Towing on a dolly -- which direction?

[dremu]

Is there any benefit to putting my Blazer on the dolly facing forward or backward?

If the front end is on the dolly I can disco the rear driveshaft easily enough. Conversely, if the back end is on the dolly I can just unlock the front hubs.

If I put the back end on the dolly, do I lose any turning ability or the like and do I still need to leave the front end unlocked?

-- A

 

[K85 Octane]

That's a WHOLE LOT of weight for a dolly man.

but if I were to attempt it, front forward, DS disconnected. Keeps everything straighter instead of hoping the front tires are pointed straight and trying to lock the column there.

 

[4xcrazy]

Too much engine weight and steering wheel movement towing backwards. Even though you tie the steering locked, there is still some movement in the front wheels. It'll want to waggle on ya pretty bad just like a trailer would do if heavily loaded in the rear more than the front..

Plus I tried it once, real short distance before I realized it wasn't going to work.

 

[Babaganoosh]

I once did this, left the drive shafts in it and did neutral. Not the smartest move, but it did just fine. Even did a nice rolling burnout. And yes once apon a time my truck did run.

 

[dremu]

Well, I should mention (1) it's a big honkin' dolly with brakes, and I have successfully pulled the Blazer on it, facing forwards. It just occurred to me that unlocking the hubs is easier than thrashing about in the dirt to disco the driveshaft.

Which, apparently, I'll still be doing

-- A

 

[Fordum]

Might want to consider this:
Since I am friends with a guy who owns a wrecker service, I have watched and helped out with a lot of tows.
On a two wheel drive truck, which yours effectively is with the hubs unlocked, standard procedure is to pick it up by the rear wheels, turn the front wheels straight, and either use a strap to tie the steering wheel or the seat belt.

They never depend on the steering lock.
Of course, in the case of front end damage, they either use a roll back flatbed, or pull the driveshaft.
I have seen them tow vehicles over 400 miles at highway speeds with the front wheels on the ground and the steering tied down.

Of course, the rear wheels were locked down securely and the tow vehicle was large enough to control the towed truck.
Not much chance for a wiggle when the rear end won't shift.

 

[Fordum]

Also, I have flat towed a couple of vehicles many miles with everything hooked up. But they had certain drivetrains.
For instance, my Ford, has a C6 auto with a 205 transfer case. I put the transfer case in neutral and the auto in park.
Nothing moves in the tranny, and the gears lube everything in the transfer case as it spins.
At least nothing has burned up yet.

 

[dremu]

Huh, I thought I was supposed to leave the steering unlocked, at least when towing front-first. I figgered it helped with turning.

As mentioned, when towing backwards, keeping the tires perfectly straight would be a bit hairy and would want to scrub, which is bad juju.

-- A

 

[fourxpete]

voice of experience towed a k5 with 12" uhaul trailer behind it from chicago to nashville on a dolly from uhaul with a 78 cc took 15hrs what fun a lot depends on tow vehicle and distance if half ton i would load front first and pull driveshaft just my .02

 

[driney]

I tried towing a friend's Bronco II with the front wheels on the ground. Was OK until we started down a long grade. His steering was loose and started swaying from side to side. We ended up sliding sideways down the road with his front bumper tucked into my quarter panel. Unloaded and put the front wheels on the dolly and dropped the rear driveshaft. It towed much nicer.