I rigged up Clints Towbar to the project truck to pull it around in front of my shop, but I need to back it in to start on the rear shackles.

How well can I back up using a TowBar? I/e can I negotiate turns (while backing)?

I don't want to get out in the middle of the road and get in a pickle...nor do i want to leave the Thumper sitting across the street

I won't be moving it until I hear back from one of you "towers".

EDIT:

Heck, can't edit the main titles spelling goof...

 

Does a tow truck count? Drove a couple of those, but they always had two of the vehicles wheels off the ground, so that is no help. Did tow a 1972 Olds Cutlass with a Dodge D-50 using a towbar, but I don't remember if I backed up with it.

 

No cigar Jim

I'm just wanting to know if the front wheels turn correctly, or will I get Jack-Knifed when backing and turning.

Ofcourse I could just rent a BullDozer and get busy making a "drive-through" shop

 

Or you could get the wife to steer the truck while you back up and turn it around. Or teach one of your kids to drive Thumper!

 

If you're talking about a triangular sort of hitch assembly, it will back just like any other trailer.

 

Well...that would work if...

We had a steering box installed, and if we had it all hooked up

Unfortunately, we have niether...just a front axle with the tie rod hooked up.

Damned Dan...it's all his fault!

 

Yes, it's the tri-setup, I did a bit of spreading here and there and have it connected to the frame rails (using the bumper bracket holes).

Cool, so she'll track okay backing on turns? If so, Thumper will be in front of the shop in a few hours

 

Nah just get a tow truck. As many projects as you have, you should invest in one. I am surprised Dan doesn't have one with all his vehicles scattered all over the North Country.

 

So, did it back up manageably? I knew it would.

 

Umm...you can't really back up with a towbar. It just doesn't work the same as a trailer. You can sort of back up in a straight line for a short distance, but it's damn near impossible to make it steer as the whole premise of towing with a towbar is to take advantage of the caster designed into an automobile's steering to make it track straight. Doesn't work when backing up...

 

Didn't get a chance to try yet, the irrab\gation water was running fast...

Soooo, seems we have a vote for and a vote against. Maybe tomorrow I'll tr'll try a wide swing with the tractor and see if I can get it angled in, was going to use the PU, but might need a sharper turning machine.

What the heck, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

Well, Dan get's the nod on this one...took me about 45 minutes of fighting it with the tractor, just to get it somewhat in line with the carport...so went and got the forklift and manuvered in front of the shop.

Makes me really want to get the old rubber tired lift I have out back running for stuff like this...maybe will have an "NC FTE put-the-forklift-together-meet"

 

Hey, I am certified to train and certify FL Operators.

 

Lol...my Dad certified me when I was about 10

 

You haven't yet figured out yet that I'm an idiot? Never trust me when I make a suggestion. It really didn't seems like it would be such a tricky maneuver.