Long distance towing with a car dolly - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

scooter122983 · 11-16-2007, 11:06 AM

I will be moving very soon and I realized that i will have to bite the bullet and instead of driving like i had planned i will now have to tow my 71 lwb. I was thinking of taking the driveshaft out to help out the tranny. Transmission is a Muncie 4 speed. I am not too worried about loss of fluid as i have already thought of it and i do realize that i will have to pull the driveshaft with the truck on the dolly.The tow vehicle will be a 16 foot budget truck. My question is mainly this has anyone towed a lwb with a tow dolly before?

dave3156 · 11-16-2007, 11:15 AM

I would spend the extra $ and get a trailer. I have used a tow dolly and pulled my 70 Stepside about 40 miles with a Suburban as the tow vehicle. It works but it is alot of weight to pull with a tow dolly. A trailer is alot safer.

Frizzle Fry · 11-16-2007, 12:01 PM

Pulled my 61 (short bed) on a U-Haul dolly from Sonoma CA to Portland OR with a 2001 Tahoe. No problems, but I think I'd pay for a full trailer next time.

72Levi · 11-16-2007, 12:06 PM

I would def go with the trailer, just a few dollars more.

Luvlegs · 11-16-2007, 01:35 PM

I've done it both ways - the trailer is nicer and remember, it's not a sports car and if you're running 80 with it... well... just imagine it's your family in the car beside or in front of you. I always stay away from the rentals on the highway because, for the most part, they aren't used to them. They all go faster than they should so just be careful... I'll get down off my soap box now. Enjoy your trip and don't get too distracted by all the thumbs ups!

Longhorn Man · 11-16-2007, 04:07 PM

I would spend a little more, and buy my own tow bar.
been there, done it, and I got to use the tow bar time and time again after the move was done and over.

**Hart_Rod** · 11-16-2007, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

I would spend a little more, and buy my own tow bar.
been there, done it, and I got to use the tow bar time and time again after the move was done and over.

I pulled my 67 LWB Crewcab 850 miles with a tow dolley, I think you'll be fine,

.

Longhorn Man · 11-16-2007, 04:25 PM

a tow dollie is fine, but next time you need to drag your truck.. be it a move, broke down, or buying another one or even a parts truck... you'll have to go rent it again, then you'll have to lie to U-haul and all kinda of BS, when you can just toss the tow bar you won un the garage, or if you live in an apartment, you can put it under your bed in the box or something... and it's there when you need it. No need to get license plates for it, no need to have insurance on it, it's there out of the way forever.

timcos · 11-16-2007, 04:49 PM

I just moved my 72 SWB K10 1500 miles from Utah to Arkansas on a U-Haul Auto Transport. They have two kinds...make sure you get the wider one. It is wider by about 5 inches and of course makes all the diff in the world.

No problems towing it behind a 26 foot U-Haul truck. Except the 800 in gas I paid. Wow that sucked.

imholte · 11-16-2007, 05:22 PM

I have used both and felt alot more secure with the truck on the trailer than being on a dolly, less wear on the tires too.

ChevLoRay · 11-16-2007, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timcos

I just moved my 72 SWB K10 1500 miles from Utah to Arkansas on a U-Haul Auto Transport. They have two kinds...make sure you get the wider one. It is wider by about 5 inches and of course makes all the diff in the world.

No problems towing it behind a 26 foot U-Haul truck. Except the 800 in gas I paid. Wow that sucked.

Hey, Timcos....welcome to "The Land of Opportunity". I know you are glad to be with your bride. You are gonna miss the snow you had out west, and you will wish you didn't have to put up with the humidity, but we are all happy you are through with your move.

$800 for fuel? Yowsa..
Glad you're here. Safely.

rogergodding · 11-16-2007, 07:08 PM

wish I had pics... moved from San Antonio to the DFW area with my 71 fully loaded on a trailer behind a 26' penske rental...... (I'd trailer it).....

**PICKMUP** · 11-16-2007, 11:28 PM

Trailer has brakes, and that really helps stop an "extra" full-sized truck.
I use a dolly as a backup, when my car/truck hauler is down, but I have even added brakes to it for safer stopping.

jrb71c20 · 11-16-2007, 11:40 PM

I used a tow dolly once and watched my car cut across interstate 40 at 55 mph moving out of TN before slamming into the guard rail on the other side of the oncoming lanes...Even though it was probably my own doing, I avoid them now

timcos · 11-17-2007, 07:07 AM

Yes...ChevLoRay...so glad to be here. Cheaper, less crowded, the weather has been impeccable.

I really like the area. No 9000 foot mountains getting in the way of my sun and view. BTW...the mountains are good to look at but I would rather see them in pictures.

sleepyboy · 11-17-2007, 07:49 AM

I had problems with a tow dolly. I agree with getting a trailer.

**special-K** · 11-17-2007, 08:28 AM

Not a whole truck.But,I hauled a frame 1,100 miles on a dolly..Would have been fine if the seller would have told me things were only finger tight.About half way home the rear end locked up because the pinion nut backed off and trashed the ring and pinion.I had to turn it around and tow it backwards with too much toe-in,which was toe-out towing backwards.Needless to say,it was a white knuckle ride with alot of ratchet strap adjustments.And,a trashed pair of tires that I provided.Once home a castle nut fell of the center link while pushing it in my shop.Could have been disasterous.Had I known I would have rented a trailer or brought tools to finish the assembly.

Huck · 11-17-2007, 10:18 AM

Tow dolly +----? Usually no brakes, Usually marginal straps, Usually missing a chain lock down of vehicle to dolly, Always a PITA to back up, and unless you use an additional wire harness to the vehicle, you have no brake lights 15-20 feet behind the dolly but do have a vehicle there--maybe!! A decent flat bed has MANY additional uses investment wise. A tow bar is ok but you still need either a wireing harness to connect to the vehicle or a set of magnetic trailer lights to stick on the back of the towed vehicle to be legal. Huck

Ackattack · 11-17-2007, 10:32 AM

I towed both my 68 chevy and 72 chevy home with tow dollies. Didn't have a problem with the 68, but the 72 didn't fit well on the dolley. The one strap kept popping off the tire, and the bumper ripped a hole in the plastic fender, and on sharp turns the plastic fender would hit the truck's fender.

Get the trailer.

scooter122983 · 11-17-2007, 11:19 AM

Thanks for the input and i went with Uhaul because the price is better with a trailer than budget was with a tow dolly.

**special-K** · 11-17-2007, 12:10 PM

I wish I had.The money saved on a new rear would have more than paid for the trailer and alot of my gas.

ksucatz · 11-17-2007, 02:31 PM

I hauled the '68 from NC back to KS on the trailer. A lot less to worry about for that long of a haul. No wear on the tires. The rear tires did overhang the sides of the trailer by a couple inches. Was not aware of a the wider one. Thanks timcos, I will try to remember that next time. The best though was when my last job moved me. They just drove my old truck in the back of the moving van. Good luck with your move.

11-16-2007, 11:06 AM	#1
scooter122983 The Man The Myth The Mystery Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 114	Long distance towing with a car dolly I will be moving very soon and I realized that i will have to bite the bullet and instead of driving like i had planned i will now have to tow my 71 lwb. I was thinking of taking the driveshaft out to help out the tranny. Transmission is a Muncie 4 speed. I am not too worried about loss of fluid as i have already thought of it and i do realize that i will have to pull the driveshaft with the truck on the dolly.The tow vehicle will be a 16 foot budget truck. My question is mainly this has anyone towed a lwb with a tow dolly before?

11-16-2007, 11:15 AM	#2
dave3156 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 336	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly I would spend the extra $ and get a trailer. I have used a tow dolly and pulled my 70 Stepside about 40 miles with a Suburban as the tow vehicle. It works but it is alot of weight to pull with a tow dolly. A trailer is alot safer. Last edited by dave3156; 11-16-2007 at 11:15 AM.

11-16-2007, 12:01 PM	#3
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly Pulled my 61 (short bed) on a U-Haul dolly from Sonoma CA to Portland OR with a 2001 Tahoe. No problems, but I think I'd pay for a full trailer next time.

11-16-2007, 12:06 PM	#4
72Levi Active Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: sa tx Posts: 851	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly I would def go with the trailer, just a few dollars more. __________________ 1972 K5 Blazer ALL ORIGINAL paint & engine, A/C, Tilt, 4sp, AM/FM, Tow Hooks, Aux Battery Tray, Tach, Vacuum 2004 FORD FX4 SuperCrew 2005 CTS-V 12 sec family car 2008 Buick Enclave AWD, Nav, & DVD, Wife LOVES it!

11-16-2007, 01:35 PM	#5
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly I've done it both ways - the trailer is nicer and remember, it's not a sports car and if you're running 80 with it... well... just imagine it's your family in the car beside or in front of you. I always stay away from the rentals on the highway because, for the most part, they aren't used to them. They all go faster than they should so just be careful... I'll get down off my soap box now. Enjoy your trip and don't get too distracted by all the thumbs ups! __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew!

11-16-2007, 04:07 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly I would spend a little more, and buy my own tow bar. been there, done it, and I got to use the tow bar time and time again after the move was done and over.

11-16-2007, 04:25 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly a tow dollie is fine, but next time you need to drag your truck.. be it a move, broke down, or buying another one or even a parts truck... you'll have to go rent it again, then you'll have to lie to U-haul and all kinda of BS, when you can just toss the tow bar you won un the garage, or if you live in an apartment, you can put it under your bed in the box or something... and it's there when you need it. No need to get license plates for it, no need to have insurance on it, it's there out of the way forever.

11-16-2007, 04:49 PM	#9
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly I just moved my 72 SWB K10 1500 miles from Utah to Arkansas on a U-Haul Auto Transport. They have two kinds...make sure you get the wider one. It is wider by about 5 inches and of course makes all the diff in the world. No problems towing it behind a 26 foot U-Haul truck. Except the 800 in gas I paid. Wow that sucked. __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004) Last edited by timcos; 11-16-2007 at 04:53 PM.

11-16-2007, 05:22 PM	#10
imholte Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 123	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly I have used both and felt alot more secure with the truck on the trailer than being on a dolly, less wear on the tires too. __________________ 72' Custom10 4wd 350: Daily Driver

11-16-2007, 07:08 PM	#12
rogergodding Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sachse, Texas Posts: 614	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly wish I had pics... moved from San Antonio to the DFW area with my 71 fully loaded on a trailer behind a 26' penske rental...... (I'd trailer it).....

11-16-2007, 11:28 PM	#13
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,123	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly Trailer has brakes, and that really helps stop an "extra" full-sized truck. I use a dolly as a backup, when my car/truck hauler is down, but I have even added brakes to it for safer stopping.

11-16-2007, 11:40 PM	#14
jrb71c20 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Claremore, OK Posts: 486	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly I used a tow dolly once and watched my car cut across interstate 40 at 55 mph moving out of TN before slamming into the guard rail on the other side of the oncoming lanes...Even though it was probably my own doing, I avoid them now __________________ 93 Sonoma 2.8/5spd 75 Malibu Classic 350/350 If it don't have round headlights and a carb, I don't trust it!

11-17-2007, 07:07 AM	#15
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly Yes...ChevLoRay...so glad to be here. Cheaper, less crowded, the weather has been impeccable. I really like the area. No 9000 foot mountains getting in the way of my sun and view. BTW...the mountains are good to look at but I would rather see them in pictures. __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004)

11-17-2007, 07:49 AM	#16
sleepyboy '69 Step Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Marion, Texas Posts: 722	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly I had problems with a tow dolly. I agree with getting a trailer. __________________ It's my truck, and Yes, I CUT the dash, so what??

11-17-2007, 08:28 AM	#17
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly Not a whole truck.But,I hauled a frame 1,100 miles on a dolly..Would have been fine if the seller would have told me things were only finger tight.About half way home the rear end locked up because the pinion nut backed off and trashed the ring and pinion.I had to turn it around and tow it backwards with too much toe-in,which was toe-out towing backwards.Needless to say,it was a white knuckle ride with alot of ratchet strap adjustments.And,a trashed pair of tires that I provided.Once home a castle nut fell of the center link while pushing it in my shop.Could have been disasterous.Had I known I would have rented a trailer or brought tools to finish the assembly. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 11-17-2007 at 08:30 AM.



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11-17-2007, 10:18 AM	#18
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly Tow dolly +----? Usually no brakes, Usually marginal straps, Usually missing a chain lock down of vehicle to dolly, Always a PITA to back up, and unless you use an additional wire harness to the vehicle, you have no brake lights 15-20 feet behind the dolly but do have a vehicle there--maybe!! A decent flat bed has MANY additional uses investment wise. A tow bar is ok but you still need either a wireing harness to connect to the vehicle or a set of magnetic trailer lights to stick on the back of the towed vehicle to be legal. Huck

11-17-2007, 10:32 AM	#19
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly I towed both my 68 chevy and 72 chevy home with tow dollies. Didn't have a problem with the 68, but the 72 didn't fit well on the dolley. The one strap kept popping off the tire, and the bumper ripped a hole in the plastic fender, and on sharp turns the plastic fender would hit the truck's fender. Get the trailer. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

11-17-2007, 11:19 AM	#20
scooter122983 The Man The Myth The Mystery Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 114	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly Thanks for the input and i went with Uhaul because the price is better with a trailer than budget was with a tow dolly.

11-17-2007, 12:10 PM	#21
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly I wish I had.The money saved on a new rear would have more than paid for the trailer and alot of my gas. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-17-2007, 02:31 PM	#22
ksucatz Suppose to be workin........ Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Shawnee, KS USA Posts: 164	Re: Long distance towing with a car dolly I hauled the '68 from NC back to KS on the trailer. A lot less to worry about for that long of a haul. No wear on the tires. The rear tires did overhang the sides of the trailer by a couple inches. Was not aware of a the wider one. Thanks timcos, I will try to remember that next time. The best though was when my last job moved me. They just drove my old truck in the back of the moving van. Good luck with your move. Attached Images __________________ Brent '68 C10 '70 C10 '72 LeMans "03 Trailblazer "Stupidity is like a skill, some are born with it and some develop it over a period of time."" Author unknown

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