Using a tow dolly?

smokeybeans · July 16, 2012, 09:36:26 AM

I was thinking of a way to tow my rig to the Rubicon. I don't have a trailer and I don't want to flat tow is a tow dolly with brakes an option? Does anyone have any advise.

My rig has a rear drive shaft disconnect.
I know a tow dolly is usually for front wheel drive cars. How should i tow forward or backwards?

Any advise or sugestions would be great.

Thanks $Beer Chug\'n$

AaronB · July 16, 2012, 10:01:00 AM

just need to make sure it stays in neutral. should be good to go.

smokeybeans · July 16, 2012, 11:20:34 AM

Quote from: AaronB on July 16, 2012, 10:01:00 AM
just need to make sure it stays in neutral. should be good to go.

Thanks
Should I tow it forward ? with the front wheels in the dolly?

Do you think it would be ok to tow over a long distance?

AaronB · July 16, 2012, 12:13:54 PM

I would

smokeybeans · July 16, 2012, 01:46:24 PM

Quote from: AaronB on July 16, 2012, 12:13:54 PM
I would

cool thanks

emsvitil · July 16, 2012, 02:10:37 PM

Vehicle needs current registration to be on a tow dolly (just like flat tow).

smokeybeans · July 16, 2012, 06:02:24 PM

Quote from: emsvitil on July 16, 2012, 02:10:37 PM
Vehicle needs current registration to be on a tow dolly (just like flat tow).

Thanks for the heads up, My rig is street legal and has current reg .

Rocksurfer · July 16, 2012, 08:36:08 PM

Here's me towing my 86 on a dolly there are a few things to remember, 1st off and what I consider most important is the web straps will be too short with big tires. as you can see they were way too short to fit properly so I used not only the straps over the tires but also used straps frame to frame from my trucks frame to the dolly frame. Those tires are only 33's so you can imagine it from there. Lighting, you will still need to have brake/running/turn signals on the rear of your rig, I run drag-lights (magnetic mounts) to the back. If you are going to disconnect the driveshaft or have a ds disconnect system you can leave the truck in gear and lock the hubs to keep the truck from shifting back and forth. I disconnect the rear of my ds and then tie it up to the bed with a tab I welded on and a quick pin.

Rocksurfer · July 16, 2012, 08:44:01 PM

Oh, one more thing if it matters to you, the rear diff is welded and gives no issues.

smokeybeans · July 17, 2012, 08:52:33 AM

Quote from: Rocksurfer on July 16, 2012, 08:44:01 PM
Oh, one more thing if it matters to you, the rear diff is welded and gives no issues.

Very Nice! Thank you for the info, Just one more question.
My plan is to run some small tires on front for the tow, Do you think my T100 with a 3.4 will be able to tow my 4000 Rig for a 7hrs road trip. I just want to make sure this is safe. Using a tow dolly is new to me.

emsvitil · July 17, 2012, 02:14:08 PM

Another thing...........

You can't back up with a vehicle on the tow dolly..

_HOIST_ · July 17, 2012, 02:20:25 PM

All engine load aside, the most important thing to consider is if your brakes are up to the task, IMO.

smokeybeans · July 17, 2012, 05:44:59 PM

Quote from: Stooges4x4 on July 17, 2012, 02:20:25 PM
All engine load aside, the most important thing to consider is if your brakes are up to the task, IMO.

I was planning on getting a dolly with brakes, what do you think?

Rocksurfer · July 17, 2012, 08:20:53 PM

I don't see any issues at all as long as the tow-dolly has brakes, now if it were a 3.0 I wouldn't say that but a 3.4 should be fine. I've towed with a variety of vehicles and trailers including towing an 18 ft. travel trailer with my 86 4Runner automatic, had an 84 pickup that I used to not only tow 2 Seadoos but had a cabover Sixpac camper on top. Last time I went to the Rubicon I towed my 48 Willys with my 4cyl. 2001 Ford Ranger, and towed the same Willys with my 80 longbed with a 22R hybrid. Yes sometimes things moved slowly along but I have only had one issue when my 86 4Runner turbo had the timing chain tensoner cut a hole in the cover. I'm planning on picking up a tent camper soon and will be towing it with my 85 4Runner automatic. In all but the Ranger I had at least 33's in rolling rubber.

smokeybeans · July 17, 2012, 09:26:50 PM

Quote from: Rocksurfer on July 17, 2012, 08:20:53 PM
I don't see any issues at all as long as the tow-dolly has brakes, now if it were a 3.0 I wouldn't say that but a 3.4 should be fine. I've towed with a variety of vehicles and trailers including towing an 18 ft. travel trailer with my 86 4Runner automatic, had an 84 pickup that I used to not only tow 2 Seadoos but had a cabover Sixpac camper on top. Last time I went to the Rubicon I towed my 48 Willys with my 4cyl. 2001 Ford Ranger, and towed the same Willys with my 80 longbed with a 22R hybrid. Yes sometimes things moved slowly along but I have only had one issue when my 86 4Runner turbo had the timing chain tensoner cut a hole in the cover. I'm planning on picking up a tent camper soon and will be towing it with my 85 4Runner automatic. In all but the Ranger I had at least 33's in rolling rubber.

Sweet ! Thanks that makes me feel better. I am going to give it a try.

94 T100 5 spd manual 3.4

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Using a tow dolly?