I'm going to tow a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 regular cab short bed (sport side) pickup. It has the 4.8 liter V8 and a 3.42 rear end (shouldn't matter, but now you know everything.) His oil pump seems to have gone out. . . just throwing that out there in case it's a known issue and anybody has input on that subject.
I'll tow it with my truck (see signature) for about 30 miles - all freeway.
What size and rating of straps do I need to do this safely without ridiculous overkill? Where's the best place to get them? (Auto Zone is close, Wal-Mart and/or Home Depot next closest, then Lowes, pretty good drive to Sears from here.) My buddy will go pick up the straps tonight and we'll tow him tomorrow afternoon.
*Edit to notate that I included an update on Page 2. We successfully completed the tow. Thanks to everybody who chimed in with help.
* This post was
edited 08/29/08 02:19pm by fickman *
2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab SB LS 6.0L 4x4 4.10
DW, DD (May, 2007), DS (October, 2008), and me
BTW: U-Haul says my truck can't tow his truck on one of their dollies! His truck weighs less than my previous TT, and there would be almost no tongue weight. Oh well, their loss. . . we decided it was cheaper and less hassle to go slow in the right lane using straps anyway since it's a one time deal and a straight shot.
Out here you're only allowed to use a strap to pull the vehicle off the road or freeway, they will cite you for anything else, but you know your laws better than I. Most straps are 20,000# which should be plenty, just make sure they aren't pulled across any sharp edges. Also I hope you are using solid anchor points, no hitch balls or bumpers. Auto Zone and Wal Mart both carry them. Drive slow and be careful, remind your friend his steering will be hard and it will take both feet to get the brakes to work. You sure a tow wouldn't be worth the money? or at least a tow dolly?
I plan to attach the strap to my hitch receiver where the chains for my TT hitch attach. On his truck, we'll use the front hooks that attach to the frame. Plan to go slow and keep slack out of the line.
U-Haul said his truck is too heavy for the trailer and for the dolly, so they won't rent it to him.
Is this illegal in Texas? Never heard that it is, but I know that doesn't make you not guilty!
If his engine is not running, what will he do for brakes? (Assuming there will be someone in the cab to steer etc?)
Have you tried to stop a truck without the vacuum assist? Not easy!
I'd like to hear why you can't put the truck on a U-haul dolly though. Is it more than 78" wide, which IIRC is the max their tow dollies can handle.
What about a flat-bed trailer? 30 miles is a short trip and should certainly be considered a "local" rental. Last time I rented one they didn't ask me what I was going to put on it.
Keith J, Retired from GM Engineering
2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD SLE 2WD/CC/SB/DA.
1999 Sunnybrook 27RKFS Fiver
Bilsteins, Line-X, Westin steps, Prodigy, Retrax, 16K Superglide, 5th-Airborne pin-box, Multi-vex mirrors.
I think towing this way is dangerous but if you are going to do it I would suggest not doing it on the freeway, a frontage road or back roads would be much better even if a bit longer. Don't buy the straps with the hook built in, get one with loops. A "D" ring works best on your truck, his truck the front hooks should be fine as long as the loop won't slide off. I've used these straps a lot while jeeping, but towing 30 miles gives me a bad feeling. Here is a link for more info on straps. straps
OK. . . straps are dead. After listening to you guys (see, I wasn't just looking for confirmation of what I wanted to do anyway ), he called the dealer to get advice, and they advised against four-down towing.
We'll call another U-Haul dealer and see if we can get a more competent rep to work with about the tow dollies. Definitely taking it slow! It's not a busy freeway (287 between Texas Motor Speedway and Decatur) and it's four lanes, so people can get around us safely.
U-Haul wrote: TRANSMISSION DAMAGE TO
YOUR VEHICLE-IN-TOW
When towing a rear axle driven front engine vehicle,
the drive shaft must be disconnected to prevent
transmission damage. Simply placing the
transmission in neutral is not sufficient and will not
prevent damage due to a lack of internal lubrication.
You must disconnect the drive shaft at the rear axle
and tie or wire it up. The universal joint bearing caps
must be taped on to prevent loss of the bearings. If
you choose to remove the drive shaft entirely, it may
be necessary to cap the transmission tail shaft to
prevent fluid loss and possible future damage.
Consult your vehicle owner’s manual.
U-Haul Centers and dealers are not required to
remove or reinstall the drive shaft as part of the rental.
However, some U-Haul Centers and dealers can do
this for an additional fee.
OK - thanks for the input, guys. I talked to my buddy and he's going to come up with a different plan. . . probably having it towed to a mechanic closer to the house.
You guys definintely saved us a lot of headaches. Thanks!
Offline
His truck weighs less than my previous TT, and there would be almost no tongue weight. Oh well, their loss. . . we decided it was cheaper and less hassle to go slow in the right lane using straps anyway since it's a one time deal and a straight shot.
It's not a busy freeway (287 between Texas Motor Speedway and Decatur) and it's four lanes, so people can get around us safely.
