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Flat towing a rig

RootBreaker

RootBreaker

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Ok so not sure how to explain... but...

I have a 2013 gmc sierra crew cab on 35's. We go to NC Corolla every year. I would rather take my other truck on the beach than that. YEARS ago.. I am saying YEARS (ok 1991) I had access to a tow bar (which I own now) and it is simple.

you mount this over top the old style bumpers. Wing nuts clamp it down. Then you use the A arm piece to connect to it so it hinges up and down. then ball on other end. worked great for vehicles I purchased and towed home.. say 50 miles...

in Corolla you are not allowed to take trailers. so my question(s)

1. what is the best way to tow a rig 380 miles (what i call flat tow)
2. my sierra has a tow rating of 5300lbs and mudder weighs 6000 !!!!! and sierra is geared with 3:42's - is this a bad idea to tow with?

I am not looking to tow the truck for a few years as I want to get a crew cab, convert, shorten, etc.. then have that for the beach times

just thinking out loud. anyone have any comments to place into my head?
 
1/2 ton + 35" tires + 5300 tow capacity = not gona be fun or safe . you are already under braked with the addition of 35" tires .

3.42 gears gona be a hard work out for it I think .

if any thing find a tow dolly with axle brakes there out there . and then 2 skinny tires for front of the old girl to fit on tow dolly .
 
This sounds like a bad idea.

Wing nut clamps in a stock bumper to haul a 6000lb rig sounds bad.

What it your hitch receiver rated for? Most ball type hitches are rated at 5000lbs.

How much of an angle will the tow bar be at ride height? Any more than a few inches really effects how well braking works. Too far down forward lifts the towed vehicle, too far upward lifts the tow vehicle's rear axle off the ground.

What about brakes? You can't drive 380 miles in any direction in NC without going over a mountain.
Last time I checked the law says you need to have a brake assist when flat towing. There's a contraption out there called a 'Brake Buddy'.

It's not just your safety you need to worry about, it's the safety of the other family's on the road.

If some jerk cuts you off because you are towing too slow and then brake checks you, or something unexpected happens, highway patrol puts you at fault because you are towing improperly or over the limit.


For the cost of it, and for a piece of mind I would consider renting a trailer and unloading your rig before you get there and then drive it in.
 
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