Tow 78 F150 4X4 using a tow bar???
 

Hey guys. Would it be OK to tow a 78 F150 4X4 s-cab using a tow bar???

I have just bought this and am pretty sure I can get it running and drive it home (about an hour and 20 minutes away). If not, my backup plan is to use a friends truck (with plenty of towing capacity) and a tow bar. Would this be a bad idea? I know I will need to disconnect the rear driveshaft and wire it up.

Could someone be in the truck being towed to operate signal lights?

Thanks.

If its a 4x4, put the transfer case in neutral, tow away.

Running doesn't mean road worthy .. Things like brakes not working are not something you want to find out about an hour away from home .. With the drive shaft out of the truck (auto trans) and in neutral you should be fine with the flashers on and a Tow bar .. The only thing I see is possibly damaging a perfect front bumper depending on how it's hooked up .. Under no circumstance would I have someone ride in the towed truck unless it's your mother-inlaw :-X04

:-X14 Thanks, Red.

I'm a little worried about braking issues - that's a big hunk of metal to try to get stopped.

If you are that worried then you could rent a car hauler from U-haul. Their trailers have brakes and you wont mess up the front bumper, other wise just take it slow.

Thanks, Jay. That was my first thought. But the U-Haul car dolly isn't rated for the weight of the truck, and their car-hauler trailer isn't long enough for the s-cab. :-X18

Yep its not, well its a thought any way. Hope you get it home safely any way.

If you use the tow bar see if you can remove the front bumper and connect to the frame horns, and look into getting some magnetic tow lights for the back end.

Have the guy doing the driving, tow it like any other time he tows anything. Think ahead, ,plan on extra braking distances, drive smart.

I would guess it might be illegal to have some one in it, if you are towing with a hard connection?? And it might be illegal all together to tow with a soft (strap) connection??

I would high a roll back wrecker and be worry free on the move. Yes it is costly, but so is an accident.

Be safe.

My local Sunbelt rentals has 10k rated equipment trailers that work great for heavy long PU's. Tilt bed is easy to load. Surge brakes that work pretty well. They require a 2 5/16" ball

Cost to rent local is about the same as a Uhaul car hauler. ~$60/day last time I did it. I am sure other rental houses have similar... I think this would be a lot better/safer vs a tow bar.

PS: you need tie downs or load chains to secure the PU. Sometimes the rental house will loan or rent them or supply your own.

I've tow-barred a few of these old trucks home...put the transfer case in nuetral and tow it home!

Tow 78 F150 4X4 using a tow bar???
 

Thanks for all the great advice, guys. Going to pick it up in the morning. I will let you know how it goes.

So, in the end, no towing needed. Replaced the fuel pump and fuel line from the pump to the carb. Put in a new battery and it started right up. Purred like a kitten. Had to add some brake fluid for the front disks so that will need to be checked out, but drove the truck home, about 80 miles, with zero issues.

Even used the gas in the tank. I am now convinced that fuel stabilizer works. We drained some of the gas into a bottle - it was clear, no bad smell, tasted perfect (just kidding) ;). So we hooked up the line and away we went.

The truck is now at the mechanics to see what it needs to pass a safety inspection.

Thanks for all the help and advice guys.

:-X22 That's the best news and scenario :-jammin:oval