Need Towing Advice

[rjpastor]

I'm moving to Arizona from California. The move isn't too bad, but it's about a 6 hr. drive at 75mph +. I've been trying to sell my Jimmy rather than hassle trying to move it, but I'm not getting too many nibbles. I'm going to use a rental truck to move and was going to trailer the Jimmy behind it, but the rental companies say it's too big for their trailers. I don't have one of my own and couldn't tow it with my Dakota anyhow, so I'm down to flat towing it behind the rental truck. What do I need to do to tow it without f ing up the drive train? The front driveshaft is out already and I've got hubs up front, what else do I need?

 

[tRustyK5]

Unbolt rear driveshaft from rear diff and hang the end securely up and out of the way. You'll obviously need a good tow bar which you should be able to rent from the same rental company.

I built a custom lighting harness using a flat 4 set up and some spade connectors at the other end. I run it down the frame and unplugged the tail-lights, then plugged in the spade connectors so I had brake/turn, and running lights. Saved having to add some hokey magnetic lights or any of that crap.

Do check state regs for max trailer weight without trailer brakes. Being hooked to a towbar means your K5 is now considered a trailer. Some states say anything over 3000 lbs and you need trailer brakes.

Personally I'd just drive it if it's mobile at all. Likely be cheaper and less hassle in the long run.

Rene

 

[4xcrazy]

as previously mentioned, disconnect the driveshaft from the rear diff, i would use someything to tie the driveshaft with forward tension though to keep it from sliding out of the transfer case (almost had this happen to me) then tie up the rear, or just find something to plug the transfer case to keep fluid from leaking out while driving, like empty out what you can, and maybe secure one of those heavy duty rubber gloves around the output really good, as some will still try to leak out from forward movement and whatnot.

I used a tow bar to tow my '78 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham from San Diego to Phoenix several years back, that car is nearly as heavy as my Suburban, and i towed it with that. Used those magnetic trailer lights and had a sign in the back window that read "IN TOW".

did not have any issues with law enforcement, obviously pulling something that heavy, you really need to lengthen your stopping distance (seriously)

don't forget to unhook the battery and turn the key to the "unlock" position so the front tires can turn when you go around corners, otherwise things will get alittle interesting.

also thinkin that someplace like RSC of heavier equipment rental company should have larger trailers for equipment and larger vehicles that U-Haul or Ryder can't handle, not sure if they do one-way rentals though.

 

[rjpastor]

I've considered driving it, but the idea of driving 400 miles across the desert at 55 mph w/o a gas gauge, speedometer, on mud terrains with no a/c isn't all that appealing, plus I have to drive the rental truck. I'm not too worried about law enforcement, I still have my "get out of jail free" id card - works most of the time.

I appreciate all the info.

 

[4xcrazy]

well just remember, that until you exit California, you ARE limited to 55 mph (legally) anyways, as you are towing a vehicle behind the moving van, it's considered a trailer there.

They really shouldn't bother you here in Arizona, as long as you aren't doing anything stupid, and you at least have taillights on it, like i mentioned with the magnetic trailer (temporary) lights.

 

[Big Blzn]

Equipment rental companies don't rent one way. I know as I work for one of them. Is it possible to buy a used trailer and use it in AZ or just sell it after the move?

 

[xCaliK5x]

I have a buddy who owns a car hauling company. He brought my K5 down from San Jose to SoCal, he makes a weekley AZ run, send me an IM if you want his contact info. You may be surprised at how much it will be compared to renting a trailer or messing with it.

 

[rjpastor]

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