best way to tow a dually home? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mschm22 · 07-13-2009, 06:50 PM

I'm buying a 77 crew cab dually off someone who lives about 80miles from my house. I have a 2002 2500HD Silverado and a eighteen foot long flat bed trailer that is 6'10'' wide. The trailer is dual axle with brakes although I don't have a brake controller in my truck. Is it possible to bring it home on the trailer? I'm looking into getting a brake controller before hand. The 77 needs brake work which is why I'd like to tow it home. Will the truck even fit on the trailer safely? should I rent a different trailer? Buying the truck this weekend so help is need asap.

How should I do this guys?

:

Pyrotechnic · 07-13-2009, 07:03 PM

Don't know the dimensions on a dually but I have seen people remove the outer two wheels on the rear to get it on a normal car trailer.

ghettoluxury · 07-13-2009, 07:34 PM

18 foot is not long enough

powerdriver 1958 · 07-13-2009, 07:47 PM

my old 76 4 door 3/4 was 21 feet long bumper to bumper,but don't remember what the front bumper to rear axle measurement was

babyJay · 07-13-2009, 08:17 PM

Can you pull the driveshaft and put it on a regular tow dolley? I just pulled a 90 Chevy truck home 170 miles this way. I used a 92 Dodge 250 van with a 318.

cochino12 · 07-13-2009, 08:31 PM

call AAA and buy a years service for $110, you get four tows a year so you will have extra if your old truck craps on you later. Just my $.02

babyJay · 07-13-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyJay

Can you pull the driveshaft and put it on a regular tow dolley? I just pulled a 90 Chevy truck home 170 miles this way. I used a 92 Dodge 250 van with a 318.

Forgot to mention, don't forget to tow in 3rd, do not use overdrive.

**N2TRUX** · 07-13-2009, 08:36 PM

You need to do some measuring. I don't think it's going to fit width or length.

Adams74Chevy · 07-13-2009, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyJay

Can you pull the driveshaft and put it on a regular tow dolley? I just pulled a 90 Chevy truck home 170 miles this way. I used a 92 Dodge 250 van with a 318.

Car dolly maybe a no go, my '74 K20 with stock wheels and tires couldn't get the wheel strap/webs over them. Find a buddy who has an equipment trailer for a backhoe or similar loads. And good luck I am always worried when I have to trailer/tow.

jeffspower · 07-13-2009, 08:55 PM

That's a whole lotta truck for a typical 18 ft. bumper hitch trailer. I don't think you would need to worry about the duals clearing the trailer fenders- the front wheels will be off the front edge of the trailer before the duals hit the fenders.

The trailer would need to have a 2-5/16" ball and trailer tires (not car tires) if they are just 15 inchers on 3,500 lb axles before I would do it. And then I'd be thinking about my route/ surfaces/ hills etc. It could get out of control very easy. Been there done that and got lucky once.

Better to find a bigger trailer.

babyJay · 07-13-2009, 09:27 PM

What's wrong with the brakes, maybe easier to fix than a wreck on the highway.

72freak · 07-13-2009, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

Don't know the dimensions on a dually but I have seen people remove the outer two wheels on the rear to get it on a normal car trailer.

YEP...THAT WORKS FINE AND AN 18FT TRAILER SHOULD DO THE JOB.

DRIVE SLOW AND CAREFULL...NO TRAILER BRAKES HAVE FLAT SPOTTED SEVERAL SETS OF GOOD TIRES BEFORE i GOT WISE AND PUT BRAKE CONTROLLERS ON EVERYTHING I HAVE.

**old Rusty C10** · 07-13-2009, 09:38 PM

years back i towed a one ton home on a uhaul dolly. they say it wont fit but it will.. so dont tell them what youre hauling.. i did mine with no motor trans or nose but ive also been able to get a regular c10 on there with no problems

GM72K10 · 07-13-2009, 09:46 PM

Here's my dually when I brought it home. A 4 door dually would not have fit on the trailer I used. You might need a truck with a wheel lift to bring that home.

b454rat · 07-13-2009, 10:19 PM

Use a tow bar. I towed a 2wd crew cab dually no motor/tranny 200 miles, only problem I had was taking tight turns, the dually tires would turn the other way from no weight on the nose.

mschm22 · 07-13-2009, 10:29 PM

Thanks for all the replies. Some good ideas I see. I'm going to check on the AAA membership. I used to have that back a few years ago. If I remember right they will tow it for free for the first 50 miles. Then they charge you per mile over that. Also I may just try and fix the brakes and drive her back. The drivers side caliper is seized up. And the windshield is spider cracked. Hate to get a ticket for that. Don't know anyone with heavy equipment trailer. I'll keep you posted on what I end up going with. My 1972 C10 LB was a pretty tight fit on my trailer if I remember so I'm thinking that option is out of the question.

Dooley · 07-13-2009, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mschm22

I'm buying a 77 crew cab dually off someone who lives about 80miles from my house. I have a 2002 2500HD Silverado and a eighteen foot long flat bed trailer that is 6'10'' wide. The trailer is dual axle with brakes although I don't have a brake controller in my truck. Is it possible to bring it home on the trailer? I'm looking into getting a brake controller before hand. The 77 needs brake work which is why I'd like to tow it home. Will the truck even fit on the trailer safely? should I rent a different trailer? Buying the truck this weekend so help is need asap.

How should I do this guys?

:

The overall length should be 20.369166' long,(244.43").
The wheelbase is 164.5,(13.708333').

83burban · 07-13-2009, 11:31 PM

Check all the AAA options. I have 100 miles free and 3 tows a year plus the trailer coverage. Best preventative maintenance you can get for an older car in my opinion.

**old Rusty C10** · 07-14-2009, 08:32 AM

getting a caliper and putting it in should be cheaper than the tow job..., and if you have to fix the windshield before you get it inspected id just have it fixed up there and drive it in... some places have mobile glass shops for no extra money and they come to where the truck is and fix it

dan76 · 07-14-2009, 09:45 AM

Tow dollies are usually limited to a 77" front wheel track. If I recall, this truck is about 80" wide at the front wheels. I'd fix the truck sufficiently to make it safe and road worthy and drive it.

*JCampbell* · 07-14-2009, 10:16 AM

Don’t be a sissy.

You can do it with a properly rated 18’ trailer.

The thing to consider is that these trucks weigh in at 6300# +/- (IIRC), so make sure the axles are rated for it. Most car trailers run 2 3500# axles, but you still need to factor in trailer weight.

bucket · 07-14-2009, 07:02 PM

i pulled my dually crew cab home on a 16' trailer. i had to remove the outer wheels and the rears were almost at the back edge. i would not recomend it as the rear of the truck hung out so far past the trailer it was hard to get enough tounge weight to prevent trailer sway. i had no engine or tranny though. 18' would have been much better.

MrBeast · 07-15-2009, 12:33 AM

This is my 85 Crew Cab Dually on a 19.5' wrecker bed. Note the back tires are barely on. You can cheat a bit though with your trailer because you can overhang the front a wee bit. I will drag out the tape measure tomorrow if I get a chance and get you a measurement.

I would also suggest that you check with a couple of towing companies in your area, explain to them what you need to do, that it is not an emergency tow, that it could be done when they are slow and they might cut you a break, I do that sort of thing all the time.

Just consider this, paying a couple of hundred bucks to get a pro to move your truck for you will be much less expensive and less of a headache than trying to do it yourself if things go badly.

I do believe Yukon Jack can tell you all about this.

pig rig · 07-15-2009, 01:24 AM

I haul crew cab duallys on my 18' trailer a lot and I dont even pull the out side wheel off I've had to rework where my license plate so I don't run it over when I load it but other then that I have no problems

toomanytoyz · 07-16-2009, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b454rat

Use a tow bar. I towed a 2wd crew cab dually no motor/tranny 200 miles, only problem I had was taking tight turns, the dually tires would turn the other way from no weight on the nose.

Did the Same Thing with a tow bar, As Stated the right Turns were the only Problem..........

Rick

07-13-2009, 06:50 PM	#1
mschm22 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Taylor, MI Posts: 7	best way to tow a dually home? I'm buying a 77 crew cab dually off someone who lives about 80miles from my house. I have a 2002 2500HD Silverado and a eighteen foot long flat bed trailer that is 6'10'' wide. The trailer is dual axle with brakes although I don't have a brake controller in my truck. Is it possible to bring it home on the trailer? I'm looking into getting a brake controller before hand. The 77 needs brake work which is why I'd like to tow it home. Will the truck even fit on the trailer safely? should I rent a different trailer? Buying the truck this weekend so help is need asap. How should I do this guys?:

07-13-2009, 07:03 PM	#2
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: best way to tow a dually home? Don't know the dimensions on a dually but I have seen people remove the outer two wheels on the rear to get it on a normal car trailer. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande Last edited by Pyrotechnic; 07-13-2009 at 07:03 PM.

07-13-2009, 07:34 PM	#3
ghettoluxury Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Waynesfield Ohio Posts: 1,991	Re: best way to tow a dually home? 18 foot is not long enough __________________ 1949 Five Window, 1973 Step Side, 2000 Z71

07-13-2009, 07:47 PM	#4
powerdriver 1958 Kid's Mechanic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 8,241	Re: best way to tow a dually home? my old 76 4 door 3/4 was 21 feet long bumper to bumper,but don't remember what the front bumper to rear axle measurement was

07-13-2009, 08:17 PM	#5
babyJay Arrived on a Pale Horse Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SnagTown Indiana Posts: 2,524	Re: best way to tow a dually home? Can you pull the driveshaft and put it on a regular tow dolley? I just pulled a 90 Chevy truck home 170 miles this way. I used a 92 Dodge 250 van with a 318. __________________ Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW

07-13-2009, 08:31 PM	#6
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	Re: best way to tow a dually home? call AAA and buy a years service for $110, you get four tows a year so you will have extra if your old truck craps on you later. Just my $.02 __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

07-13-2009, 08:36 PM	#8
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: best way to tow a dually home? You need to do some measuring. I don't think it's going to fit width or length. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

07-13-2009, 08:55 PM	#10
jeffspower Well, Whoop-dee-do! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Easton, Mo. pop.- me & scarcely a few others Posts: 2,302	Re: best way to tow a dually home? That's a whole lotta truck for a typical 18 ft. bumper hitch trailer. I don't think you would need to worry about the duals clearing the trailer fenders- the front wheels will be off the front edge of the trailer before the duals hit the fenders. The trailer would need to have a 2-5/16" ball and trailer tires (not car tires) if they are just 15 inchers on 3,500 lb axles before I would do it. And then I'd be thinking about my route/ surfaces/ hills etc. It could get out of control very easy. Been there done that and got lucky once. Better to find a bigger trailer. __________________ '68 GMC shortbox 4x4 350/SM465/T221- bought it in '83 SOLD '72 K20 500 Cad/TH400/NP205 SOLD '92 Chevy 2500 6.5 mech TD 4L80E crusty daily driver '72 Monte Carlo... sweet low mile toy '11 Dodge Challenger IE 392 6spd... midlife car

07-13-2009, 09:27 PM	#11
babyJay Arrived on a Pale Horse Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SnagTown Indiana Posts: 2,524	Re: best way to tow a dually home? What's wrong with the brakes, maybe easier to fix than a wreck on the highway. __________________ Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW

07-13-2009, 09:38 PM	#13
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,313	Re: best way to tow a dually home? years back i towed a one ton home on a uhaul dolly. they say it wont fit but it will.. so dont tell them what youre hauling.. i did mine with no motor trans or nose but ive also been able to get a regular c10 on there with no problems __________________ 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!!

07-13-2009, 09:46 PM	#14
GM72K10 Next! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Eastern Pa. Posts: 2,483	Re: best way to tow a dually home? Here's my dually when I brought it home. A 4 door dually would not have fit on the trailer I used. You might need a truck with a wheel lift to bring that home. Attached Images __________________ 86 K30 CUCV M1028A1 86 K30 CUCV M1028a2 dually 86 K30 C&C 6.2 4:56s, 4M, 11,000 gvw, ex fire truck, now lowboy dump More square bodies and CUCVs than I care to admit to 2020 Silverado K3500HD Work truck

07-13-2009, 10:19 PM	#15
b454rat Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 3,469	Re: best way to tow a dually home? Use a tow bar. I towed a 2wd crew cab dually no motor/tranny 200 miles, only problem I had was taking tight turns, the dually tires would turn the other way from no weight on the nose. __________________ 2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6” lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 4” SAS 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 6" SAS

07-13-2009, 10:29 PM	#16
mschm22 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Taylor, MI Posts: 7	Re: best way to tow a dually home? Thanks for all the replies. Some good ideas I see. I'm going to check on the AAA membership. I used to have that back a few years ago. If I remember right they will tow it for free for the first 50 miles. Then they charge you per mile over that. Also I may just try and fix the brakes and drive her back. The drivers side caliper is seized up. And the windshield is spider cracked. Hate to get a ticket for that. Don't know anyone with heavy equipment trailer. I'll keep you posted on what I end up going with. My 1972 C10 LB was a pretty tight fit on my trailer if I remember so I'm thinking that option is out of the question.

07-13-2009, 11:31 PM	#18
83burban Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: la Posts: 345	Re: best way to tow a dually home? Check all the AAA options. I have 100 miles free and 3 tows a year plus the trailer coverage. Best preventative maintenance you can get for an older car in my opinion.

07-14-2009, 08:32 AM	#19
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,313	Re: best way to tow a dually home? getting a caliper and putting it in should be cheaper than the tow job..., and if you have to fix the windshield before you get it inspected id just have it fixed up there and drive it in... some places have mobile glass shops for no extra money and they come to where the truck is and fix it __________________ 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!!



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07-14-2009, 09:45 AM	#20
dan76 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Salt Lake City UT Posts: 441	Re: best way to tow a dually home? Tow dollies are usually limited to a 77" front wheel track. If I recall, this truck is about 80" wide at the front wheels. I'd fix the truck sufficiently to make it safe and road worthy and drive it.

07-14-2009, 10:16 AM	#21
JCampbell Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hesperia, Ca Posts: 1,332	Re: best way to tow a dually home? Don’t be a sissy. You can do it with a properly rated 18’ trailer. The thing to consider is that these trucks weigh in at 6300# +/- (IIRC), so make sure the axles are rated for it. Most car trailers run 2 3500# axles, but you still need to factor in trailer weight.

07-14-2009, 07:02 PM	#22
bucket Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 923	Re: best way to tow a dually home? i pulled my dually crew cab home on a 16' trailer. i had to remove the outer wheels and the rears were almost at the back edge. i would not recomend it as the rear of the truck hung out so far past the trailer it was hard to get enough tounge weight to prevent trailer sway. i had no engine or tranny though. 18' would have been much better. __________________ 79 K10 77 MGB 79 Kawasaki KZ1000

07-15-2009, 12:33 AM	#23
MrBeast high-Tech Red Neck Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Livingston, MT/On my boat WA/BC/AK Posts: 2,294	Re: best way to tow a dually home? This is my 85 Crew Cab Dually on a 19.5' wrecker bed. Note the back tires are barely on. You can cheat a bit though with your trailer because you can overhang the front a wee bit. I will drag out the tape measure tomorrow if I get a chance and get you a measurement. I would also suggest that you check with a couple of towing companies in your area, explain to them what you need to do, that it is not an emergency tow, that it could be done when they are slow and they might cut you a break, I do that sort of thing all the time. Just consider this, paying a couple of hundred bucks to get a pro to move your truck for you will be much less expensive and less of a headache than trying to do it yourself if things go badly. I do believe Yukon Jack can tell you all about this. __________________ "He used to be a pretty nice feller, now he's a welder!"

07-15-2009, 01:24 AM	#24
pig rig Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: washington the state Posts: 730	Re: best way to tow a dually home? I haul crew cab duallys on my 18' trailer a lot and I dont even pull the out side wheel off I've had to rework where my license plate so I don't run it over when I load it but other then that I have no problems __________________ my sports car rolls on six wheels only because I'm to fat to get in and out of new corvette http://hubgarage.s3.amazonaws.com/ph...ped_detail.JPG

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