towing 4x4 on tow dolly

[vardenafil]

I need to tow my non-operational k20 to the dmv for inspection so that i can register it and get a title in my name. If i drop the drive shaft can i tow the truck in town. i would be using the small dolly from uhaul. i just need to get it like 3 or 4 miles down the road for a quick inspection.

[72 tigger]

That will work fine
Don’t have a friend with a trailer?

[57taskforce]

If it’s got a 205 transfer case, for that short of a distance I would just put the case in neutral and not worry about the shaft.

[68bowtie]

Where are you located?

[Bigdav160]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

If it’s got a 205 transfer case, for that short of a distance I would just put the case in neutral and not worry about the shaft.

If the OP is worried about TC lubrication just start the engine and put the transmission in gear leaving the TC in neutral. It's just 3-4 miles. Or unlock the hubs and put the vehicle on the dolly backwards (I don't know if that's possible)

Our "inspections" the brakes have to be tested so they have to drive. I guess you could do that with just the front driveshaft. I recently lost a rear u-joint and drove for 2 weeks in front wheel drive mode.

[Seanext]

I had to move my K10 to the muffler shop for a whole new system. I have 33" on it and it was almost to wide as the tires were hanging over the pads on the dolly. I am only about 5 miles from the shop and that was about all I would want to haul it. I would measure the width of the truck and make sure it will fit on the dolly before you lay your money down.

[LS short box]

Not saying you shouldn't use a tow dolly but make you don't get some where you have to back up. I car buddy of mine used one and said they really suck to back up.

[72SB]

just drop DS. Its going to take a good push to get a non running truck up on dolly. FWIW I had no problems backing up using a uhaul dolly. YMMV

[CKfan]

I was in a similar situation.....except it involved reassembly to go to DMV.
INSTEAD:
I paid a "mobile Vin Verifier" to come to my house and do the inspection on my 4x4 to avoid the DMV at all cost (which was actually pretty cheap). They have different pricing depending on what you want to do. Vin only, weight cert, transfer and title and non-op options. Worth it!

They fill out the forms you need and can even do all the paper work including the weight (scale) certificate which CA will require to get title (for out of state vehicles or out of system). Having done this a few times.... I would never go to the DMV again. Different DMV employees will all give different requirements to you. Very frustrating.

The Vin Verifier will also check for any other related fees or outstanding parking tickets etc. The one I used covers a large area of so cal but there are many to chose from around the state.

Good luck

[MusicMan70]

This ^^^ from CKfan

[72SB]

ABSOLUTELY do NOT go to DMV in CA for out of state car registration. Use AAA. I was in/out in 20 min at AAA. Got the weight cert at a local certified recycle place scale. AAA guy did look at truck to verify #'s. Could have cared less on declared purchase price....which of course was $1500

[vardenafil]

Thanks for the suggestions. Im going to try to do the mobile vin verification thing. I still need to figure out how to get the truck weighed. Hopefully I can find an owner's manual or something like an official brochure with the weight in it and do a statement of facts with the dmv. The truck does run it has front brakes. the brakes seem inadequate to drive around town as is.

[72SB]

DMV, or AAA, is going to require a certified weight document. If truck runs you can trailer it to a certified place, pull it off trailer to scale then put it back on trailer. Some truck stops the CHP will do it but IMHO use a private one like a recycling place.

Place I used was in Northridge/Chatsworth, CA

Maybe a moble VIN guy can do it if he has certification to do it using a scale under each tire then add the total if that is a service they can provide. You would have to ask

You will also have to pay for commercial plates unless you have a camper shell on truck...yeah its a CA thing

[PaulJG]

One certified weight place allowed me to trailer vehicle on scale..drop vehicle back home and weight tow vehicle/trailer for difference.