Needing advice - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cfan10 · 07-23-2011, 09:11 AM

I was wondering if uhaul dollies are suitable for a carrying 1/2 ton long distance. What risk do I run doing this, (besides tire wear) can I screw anything up mechanically? Thanks. 295/50/15 on 15x10 wheels
all around.
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notyo_cheez · 07-23-2011, 09:13 AM

Drop the driveshaft if you pull it on a dolly.

cfan10 · 07-23-2011, 09:21 AM

Noob here, lol how to take drive shaft out? Thanks
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njlimbaugh · 07-23-2011, 09:25 AM

Unbolt driveshaft at rear axle (4 bolts on U-Joint), lower rear of shaft enough to clear axle and pull front of shaft out of transmission. Wrap tape around the bearings on the rear of shaft at U-Joint so you don't lose them in transit.

J Knight · 07-23-2011, 10:04 AM

Last time I pulled a square on a tow dolly all I did was unbolt drive shaft, left it in tranny and used a ratchet strap to secure drive shaft and rapt tape around ujoints. Pulled it 250mi with no problems.

pumpgas · 07-23-2011, 10:10 AM

You def can't just pull the drive shaft out cause then the trans fluid will mostly leak out the tail shaft housing. If I was towing with a dolly I would unbolt the shaft at the rear end and secure it very good to the underside of the truck and leave the slip yoke in the trans. Zip ties and duct tape are your best friend on this trip so be sure to bring lots of both.

LONGHAIR · 07-23-2011, 10:52 AM

I can all but guarantee you that U-Haul will not rent a tow dolly to you for the purpose of towing a full-sized pick-up truck. It is too big and too heavy for the equipment that they have.
If you tell them the truth, they will not rent it to you. If you lie to get it and then have a problem on the road.......The liability would be all yours because of the deception in the rental agreement.
I can guarantee you that they inflate the value of the thing and even more for the cost of repairs.

A local U-Haul refused to rent a dolly to my brother for the purpose of towing a '70 Nova, with a 3/4 ton van. It was only going about 5 miles to an exhaust shop and they denied the rental. They claimed that the car was too big/heavy.

rwhit57 · 07-23-2011, 11:20 AM

The tow dollys I have seen wouldn't accommodate the tire size you mentioned. They do have trailers you can rent. that would be your best bet.

*C-10 simplex* · 07-23-2011, 12:27 PM

1) They sell transmission plugs, not at uhaul but at parts stores etc. to prevent fluid from leaking out of the tailshaft when you pull the driveshaft.

2) But why not try towbar towing it?

cfan10 · 07-23-2011, 12:55 PM

Was told they dont have trailers, just dolly...
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Dan1969 · 07-23-2011, 01:02 PM

I towed my old 01 C1500 extended cab with a small car trailer, I told the company it was for my wife's taurus. Towed the thing with the big 20 footer for 550 miles. The poor little trailer was begging and I swear I heard a relief sound when I got the truck off it.

cfan10 · 07-23-2011, 01:19 PM

Was told they dont have trailers, just dolly...
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wyattglock · 07-23-2011, 02:26 PM

How far are you pulling the truck? I have some pictures of the tow bumper I made when I flat towed my crew cab dually from Grand Rapids, MI to Lafayette, IN. I just used the bumper and a Reese towbar, worked pretty good but make sure the tow vehicle weighs more than the towed vehicle.

Dan1969 · 07-23-2011, 02:58 PM

Then use the dolly and tow it slowly. 55mph is a safe and sound speed.

wyattglock · 07-23-2011, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan1969

Then use the dolly and tow it slowly. 55mph is a safe and sound speed.

No matter how you tow it, Dan is right, 55mph is plenty to get you there.

cfan10 · 07-23-2011, 10:19 PM

How far are you pulling the truck? I have some pictures of the tow bumper I made when I flat towed my crew cab dually from Grand Rapids, MI to Lafayette, IN. I just used the bumper and a Reese towbar, worked pretty good but make sure the tow vehicle weighs more than the towed vehicle.

Humble, tx to jacksonville, fl
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**old Rusty C10** · 07-23-2011, 10:39 PM

due to liability issues chances are you wont be able to rent any kind of tow dolly for this haul...you may be able to reserve and rent a trailer for it though although you may have to pick it up at a different u haul location

timpage · 07-23-2011, 10:50 PM

It's been a few years since I've rented from Uhaul, but last time I did the trailers weren't much more to rent vs. the dolleys.

*C-10 simplex* · 07-25-2011, 10:37 AM

Also, maybe try penske.

hotrod_991 · 07-25-2011, 11:17 AM

so...I can atest to the fact that you CAN tow a 1/2 ton with a dollie. I pulled my 77 long bed for 1700miles from Montana to Southern Texas. I have 215's in the front and it fit fine. Disconnected the drive shaft and tied it up. pulled just fine.
I did have to tell uhaul it was towing a 96 corolla tho.
Oh and learn from my experience UNLOCK the steering wheel!!!!!! the wieght if the truck will not allow the dollie to pivot like it is suppose to so the wheels will do it for you.

Good luck. Oh and I pulled it the whole way loaded with house stuff with a loaded ferd ranger lol.

notyo_cheez · 07-25-2011, 11:32 AM

If it will fit I'd spend the extra bucks and load it on a trailer to be safe. Just to avoid having to drop the driveshaft would be reason enough. Just my $0.02

Pop's C-10 · 07-25-2011, 01:02 PM

Do they rent Tow Bars

notyo_cheez · 07-25-2011, 02:44 PM

You'd still have to drop the driveshaft if it was on a tow bar, trailer is still the safest way to haul.

07-23-2011, 09:11 AM	#1
cfan10 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 984	Needing advice I was wondering if uhaul dollies are suitable for a carrying 1/2 ton long distance. What risk do I run doing this, (besides tire wear) can I screw anything up mechanically? Thanks. 295/50/15 on 15x10 wheels all around. Posted via Mobile Device Last edited by cfan10; 07-23-2011 at 09:19 AM.

07-23-2011, 09:13 AM	#2
notyo_cheez Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: corpus christi, tx - america's fattest city Posts: 253	Re: Needing advice Drop the driveshaft if you pull it on a dolly.

07-23-2011, 09:21 AM	#3
cfan10 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 984	Re: Needing advice Noob here, lol how to take drive shaft out? Thanks Posted via Mobile Device

07-23-2011, 09:25 AM	#4
njlimbaugh Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: LaFayette GA Posts: 111	Re: Needing advice Unbolt driveshaft at rear axle (4 bolts on U-Joint), lower rear of shaft enough to clear axle and pull front of shaft out of transmission. Wrap tape around the bearings on the rear of shaft at U-Joint so you don't lose them in transit.

07-23-2011, 10:04 AM	#5
J Knight Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Baytown TX Posts: 2,219	Re: Needing advice Last time I pulled a square on a tow dolly all I did was unbolt drive shaft, left it in tranny and used a ratchet strap to secure drive shaft and rapt tape around ujoints. Pulled it 250mi with no problems. __________________ John 82 Chevy Silverado 350ci/TH350

07-23-2011, 10:10 AM	#6
pumpgas Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: indiana Posts: 304	Re: Needing advice You def can't just pull the drive shaft out cause then the trans fluid will mostly leak out the tail shaft housing. If I was towing with a dolly I would unbolt the shaft at the rear end and secure it very good to the underside of the truck and leave the slip yoke in the trans. Zip ties and duct tape are your best friend on this trip so be sure to bring lots of both. __________________ 00' Z28 ("wifes" car) 92' Mustang w/sbc everything needs a little heart beat 87' GMC Sierra Classic Short Bed Fleet side almost stock 69' Chevy short step carbed 6.0 w/400th trans. Completed w/325 miles on it

07-23-2011, 11:20 AM	#8
rwhit57 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Tulsa,Okla Posts: 590	Re: Needing advice The tow dollys I have seen wouldn't accommodate the tire size you mentioned. They do have trailers you can rent. that would be your best bet.

07-23-2011, 12:27 PM	#9
C-10 simplex Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: indisclosed Posts: 1,515	Re: Needing advice 1) They sell transmission plugs, not at uhaul but at parts stores etc. to prevent fluid from leaking out of the tailshaft when you pull the driveshaft. 2) But why not try towbar towing it?

07-23-2011, 12:55 PM	#10
cfan10 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 984	Re: Needing advice Was told they dont have trailers, just dolly... Posted via Mobile Device

07-23-2011, 01:02 PM	#11
Dan1969 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: OK Posts: 76	Re: Needing advice I towed my old 01 C1500 extended cab with a small car trailer, I told the company it was for my wife's taurus. Towed the thing with the big 20 footer for 550 miles. The poor little trailer was begging and I swear I heard a relief sound when I got the truck off it.

07-23-2011, 01:19 PM	#12
cfan10 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 984	Re: Needing advice Was told they dont have trailers, just dolly... Posted via Mobile Device

07-23-2011, 02:26 PM	#13
wyattglock Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Lafayette, IN Posts: 621	Re: Needing advice How far are you pulling the truck? I have some pictures of the tow bumper I made when I flat towed my crew cab dually from Grand Rapids, MI to Lafayette, IN. I just used the bumper and a Reese towbar, worked pretty good but make sure the tow vehicle weighs more than the towed vehicle.

07-23-2011, 02:58 PM	#14
Dan1969 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: OK Posts: 76	Re: Needing advice Then use the dolly and tow it slowly. 55mph is a safe and sound speed.

07-23-2011, 10:19 PM	#16
cfan10 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 984	Re: Needing advice How far are you pulling the truck? I have some pictures of the tow bumper I made when I flat towed my crew cab dually from Grand Rapids, MI to Lafayette, IN. I just used the bumper and a Reese towbar, worked pretty good but make sure the tow vehicle weighs more than the towed vehicle. Humble, tx to jacksonville, fl Posted via Mobile Device

07-23-2011, 10:39 PM	#17
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,288	Re: Needing advice due to liability issues chances are you wont be able to rent any kind of tow dolly for this haul...you may be able to reserve and rent a trailer for it though although you may have to pick it up at a different u haul location __________________ 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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07-23-2011, 10:50 PM	#18
timpage Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bend, Oregon Posts: 43	Re: Needing advice It's been a few years since I've rented from Uhaul, but last time I did the trailers weren't much more to rent vs. the dolleys.

07-25-2011, 10:37 AM	#19
C-10 simplex Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: indisclosed Posts: 1,515	Re: Needing advice Also, maybe try penske.

07-25-2011, 11:17 AM	#20
hotrod_991 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Thibodaux, LA Posts: 479	Re: Needing advice so...I can atest to the fact that you CAN tow a 1/2 ton with a dollie. I pulled my 77 long bed for 1700miles from Montana to Southern Texas. I have 215's in the front and it fit fine. Disconnected the drive shaft and tied it up. pulled just fine. I did have to tell uhaul it was towing a 96 corolla tho. Oh and learn from my experience UNLOCK the steering wheel!!!!!! the wieght if the truck will not allow the dollie to pivot like it is suppose to so the wheels will do it for you. Good luck. Oh and I pulled it the whole way loaded with house stuff with a loaded ferd ranger lol. __________________ "Buckle up I wanna try somethin!!" "of course it will hold!, I welded it!" 1977 c10 under knife for full rebuild, 5.3l 4l60e drive rain swap, replacement frame and green repaint

07-25-2011, 11:32 AM	#21
notyo_cheez Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: corpus christi, tx - america's fattest city Posts: 253	Re: Needing advice If it will fit I'd spend the extra bucks and load it on a trailer to be safe. Just to avoid having to drop the driveshaft would be reason enough. Just my $0.02

07-25-2011, 01:02 PM	#22
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: Needing advice Do they rent Tow Bars __________________ 1981 C-10 (Pop's) 1978 Camaro 2006 Lacrosse

07-25-2011, 02:44 PM	#23
notyo_cheez Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: corpus christi, tx - america's fattest city Posts: 253	Re: Needing advice You'd still have to drop the driveshaft if it was on a tow bar, trailer is still the safest way to haul.

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