Will this work for my my k10

[nickp51chevy]

So I need to tow my '71 k10 because the engine is broke and I'm taking the truck to a shop. My question is will this tow bar work for my truck and what do I have to to do my truck to use it.

Thanks guys.

[haminator]

I'm going to guess remove the bumper and mount to the frame. Remember to remove rear drive shaft if it's an auto trans.

[nickp51chevy]

what about the front axle?

[rwolf9653]

It is safest to remove both driveshafts.
Make sure that your tow rig is heavier than the truck that your pulling, otherwise it can get squirley on you.

[69GMCLonghorn]

If your front hubs aren't locked and the xfer case is in neutral, you shouldn't need to d/c the front shaft. And honestly, if you're not going very far, I wouldn't bother with the rear one either. If it's more than a couple miles or so, then maybe it's worth it.

[nickp51chevy]

I"m going to be pulling it with my '88. I won't be going very fast.

[haminator]

Originally Posted by 69GMCLonghorn

If your front hubs aren't locked and the xfer case is in neutral, you shouldn't need to d/c the front shaft. And honestly, if you're not going very far, I wouldn't bother with the rear one either. If it's more than a couple miles or so, then maybe it's worth it.

Yea I wouldn't pull the drive shaft either if it's not going far. I just figured if it's not far he would tow it with a strap or chain.

[nickp51chevy]

I think I'll be going only 5 miles max. I don't want to use a strap or chain because I don't want to risk the trucks running into each other.

[msgross]

ask and we shall receive... I did the same thing with my K-10. I used a piece of flat 1/8" stock to span the frame and connect all four bolts on the tow bar. The outer two bolts attached tothe hole on the frame, or bumper bolt for you. Also hook up a few safety chains just in case, no issues...

[Longhorn Man]

I have towed many many many miles with a tow bar. Everything from S-10 sized trucks, to my one ton longhorn to 70 ton M1 tanks. Never once had an accident nor broke a tow bar (except one that was not built right, broke the welds on the knuckles) You can tow a heavy vehicle with a lighter one, it just ups the skill level. I towed my one ton 450 miles with a K/5 blazer, and the 70 ton tanks I mentioned, I towed with a 56 ton recovery vehicle. It CAN be done.



If your bumper is worth having, you'll probably want to remove it. I damaged it on 2 of my trucks with a tow bar.

Don't forget chains.
If your mounts don't bolt up to the frame horns, you'll want to use a piece of flat stock (or an old bumper) to bolt up to.

You'll want to make large wide turns. If the dead truck has huge tires on the front, put some small ones on if possible. Hace someone follow you in another vehicle since you won't have brake lights on the dead truck. Learn how your rig stops with an extra 2 tons pushing it, and try not to use the brakes in turns, esp tight turns. If you are in a tighter turn and you feel the dead truck pushing you... as in trying to jack knife you, then stab the throttle... it helps.

Don't be stupid, use common sence and everything will be fine. This was the normal way to tow cars 40 years ago.

[nickp51chevy]

Thanks for your input guys. I feel better about using one now.

[eric67m]

Nick,

Do you own the one that you have a picture of? I have one that came with an old truck and attaches to the front bumper (by drilling holes in it) and bolting to it. You are welcome to borrow it and modify the brackets to bolt on to a frame or whatever. It has been sitting beside my garage for the last 3 years. PM me if you are interested.

Eric

[Critter]

...

[Critter]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

I have towed many many many miles with a tow bar. Everything from S-10 sized trucks, to my one ton longhorn to 70 ton M1 tanks. Never once had an accident nor broke a tow bar (except one that was not built right, broke the welds on the knuckles) You can tow a heavy vehicle with a lighter one, it just ups the skill level. I towed my one ton 450 miles with a K/5 blazer, and the 70 ton tanks I mentioned, I towed with a 56 ton recovery vehicle. It CAN be done.



If your bumper is worth having, you'll probably want to remove it. I damaged it on 2 of my trucks with a tow bar.

Don't forget chains.
If your mounts don't bolt up to the frame horns, you'll want to use a piece of flat stock (or an old bumper) to bolt up to.

You'll want to make large wide turns. If the dead truck has huge tires on the front, put some small ones on if possible. Hace someone follow you in another vehicle since you won't have brake lights on the dead truck. Learn how your rig stops with an extra 2 tons pushing it, and try not to use the brakes in turns, esp tight turns. If you are in a tighter turn and you feel the dead truck pushing you... as in trying to jack knife you, then stab the throttle... it helps.

Don't be stupid, use common sence and everything will be fine. This was the normal way to tow cars 40 years ago.

Who has the foresight to take a bunch of close-up pictures of random vehicles they have towed with tow bars over the year??? I'm amazed and impressed as usual, Andy.

I can see the folder list on the computer now...

My Documents:
____Pictures
_______Trucks
__________Towing
_____________Chains
_____________Towbars
_____________Rope
_____________Trailer
_____________Bungee Cords
_____________Old fan belts
_____________Boot laces

Seriously, you are an amazing dude!

[nickp51chevy]

eric67m, PM sent.

[Longhorn Man]

lol... boot laces? Even I haven't done that...


yet

[eric67m]

Quick pictures this morning. Its tubular, flame cut hole on the back end. Fully welded. Angle brackets that attached to the bumper(you can modify all you want). It is yours to borrow if you are interested. Also pm sent back. I will call you tonight. To many board members have helped me out. I need to give back to the system (karma).