Alrighty, this boy is moving south to west virgina and i need to figure out how to get my car there. As much as i would like to say i have faith that my car would make it there, i would rather not chance it. However, my roommate has a tundra and is willing to tow my car. I'm on a budget and renting dollys are expensive. However, tow bars are $50+ on craigslist but i have plastic bumpers so mounting a tow bar there is impossible.
what can i do to make it work? If i removed the bumper could I mount one to my frame rails? the car being towed is a 1994 merc cougar
thanks,
mike

 

Is it an auto tranny? If so, I do not think you should flat tow it anyway.

Drive it
Dolly
or trailer

If your friend is willing to tow you, why can't he drive the car for you and you then pay for his air/bus/train fare home. It may come out the same cost wise and he would not have to put wear and tear on his truck.

Just a thought.

 

it is an auto tranny..is this an issue?
I just found a dolly on craigslist for $400...tempting especially if i can sell it when i get there.
im sure my roommate would do this favor for me buuut shes moving down with me.
thanks for the responses guys

 

If she is moving down with you I would drive your car. At least if anything happens there is someone with another vehicle to get parts, help, etc. You won't have to worry about spending the $400 on dolly. Just check all your fluids, tire pressure, etc. before going. Plus it is a good chance to see how good your car is. I would personally drive it

 

Flat towing any AUTO tranny for long distances is not good.
Autos need fluid pumping thru them and a running engine helps accomplish this.

A dolly, as long as it is in solid condition, would be the best bet for what you are doing. Check that it is safe and all of it is in good mechanical order and you should be good to go.

Remember to put the drive end of the car on the dolly!

 

Sounds like a 3 vehicle, 2 person move, correct?

 

I thought 2 people, a cougar and a tundra

 

nope...3 cars 3 people. the cars going are the tundra, my merc, and a new mazda. my car is the oldest and has the most mileage and has some issues which makes me wery about driving it long distances. I don't want to be on the side of the road with a broken car...i watch horror flicks i know what happens.
about using a tow bar again..what if i were to remove the drive shaft to eliminate the lubrication issue?

 

Removing the Driveshaft is the way around it. If the cougar is anything like my grand marquis there is a beefy bumper under the bumper cover that you could easily bolt a tow bar to. Just watch for the air bag sensors.