Flat towing

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Yesterday my friend was over picking up some electrical supplies I got, and mentioned flat towing. Since he found his tow bar for his Land Cruiser which is at the shop. Getting back on the road, and upgraded as I type.

My Willys is on a 1988 F150 chassis, has a 109" wheelbase, will sit roughly 6'6" tall, and weigh 4000 loaded. I know I will or should disconnect the drive shafts, and tie them up to the frame.

But how would flat towing the above with a 73-91 Suburban be? Is that asking for trouble or is it safe enough. If one drives like they are in fact towing.

Sounded like a neat idea as in no trailer to me.

[Keith Seymore]

I'd say it depends on how far and how fast.

And - you'll want to have some kind of lights on the towed vehicle, because people won't be paying attention and will run into you even if you do have working lights.

I've been flat towing for almost 50 years, but with the drivers today: I wouldn't recommend it unless I timed it so there wouldn't be much traffic.

I wouldn't be worried about your abilities, but everybody else's. I have had a known driver follow me (son, wife) and protect my back, again, if you are not going far.

K

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

It would be flat towed 3-4 hours away.
Pasadena to Bishop california would be the max.

I usually would leave after traffic to head there, and usually not much coming back. I come back late too 1/2 the time.]

The rear bumper is box tube. So magnetic lights would be a snap.

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust

It would be flat towed 3-4 hours away.
Pasadena to Bishop california would be the max.

I usually would leave after traffic to head there, and usually not much coming back. I come back late too 1/2 the time.]

The rear bumper is box tube. So magnetic lights would be a snap.

I thought you just wanted to move it.

Any chance you could find a place to store it up there for the season?

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Originally Posted by 1976gmc20

I thought you just wanted to move it.

Any chance you could find a place to store it up there for the season?

I am sorry. The flat towing is for when it is running, and I want to go somewhere for fun. In a more comfortable vehicle. Or to be able to take more stuff if I wanted.

I can trailer it back to storage easily, and eventually will again.

[Sheepdip]

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust

I am sorry. The flat towing is for when it is running, and I want to go somewhere for fun. In a more comfortable vehicle. Or to be able to take more stuff if I wanted.

I can trailer it back to storage easily, and eventually will again.

I flat tow Ol Nugget to the cabin in the mountains all the time 200mi round trip and tons of fun in-between Grandkidz love it.

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

I'd say it depends on how far and how fast.

this is it. i towed my 56 about 3 miles from the shop to my house and after every big turn had to straighten the steering out. there wasnt enough front end weight or enough caster to self-center the wheels


if you are looking for reasons not to buy a trailer, well, people often meet their destiny on the road they take to avoid it. (thats from kung fu panda). I used my trailer more this year than any prior, and having it for immobile or otherwise inert purchases has been great.

I didnt want to hook it up and load the 56 for a 3 mile trip though, so a tow bar made sense.

[1976gmc20]

My understanding is that if you put the transfer case in neutral and the transmission in park then it should be just fine as is.

Back in the old days before 4x4 pickups became common it was fairly common for people to tow an "old" flat fender jeep behind a 2wd pickup and camper.

[special-K]

I'd drive the Willys. It has a newer drivetrain

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

It has a 88 302 and aod, but will be carburetor.

I was thinking the Suburban I plan to get will have AC. Which I may not put on the Willys.

[Ol Blue K20]

some of the new transfer cases don't like to be towed. You need to look up Fords recommended tow procedures for that unit.

[Bigdav160]

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

some of the new transfer cases don't like to be towed. You need to look up Fords recommended tow procedures for that unit.

This is the correct answer

Actually many of the newer transfer cases have output shaft driven lubrication pumps so they can be safely flat towed. No output shaft pump or oil slinger there will be shafts and gears spinning without the benefits of splash lubrication. Auto/manual transmission doesn't matter when the transfer case is in neutral

[Ol Blue K20]

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

This is the correct answer

Actually many of the newer transfer cases have output shaft driven lubrication pumps so they can be safely flat towed. No output shaft pump or oil slinger there will be shafts and gears spinning without the benefits of splash lubrication. Auto/manual transmission doesn't matter when the transfer case is in neutral

Thanks for the info.....

[LS short box]

Also keep in mind you won't have any brake assist from the towed vehicle. 3/4 ton tow vehicle would be best due to having bigger brakes than a 1/2 ton.
Once you get your rigs setup I would go out and do some practice stops at various speeds to get a feel for the increased stopping distances.

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by LS short box

Also keep in mind you won't have any brake assist from the towed vehicle. 3/4 ton tow vehicle would be best due to having bigger brakes than a 1/2 ton.
Once you get your rigs setup I would go out and do some practice stops at various speeds to get a feel for the increased stopping distances.

I think all states have a law requiring trailer brakes for trailers which exceed a stated weight. The weights vary by state. A vehicle in tow is considered a trailer and therefore requires active brakes when in tow if it exceeds the state determined weight. That's why, in addition to added safety, I use the auxiliary brake device I mentioned in post 13.