transport woes - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

robby · 07-02-2003, 08:31 PM

I have a problem that you might be able to help with. I have bought another junker parts truck. The problem is that it is 50 miles away over a mountain pass and my 70 is not really tough enough to pull it on a trailer that far. I once used a tow bar that Uhaul rents that would clamp to the bumper. I think the 70 would do that. They say they don't have them anymore-who does? It is a GMC K10 with no motor. What do you suggest?

JimKshortstep4x4 · 07-02-2003, 08:38 PM

Have you tried to rent a tow dolly?

That might work for you.

Jim

wild4wheels · 07-02-2003, 10:20 PM

Actually, I ran into the same problem awhile back. tow dolly as JimK suggested or you may get lucky and find a Ryder dealer that will rent you a trailer without having to rent a truck. They are really nice..made out of all aluminum, so they are really light and have a tilt bed on them with a full size ramp. I have done it a few times, but don't even try calling their 800 number-they will just tell you "no" You may also want to try a "rent all" or a United Rental..the may have a tow bar for rent, dolly or aluminum trailer as well.

robby · 07-02-2003, 11:10 PM

Are the tow dollys wide enough? It is a 4x4.

**old Rusty C10** · 07-02-2003, 11:29 PM

tow dollies are wide enough and they are usually somewhat adjustable the problem is the rental places usually want the towed vehicle to be registered too so ya may have to tell em youre towing something else ya have a reggie for

Longhorn Man · 07-03-2003, 03:45 PM

A tow bar only costs 100 bucks at wall mart in the RV section right by the auto parts.

robby · 07-03-2003, 08:10 PM

Is it the kind you clamp on the bumper? or does it require welding?

Longhorn Man · 07-03-2003, 08:28 PM

Per instructions, you drill holes in the bumper and bolt it to the bumper.
I remove the bumper all together and bolt it directly to the frame.
I have one and towed my SWB GMC from Tx to Ohio, and then I towed the One tone Longhorn from eastern PA to Central Ohio.
Not to mention the dozen or so local deals I have done.

Longhorn Man · 07-03-2003, 08:28 PM

This was before I realized the leaving the bumper on will result in a messed up bumper.

**NGN** · 07-03-2003, 11:37 PM

I was wondering if the truck front end without a motor would be to lite to tow with a tow bar. Never used one before just curious and of course thinking safety.

Longhorn Man · 07-04-2003, 12:22 AM

The lighter the better.

jay6891 · 07-04-2003, 09:42 AM

I pulled my 68 without and engine and no front clip with a bar and the front tires would not turn when I wanted to and would turn sharply to the right or left when going straight. I think I had to stop about 4 times moving it 10 miles. I figured there wasn't enough weight on it to keep it following. I drive the truck now, haven't had front end alined and has had the same tires on it 4 years.

Longhorn Man · 07-04-2003, 12:25 PM

Interesting.

6869704X4 · 07-04-2003, 01:02 PM

robby,
Not to be insulting but have you thought about brakes? A rental trailer should have brakes. That would help coming down the mountain.

Longhorn Man · 07-04-2003, 01:04 PM

Yikes...I missed the mountian part.
They make some sort of brake set up for cars on tow bars, but I know nothing about them.
Brakes would be a good idea with mountians.

robby · 07-04-2003, 10:03 PM

FYI-on this mountain trip it is steeper going up and pretty gentle coming down, not too worried about stopping. I will go from one valley at 5,000 feet over a pass to mine at 6,000 feet. I have located a tow bar that clamps on from a Mom and Pop rental place. They said that they almost never rent it. I might just wave a C note and see if he will part with it. Might come in handy for my junk excursions. By the way the car hauler I saw at U haul did not have brakes. Thanks

Grim Reaper · 07-04-2003, 10:54 PM

While I understand you motor problem coming UP the mountain I really feel that you would be better off with a trailer coming down. Most rental car trailers have surge brakes. You WILL FRY your brakes if you tow that in the mountains without trailer brakes.
Throw some good gears in like 4.10's and you may not go fast but you will go in the mountains.

robby · 07-05-2003, 10:20 AM

I agree in principle with the mountain comments. In this case I will be fine. I would give the same feedback if I did not know the roads on this particular trip.
Thanks

6869704X4 · 07-05-2003, 11:10 AM

Good luck man. You got more experience in the mountains than I do. The highest one here is 300ft!
You can use a lower gear to help slow you down. Probably something you already know too. Are there places to pull over and let your brakes cool?
Give us a report when you get back.
Also what color blue seatbelts do you need? ie light or dark.

robby · 07-05-2003, 05:27 PM

Not worry my flatlander friends, I can coast all the way down. I won't need to touch the brakes unless a deer or antelope runs in front of me. This is open range and you can see for miles. Real gentle on the wayback down. I'll be O.K. really I will. It sure is swell for you guys to be concerned though-gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling! For the seatbelts the glove box says Medium Blue.
Thanks

6869704X4 · 07-05-2003, 06:31 PM

I think I got some belts for you. Let me check.

Als454 · 07-06-2003, 12:10 AM

Just a suggestion. If your have access to an "RV dealer" in your area they usually carry just about anything you can think of related to towing.

Longhorn Man · 07-06-2003, 12:50 AM

Going through PA we did have some good down hill streaches, and the blazer we were driving did weigh quite a bit less than the Longhorn pushing us down the hills. It was a little unnearving...but we made it.
BE CAREFULL, and poping it in 2nd gear will do plenty to slow you down.
Don't forget to wire up some lights on the tow vehicle. I ran an extention from the trailer harness plug on the blazer to the tail light harness on the longhorn...worked pretty darned slick.
I actually still have that harness somewhere in the basement.

07-02-2003, 08:31 PM	#1
robby Semper Fidelis Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Cedar City, Utah Posts: 654	transport woes I have a problem that you might be able to help with. I have bought another junker parts truck. The problem is that it is 50 miles away over a mountain pass and my 70 is not really tough enough to pull it on a trailer that far. I once used a tow bar that Uhaul rents that would clamp to the bumper. I think the 70 would do that. They say they don't have them anymore-who does? It is a GMC K10 with no motor. What do you suggest? __________________ 72 Chevy C 20 with 402 For sale 85 GMC K2500 83 Trans Am Cedar City, Utah (Missouri Native)

07-02-2003, 10:20 PM	#3
wild4wheels Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Queen Creek, Arizona Posts: 1,626	Actually, I ran into the same problem awhile back. tow dolly as JimK suggested or you may get lucky and find a Ryder dealer that will rent you a trailer without having to rent a truck. They are really nice..made out of all aluminum, so they are really light and have a tilt bed on them with a full size ramp. I have done it a few times, but don't even try calling their 800 number-they will just tell you "no" You may also want to try a "rent all" or a United Rental..the may have a tow bar for rent, dolly or aluminum trailer as well. __________________ Dave aka "Wild" Current truck "Ida Mae" 71 K5 Blazer Former Trucks "Loretta" 71 Longbed (AZ) "Tanya" 69 Stepside (AZ) "Ferdinand" 71 Longhorn (SD) "Patches" 67 Panel (IA/ KY) "Rosita" 68 C30 (KY) Instagram @Wildforwheels @k5_klub @c10university Profile pic provided by Jeff Sundance

07-02-2003, 11:10 PM	#4
robby Semper Fidelis Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Cedar City, Utah Posts: 654	Are the tow dollys wide enough? It is a 4x4. __________________ 72 Chevy C 20 with 402 For sale 85 GMC K2500 83 Trans Am Cedar City, Utah (Missouri Native) Last edited by robby; 07-03-2003 at 01:01 PM.

07-02-2003, 11:29 PM	#5
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,303	tow dollies are wide enough and they are usually somewhat adjustable the problem is the rental places usually want the towed vehicle to be registered too so ya may have to tell em youre towing something else ya have a reggie for __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

07-03-2003, 08:10 PM	#7
robby Semper Fidelis Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Cedar City, Utah Posts: 654	Is it the kind you clamp on the bumper? or does it require welding? __________________ 72 Chevy C 20 with 402 For sale 85 GMC K2500 83 Trans Am Cedar City, Utah (Missouri Native)

07-02-2003, 08:38 PM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Have you tried to rent a tow dolly? That might work for you. Jim

07-03-2003, 03:45 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	A tow bar only costs 100 bucks at wall mart in the RV section right by the auto parts.

07-03-2003, 08:28 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Per instructions, you drill holes in the bumper and bolt it to the bumper. I remove the bumper all together and bolt it directly to the frame. I have one and towed my SWB GMC from Tx to Ohio, and then I towed the One tone Longhorn from eastern PA to Central Ohio. Not to mention the dozen or so local deals I have done. Attached Images

07-03-2003, 11:37 PM	#10
NGN Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Old Bridge,NJ Posts: 832	Tow bar I was wondering if the truck front end without a motor would be to lite to tow with a tow bar. Never used one before just curious and of course thinking safety.

07-04-2003, 12:22 AM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	The lighter the better.

07-04-2003, 09:42 AM	#12
jay6891 Car Knocker Join Date: May 2001 Location: jefferson,arkansas Posts: 664	I pulled my 68 without and engine and no front clip with a bar and the front tires would not turn when I wanted to and would turn sharply to the right or left when going straight. I think I had to stop about 4 times moving it 10 miles. I figured there wasn't enough weight on it to keep it following. I drive the truck now, haven't had front end alined and has had the same tires on it 4 years. __________________ 68 c-10,91 sportside bed,350 .030 over,4 bolt,10-1 comp,2.05 intake/1.94 exhaust,1.6 Harland Sharp roller rockers,edelbrock rpm cam and intake w/750 carb, 700r4, 3.73 gears,Jacabbs Electronic Igntion w/Accel HEI distributer and super coil. ZR-1 roll pan, filled tailights. Blazer tank. Hidden hitch. 2 1/2" Flowmaster 40's. Parts bought but not installed>> ford 9" posi with disc. CCP front and rear lowering kit 4/5. Cab corners,foor boards,rockers, cab braces, Phatom grill, Painless wiring kit.

07-04-2003, 12:25 PM	#13
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Interesting.

07-04-2003, 01:02 PM	#14
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	robby, Not to be insulting but have you thought about brakes? A rental trailer should have brakes. That would help coming down the mountain. __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

07-04-2003, 01:04 PM	#15
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Yikes...I missed the mountian part. They make some sort of brake set up for cars on tow bars, but I know nothing about them. Brakes would be a good idea with mountians.

07-04-2003, 10:03 PM	#16
robby Semper Fidelis Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Cedar City, Utah Posts: 654	FYI-on this mountain trip it is steeper going up and pretty gentle coming down, not too worried about stopping. I will go from one valley at 5,000 feet over a pass to mine at 6,000 feet. I have located a tow bar that clamps on from a Mom and Pop rental place. They said that they almost never rent it. I might just wave a C note and see if he will part with it. Might come in handy for my junk excursions. By the way the car hauler I saw at U haul did not have brakes. Thanks __________________ 72 Chevy C 20 with 402 For sale 85 GMC K2500 83 Trans Am Cedar City, Utah (Missouri Native) Last edited by robby; 07-04-2003 at 10:10 PM.



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07-04-2003, 10:54 PM	#17
Grim Reaper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,704	While I understand you motor problem coming UP the mountain I really feel that you would be better off with a trailer coming down. Most rental car trailers have surge brakes. You WILL FRY your brakes if you tow that in the mountains without trailer brakes. Throw some good gears in like 4.10's and you may not go fast but you will go in the mountains. __________________ Grim-Reaper 70 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible, worlds longest resto in progress Looking for 71-72 2wd Blazer or Jimmy Project

07-05-2003, 10:20 AM	#18
robby Semper Fidelis Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Cedar City, Utah Posts: 654	I agree in principle with the mountain comments. In this case I will be fine. I would give the same feedback if I did not know the roads on this particular trip. Thanks __________________ 72 Chevy C 20 with 402 For sale 85 GMC K2500 83 Trans Am Cedar City, Utah (Missouri Native)

07-05-2003, 11:10 AM	#19
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	Good luck man. You got more experience in the mountains than I do. The highest one here is 300ft! You can use a lower gear to help slow you down. Probably something you already know too. Are there places to pull over and let your brakes cool? Give us a report when you get back. Also what color blue seatbelts do you need? ie light or dark. __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

07-05-2003, 05:27 PM	#20
robby Semper Fidelis Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Cedar City, Utah Posts: 654	Not worry my flatlander friends, I can coast all the way down. I won't need to touch the brakes unless a deer or antelope runs in front of me. This is open range and you can see for miles. Real gentle on the wayback down. I'll be O.K. really I will. It sure is swell for you guys to be concerned though-gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling! For the seatbelts the glove box says Medium Blue. Thanks __________________ 72 Chevy C 20 with 402 For sale 85 GMC K2500 83 Trans Am Cedar City, Utah (Missouri Native)

07-05-2003, 06:31 PM	#21
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	I think I got some belts for you. Let me check. __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

07-06-2003, 12:10 AM	#22
Als454 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Vienna, Ohio, USA Posts: 259	Just a suggestion. If your have access to an "RV dealer" in your area they usually carry just about anything you can think of related to towing. __________________ 72 Chevy A/C P/B P/S Tilt 454 Engine 400 TCI Trans C30 Frame C10 Suspension Short Wheel Base (Dually)

07-06-2003, 12:50 AM	#23
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Going through PA we did have some good down hill streaches, and the blazer we were driving did weigh quite a bit less than the Longhorn pushing us down the hills. It was a little unnearving...but we made it. BE CAREFULL, and poping it in 2nd gear will do plenty to slow you down. Don't forget to wire up some lights on the tow vehicle. I ran an extention from the trailer harness plug on the blazer to the tail light harness on the longhorn...worked pretty darned slick. I actually still have that harness somewhere in the basement.

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