights
3. Tell the lucky volunteer of the Laser driver that he/she will be doing MOST of the braking (this will help keep the rope tight).
4. A water ski rope $20.00 makes a nice tow rope, get the 100' one and double it.
5 GO SLOW STOP SLOW it's only 8 miles.
Good luck
Here are a few suggestions.
1. Don't get on a superslab.
2. Plan and pre drive your route.
you should be able to map a route with few or no stop lights
3. Tell the lucky volunteer of the Laser driver that he/she will be doing MOST of the braking (this will help keep the rope tight).
4. A water ski rope $20.00 makes a nice tow rope, get the 100' one and double it.
5 GO SLOW STOP SLOW it's only 8 miles.
Good luck
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 898
Likes: 0
I'd use one of my chains and a buddy that knows what he is doing.
P.S. Your equipment is more then adequate.
P.S. Your equipment is more then adequate.
Last edited by Leader; Nov 11, 2007 at 03:46 PM.
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
A buddy of mine towed my Toyota when I fried the tranny behind his 77 F100 3speed 300-6, no problems.
I had also towed his truck behind the Toyota a few months before that when he ripped the linkage off his tranny.
A tow bar would be best, but they do need to be bolted on. Might be best off just going to Uhaul and renting a tow dolly, that usually runs $35-$40 a day.
I had also towed his truck behind the Toyota a few months before that when he ripped the linkage off his tranny.
A tow bar would be best, but they do need to be bolted on. Might be best off just going to Uhaul and renting a tow dolly, that usually runs $35-$40 a day.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
I despise people who tow with ropes... if you don't care that much about public safety, why not just push it there? I'll be the first to call the police when I see you 
Why not rent a trailer? You can get one for pretty cheap from UHaul.
Why not rent a trailer? You can get one for pretty cheap from UHaul.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 898
Likes: 0
GREAT IDEA Grafkie !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PM Louis & send him the money. You could also go pick up the trailer for him since it is so important to you.
If you are even just a little bit carefull, it is NO threat to public safety. While I admit it doesn't happen as much as it used to .... people still do it probably everyday.
PM Louis & send him the money. You could also go pick up the trailer for him since it is so important to you.
If you are even just a little bit carefull, it is NO threat to public safety. While I admit it doesn't happen as much as it used to .... people still do it probably everyday.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
According to UHaul, an in-town tow dolly costs $40, a full trailer $50 for a two hour rental. I'm sorry, if that breaks the bank, you have more serious issues than moving a car that is so dead it can't be driven!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
I keep a forty foot or so length of chain with hooks at all times. It is used for that mainly.
If there are any problems, most cops will be understanding and tell you to take it slow and have your hazard flashers on.
If there are any problems, most cops will be understanding and tell you to take it slow and have your hazard flashers on.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 898
Likes: 0
It's not that it breaks the bank but how far does Louis have to go to even find a U-Haul? Can he do this in 2hrs? $40 will buy a LOT of liquid bribe fo his budy and would be money better spent. And I still think you should send it to him since it is nothing to you. Your idea, you should pay.
On another note, let me know when YOU are going to be on the hiways so the rest of us can stay clear. Anyone that can't even tow a car 8 miles with a chain or rope, is to dangerouis to be on the road with me.
But back to the origanal post... The Towbar would work fine. Then you will have it for next time & don't give money away to U-Haul and have nothing to show for it.
On another note, let me know when YOU are going to be on the hiways so the rest of us can stay clear. Anyone that can't even tow a car 8 miles with a chain or rope, is to dangerouis to be on the road with me.
But back to the origanal post... The Towbar would work fine. Then you will have it for next time & don't give money away to U-Haul and have nothing to show for it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
CAN and WON'T are two different things Since safety is paramount to me, I would personally far rather spend the $40 for a tow dolly than pull it. Newer vehicles have power steering and power brakes, and if the vehicle can't run (which also means it has no lights nor hazards) it doesn't have brakes or steering. I get the impression the towed vehicle in this case is old enough to have regular brakes and steering, but its something to remember. It is technically illegal to move any unregistered vehicle on the roadway with the exception of farm equipment. That includes 4 wheelers and other motorized vehicles, including an older, damaged, and/or unregistered car.
Since all of these things mean to ME that its unsafe, and since that means a lot to me, my advice (since the OP asked for it) is to try another method, such as the tow bar originally asked about (although it technically would still need to be registered, since it's acting as a trailer).
And you would have something to show for the $40... you'd have the car moved 8 miles safely and quickly!
Since safety is paramount to me, I would personally far rather spend the $40 for a tow dolly than pull it. Newer vehicles have power steering and power brakes, and if the vehicle can't run (which also means it has no lights nor hazards) it doesn't have brakes or steering. I get the impression the towed vehicle in this case is old enough to have regular brakes and steering, but its something to remember. It is technically illegal to move any unregistered vehicle on the roadway with the exception of farm equipment. That includes 4 wheelers and other motorized vehicles, including an older, damaged, and/or unregistered car.Since all of these things mean to ME that its unsafe, and since that means a lot to me, my advice (since the OP asked for it) is to try another method, such as the tow bar originally asked about (although it technically would still need to be registered, since it's acting as a trailer).
And you would have something to show for the $40... you'd have the car moved 8 miles safely and quickly!