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Tow dolly use [message #233212] Mon, 16 December 2013 12:38 Go to next message
skip2 is currently offline  skip2   United States
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Thinking of getting a tow dolly to pull a small pick up or car behind the tze. Any comments, tips or concerns I should be made aware of? Thanks
Skip Hartline



74 Canyon Lands, FiTech, 3.7 FD LSD, Manny Tranny, Springfield Distributor, 2001 Chevy Tracker Ragtop Towd
Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use [message #233214 is a reply to message #233212] Mon, 16 December 2013 12:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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Registered: August 2005
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Pos if you have To u turn

FREE WIFI @ Mickey D





On Dec 16, 2013, at 10:38 AM, Skip Hartline <skiphartline@aol.com> wrote:

>
>
> Thinking of getting a tow dolly to pull a small pick up or car behind the tze. Any comments, tips or concerns I should be made aware of? Thanks
> Skip Hartline
>
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use [message #233215 is a reply to message #233214] Mon, 16 December 2013 12:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
skip2 is currently offline  skip2   United States
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Explain more, please
Skip


74 Canyon Lands, FiTech, 3.7 FD LSD, Manny Tranny, Springfield Distributor, 2001 Chevy Tracker Ragtop Towd
Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use [message #233216 is a reply to message #233215] Mon, 16 December 2013 13:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
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I used to tow a dolly

2 turn arround s convinced me to go 4 wheels down
Remove car
Remove dolly
Find place to re hook

Reload all
1/2 hour job

FREE WIFI @ Mickey D





On Dec 16, 2013, at 10:52 AM, Skip Hartline <skiphartline@aol.com> wrote:

>
>
> Explain more, please
> Skip
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Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use [message #233218 is a reply to message #233212] Mon, 16 December 2013 13:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
scott cowden is currently offline  scott cowden   United States
Messages: 170
Registered: February 2004
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Skip;

I've used a tow dolly for about 5k miles over the years behind my coach before moving to a motorcycle for a 'toad.'

Like any of the vehicle-tow solutions, there are limitations. I've successfully backed up about 50 feet in one instance, but I was in a place where everything went in my favor. Being able to back up isn't generally possible under most instances save for a very few feet. when you're towing a vehicle, either on dolly or tow bar, plan your path of travel without backing up in most instances. When in doubt, stop before committing to a tight space like can happen at camp grounds, gas stations or parking lots.

Your tow dolly will have a minimum turn radius that may be greater than the turn radius of your tow vehicle. It's good to know where the overlap or gap is in turn radius. If your tow vehicle [the coach in this case] turns tighter than the dolly can handle, you run the risk of the dolly damaging your toad as often a dolly wheel and fender will 'bite' the side of the car its carrying by being pushed into the car.

Most tow dolly's don't have supplemental braking to assist with stopping the added weight. I only had it happen to me once, but on a long twisty downhill one day, I ran out of brakes before I ran out of hill and rolled through a T intersection at the bottom of the hill with smoke coming from the wheels and many thoughts and possible scenario's racing through my mind. I did wonder if something like a surge brake was possible, but I never followed it up.

speaking of added weight, the dolly adds probably 5-700 lbs to your combined weight going down the road.

I personally found that the dolly went down the road just fine and the actual towing it wasn't much of an issue other than being aware of the extra weight in motion. in my case, about 700 lb dolly plus 2100 lb Geo Tracker.

I used magnetic tow lights on the back of the tracker. Two attempts at putting lights on the dolly ended in failure, with the lights being literally shaken off after drives with the dolly unladen [no car on it].

It worked fine for me as I got the dolly for nothing from a friend.

If I was buying new, a tow bar and baseplate run about the same price and are almost 500 lbs lighter.

If it's what you've got, I'd run it, keeping in mind the compromises and limitations the dolly presents. Tow bars have their limitations too and they also include not being able to back up.

Hope it helps.

Scott
'74 x-Glacier
Newmarket ON
Canada

> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: skiphartline@aol.com
> Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2013 12:38:44 -0600
> Subject: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use
>
>
>
> Thinking of getting a tow dolly to pull a small pick up or car behind the tze. Any comments, tips or concerns I should be made aware of? Thanks
> Skip Hartline
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use [message #233229 is a reply to message #233218] Mon, 16 December 2013 15:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GMC_LES is currently offline  GMC_LES   United States
Messages: 569
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Location: Montreal
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I've heard that some states (new Jersey being one) do not allow tow dollies on their turnpikes. NJ also apparently has a max length limit of approx 70ft total length on the turnpikes. I don't have any personal experience with this, so i may be wrong. Check before you travel so you don't have issues with the law.

Les Burt
Montreal
1975 Eleganza 26ft
A work in Progress



On Dec 16, 2013, at 2:16 PM, scott cowden <scottyforsail@hotmail.com> wrote:

Skip;

I've used a tow dolly for about 5k miles over the years behind my coach before moving to a motorcycle for a 'toad.'

Like any of the vehicle-tow solutions, there are limitations. I've successfully backed up about 50 feet in one instance, but I was in a place where everything went in my favor. Being able to back up isn't generally possible under most instances save for a very few feet. when you're towing a vehicle, either on dolly or tow bar, plan your path of travel without backing up in most instances. When in doubt, stop before committing to a tight space like can happen at camp grounds, gas stations or parking lots.

Your tow dolly will have a minimum turn radius that may be greater than the turn radius of your tow vehicle. It's good to know where the overlap or gap is in turn radius. If your tow vehicle [the coach in this case] turns tighter than the dolly can handle, you run the risk of the dolly damaging your toad as often a dolly wheel and fender will 'bite' the side of the car its carrying by being pushed into the car.

Most tow dolly's don't have supplemental braking to assist with stopping the added weight. I only had it happen to me once, but on a long twisty downhill one day, I ran out of brakes before I ran out of hill and rolled through a T intersection at the bottom of the hill with smoke coming from the wheels and many thoughts and possible scenario's racing through my mind. I did wonder if something like a surge brake was possible, but I never followed it up.

speaking of added weight, the dolly adds probably 5-700 lbs to your combined weight going down the road.

I personally found that the dolly went down the road just fine and the actual towing it wasn't much of an issue other than being aware of the extra weight in motion. in my case, about 700 lb dolly plus 2100 lb Geo Tracker.

I used magnetic tow lights on the back of the tracker. Two attempts at putting lights on the dolly ended in failure, with the lights being literally shaken off after drives with the dolly unladen [no car on it].

It worked fine for me as I got the dolly for nothing from a friend.

If I was buying new, a tow bar and baseplate run about the same price and are almost 500 lbs lighter.

If it's what you've got, I'd run it, keeping in mind the compromises and limitations the dolly presents. Tow bars have their limitations too and they also include not being able to back up.

Hope it helps.

Scott
'74 x-Glacier
Newmarket ON
Canada

> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: skiphartline@aol.com
> Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2013 12:38:44 -0600
> Subject: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use
>
>
>
> Thinking of getting a tow dolly to pull a small pick up or car behind the tze. Any comments, tips or concerns I should be made aware of? Thanks
> Skip Hartline
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Les Burt Montreal 1975 Eleganza 26ft A work in Progress
Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use [message #233231 is a reply to message #233218] Mon, 16 December 2013 16:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jim Galbavy is currently offline  Jim Galbavy   United States
Messages: 1443
Registered: August 2007
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Senior Member
I agree with everything Scott has said. It all depends on your situation. If your potential tow vehicle can not be towed 4 wheels down then I would look into a tow dolly if you didn't want to get into the expense of buying another vehicle. I tow Ada's car with a dolly and worked fine. ...but to be honest I don't bother to tow. I will rent a car when we get to where we are going. If on the go, even a 26' GMC is ez to drive and park.

jim galbavy
'73 x-CL ANNIE
Lake Mary, FL
Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use [message #233265 is a reply to message #233218] Mon, 16 December 2013 19:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Steve is currently offline  Steve   United States
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Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
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Senior Member
Scott,
How to you haul the motorcycle? Large bike on trailer or small bike on trailer hitch or bumper. I am looking for options to carry a small street legal motorcycle up to 250 cc.

scott cowden wrote on Mon, 16 December 2013 14:16

Skip;

I've used a tow dolly for about 5k miles over the years behind my coach before moving to a motorcycle for a 'toad.'

Like any of the vehicle-tow solutions, there are limitations. I've successfully backed up about 50 feet in one instance, but I was in a place where everything went in my favor. Being able to back up isn't generally possible under most instances save for a very few feet. when you're towing a vehicle, either on dolly or tow bar, plan your path of travel without backing up in most instances. When in doubt, stop before committing to a tight space like can happen at camp grounds, gas stations or parking lots.

Your tow dolly will have a minimum turn radius that may be greater than the turn radius of your tow vehicle. It's good to know where the overlap or gap is in turn radius. If your tow vehicle [the coach in this case] turns tighter than the dolly can handle, you run the risk of the dolly damaging your toad as often a dolly wheel and fender will 'bite' the side of the car its carrying by being pushed into the car.

Most tow dolly's don't have supplemental braking to assist with stopping the added weight. I only had it happen to me once, but on a long twisty downhill one day, I ran out of brakes before I ran out of hill and rolled through a T intersection at the bottom of the hill with smoke coming from the wheels and many thoughts and possible scenario's racing through my mind. I did wonder if something like a surge brake was possible, but I never followed it up.

speaking of added weight, the dolly adds probably 5-700 lbs to your combined weight going down the road.

I personally found that the dolly went down the road just fine and the actual towing it wasn't much of an issue other than being aware of the extra weight in motion. in my case, about 700 lb dolly plus 2100 lb Geo Tracker.

I used magnetic tow lights on the back of the tracker. Two attempts at putting lights on the dolly ended in failure, with the lights being literally shaken off after drives with the dolly unladen [no car on it].

It worked fine for me as I got the dolly for nothing from a friend.

If I was buying new, a tow bar and baseplate run about the same price and are almost 500 lbs lighter.

If it's what you've got, I'd run it, keeping in mind the compromises and limitations the dolly presents. Tow bars have their limitations too and they also include not being able to back up.

Hope it helps.

Scott
'74 x-Glacier
Newmarket ON
Canada

> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: skiphartline@aol.com
> Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2013 12:38:44 -0600
> Subject: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use
>
>
>
> Thinking of getting a tow dolly to pull a small pick up or car behind the tze. Any comments, tips or concerns I should be made aware of? Thanks
> Skip Hartline
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use [message #233268 is a reply to message #233265] Mon, 16 December 2013 20:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
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Location: Hebron, Indiana
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Steve Adams wrote on Mon, 16 December 2013 19:51

Scott,
How to you haul the motorcycle? Large bike on trailer or small bike on trailer hitch or bumper. I am looking for options to carry a small street legal motorcycle up to 250 cc.




I haul a 250 cc Honda scooter and a 400 CC Honda motorcycle on a trailer hitch. (Not both at the same time.) I use a Blaine Merrell through the bumper hitch and a home made tilting carrier. The total weight runs around 500 pounds for the bike, hitch, and carrier. I never know it is back there. Luckily I can just see the handle bars through the rear window because every so often I remember it is back there and I can look in the mirror to verify that it is still there.


Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use [message #233276 is a reply to message #233231] Mon, 16 December 2013 20:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bullitthead is currently offline  Bullitthead   United States
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Senior Member
I picked up a homemade tow dolly and some electric brakes to put on it to use behind the GMC for bail-out transportation and tool/spare tire storage. Wanted the electric brakes to help out on demand going down a mountain. Haven't put the brakes on yet but have used the dolly several times to be able to drive 2 vehicles at once or to haul inoperatives. Like Scott said, it does not like to turn very sharp and will actually push the rear of the towing vehicle out of the turn. Can turn into a real problem in some instances, and real dangerous if the toad is longer than the tow vehicle. It will want to fishtail at speed over 35-40 mph.

Now my question: Does anyone know if the New Process transfer case will lubricate itself if it is in neutral and the rear output shaft is spinning? If no one knows I guess I will have to take one apart to find out. I can't get a good answer from any other mechanics/technicians around here.

Flat towing the Bronco II would be easier, but I would not have those on-demand electric brakes. I would actually rather use our Chrysler minivan as a toad, but flat towing that would surely damage the transmission. With the Bronco I could also push the GMC uphill if I need to!


Terry Kelpien ASE Master Technician 73 Glacier 260 Smithfield, Va.
Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use [message #233282 is a reply to message #233265] Mon, 16 December 2013 21:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
scott cowden is currently offline  scott cowden   United States
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Registered: February 2004
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Senior Member
My bike is heavy tour bike [900 lbs]. I bought a Blizzard Mfg. 6x12 all aluminium enclosed trailer, which as it turns out, also weighs 900 lbs. the only parts of this trailer that aren't aluminum is the wood floor and steel torsion bars. I have a through-bumper hitch that I made, and it works well for towing but my opinion of the design, which I openly admit I copied from you guys, is that its not up to 500 lbs of tongue weight on its own. The geometry just isn't there in terms of available support structure.

When I started down this path, the original idea was a scooter [200 lbs] to load on a bumper mount, an easy way to have a secondary means of transport when on a trip. Something like a Honda Elite or a Yamaha BW-50 would likely do most of us fine as long as the weather is good.

I already had the Harley, though, so ended up with the trailer. Purchase price of the trailer was within a few hundred bucks of new brand-name scooter. I have to say that the plus side of a good enclosed trailer is it provides the much-needed storage for camping stuff that GMC's so badly lack.

I have a 3:21 final and a switch pitch trans and it runs along pretty well. It's happiest at nearly 70 mph, even when towing the trailer with bike and gear, which is great fun. my engines' sweet spot is between 24-2700 rpm and it will pull amazingly when in that range, barely even losing speed on a good uphill if I have the financial will to lay on the coal, if you catch my drift. There's nothing that makes my day better than pulling out and passing someone who is sure I couldn't do that!

Blizzard trailers are made in Old Forge, NY and they make what I think is a great trailer for the money. Other than it having rather crappy tires on it from the factory, I haven't done a thing to it other than lubrication and replacing those tires this fall in over 15,000 miles.

I'm pretty happy with the setup, having what I think is the best of both worlds. We drive into an area we really want to see, set up our BOO [base of operations] and tour the extended area with the bike, coming back to the coach at days end. Always nice to lay your head on your own bed, isn't it?

I've been avidly reading the stories here over the past couple of weeks about Quartzsite, but have been thinking that an adventure bike like a Kawasaki KLR 650 would be the ride of choice for an adventure like that. I can tell by the itch under my feet that this will be an adventure in my not too distant future.

Officially took retirement in August after 34 years in the Fire Service and am running a little building inspection and consulting service, but mostly to feed my gasoline habit! Gonna see what all these adventures you guys have been speaking of are really about!

Just a bit of how I'm making it work.


Scott
'74 x-Glacier
Newmarket ON
Sent from my iPad

On 2013-12-16, at 8:52 PM, "Steve Adams" <sjadams@ptd.net> wrote:

>
>
> Scott,
> How to you haul the motorcycle? Large bike on trailer or small bike on trailer hitch or bumper. I am looking for options to carry a small street legal motorcycle up to 250 cc.
>
> scott cowden wrote on Mon, 16 December 2013 14:16
>> Skip;
>>
>> I've used a tow dolly for about 5k miles over the years behind my coach before moving to a motorcycle for a 'toad.'
>>
>> Like any of the vehicle-tow solutions, there are limitations. I've successfully backed up about 50 feet in one instance, but I was in a place where everything went in my favor. Being able to back up isn't generally possible under most instances save for a very few feet. when you're towing a vehicle, either on dolly or tow bar, plan your path of travel without backing up in most instances. When in doubt, stop before committing to a tight space like can happen at camp grounds, gas stations or parking lots.
>>
>> Your tow dolly will have a minimum turn radius that may be greater than the turn radius of your tow vehicle. It's good to know where the overlap or gap is in turn radius. If your tow vehicle [the coach in this case] turns tighter than the dolly can handle, you run the risk of the dolly damaging your toad as often a dolly wheel and fender will 'bite' the side of the car its carrying by being pushed into the car.
>>
>> Most tow dolly's don't have supplemental braking to assist with stopping the added weight. I only had it happen to me once, but on a long twisty downhill one day, I ran out of brakes before I ran out of hill and rolled through a T intersection at the bottom of the hill with smoke coming from the wheels and many thoughts and possible scenario's racing through my mind. I did wonder if something like a surge brake was possible, but I never followed it up.
>>
>> speaking of added weight, the dolly adds probably 5-700 lbs to your combined weight going down the road.
>>
>> I personally found that the dolly went down the road just fine and the actual towing it wasn't much of an issue other than being aware of the extra weight in motion. in my case, about 700 lb dolly plus 2100 lb Geo Tracker.
>>
>> I used magnetic tow lights on the back of the tracker. Two attempts at putting lights on the dolly ended in failure, with the lights being literally shaken off after drives with the dolly unladen [no car on it].
>>
>> It worked fine for me as I got the dolly for nothing from a friend.
>>
>> If I was buying new, a tow bar and baseplate run about the same price and are almost 500 lbs lighter.
>>
>> If it's what you've got, I'd run it, keeping in mind the compromises and limitations the dolly presents. Tow bars have their limitations too and they also include not being able to back up.
>>
>> Hope it helps.
>>
>> Scott
>> '74 x-Glacier
>> Newmarket ON
>> Canada
>>
>>> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
>>> From: skiphartline@aol.com
>>> Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2013 12:38:44 -0600
>>> Subject: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Thinking of getting a tow dolly to pull a small pick up or car behind the tze. Any comments, tips or concerns I should be made aware of? Thanks
>>> Skip Hartline
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
> --
> 1978 GMC Royal
> 1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
> 1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
> 1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
> 1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use [message #233283 is a reply to message #233282] Mon, 16 December 2013 21:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
Messages: 3548
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Location: Fremont, CA
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Scott,

You sound like a lucky duck (loon?). If your coach were mine I'd toss in some lower gears, slow down and enjoy the cruise. I'd also save some of that pension $$ on gas!!

Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA

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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use [message #233289 is a reply to message #233276] Mon, 16 December 2013 23:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
It depends on the version of New Process transfer case that you have. Around 1999 they came out with a version that supported AWD and automatic 4 wheel drive. That version is towable with all wheels on the ground. I'm not sure what vehicle you have that transfer case in, but you can check the operator's manual to see if it is towable. I have a New Process transfer case in a 1998 Blazer and a 1999 Jimmy. The Blazer is not towable but the Jimmy is.

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: Tow dolly use [message #233320 is a reply to message #233212] Tue, 17 December 2013 10:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Craig Lechowicz is currently offline  Craig Lechowicz   United States
Messages: 541
Registered: October 2006
Location: Waterford, MI
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Ken,

Going by my admittedly feeble memory, I'm thinking that both your Blazer and Jimmy have AutoTrac with an electronically controlled transfer case. If so, both should tow. It's possible my former employer got the owner's manual wrong.


Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use [message #233321 is a reply to message #233212] Tue, 17 December 2013 10:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Gary Berry is currently offline  Gary Berry   United States
Messages: 1002
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
Senior Member
Hey Skip;

We have a Kar Kaddy tow dolly that we use when we tow the Scion xB.
The Kar Kaddy has surge brakes that work really good. The only bad
thing in my opinion about using a tow dolly is when it rains. I hate
having to get on the wet ground (or mud) in order to hookup or remove
the safety chains. I have successfully backed up while using the Kar
Kaddy, but to be sure not very far.

--
Gary and Diana Berry
73 CL Stretch in Wa.

On Mon, Dec 16, 2013 at 10:38 AM, Skip Hartline <skiphartline@aol.com> wrote:
>
> Thinking of getting a tow dolly to pull a small pick up or car behind the tze. Any comments, tips or concerns I should be made aware of? Thanks
> Skip Hartline
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use [message #233333 is a reply to message #233320] Tue, 17 December 2013 13:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ron77 is currently offline  Ron77   United States
Messages: 91
Registered: August 2012
Karma: 0
Member
I have a 1997 Tahoe 4 x 4 with electronic transfer case with dashboard
control buttons which the manual says is not towable. The issue is there is
no Neutral position for free-wheeling. There was a different 4 x 4 transfer
case available in 1997 which used a manual lever in the floor and it had a
Neutral so it was towable. Electronic vs: manual control is not the entire
issue though, because my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland has electronic
controls, but it has a neutral position which makes it towable.

Ron Johnson
77 Eleganza II
Escondido, CA

-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Craig Lechowicz
Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 8:31 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use



Ken,

Going by my admittedly feeble memory, I'm thinking that both your Blazer and
Jimmy have AutoTrac with an electronically controlled transfer case. If so,
both should tow. It's possible my former employer got the owner's manual
wrong.
--
Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
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Re: Tow dolly use [message #233360 is a reply to message #233212] Tue, 17 December 2013 17:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Craig Lechowicz is currently offline  Craig Lechowicz   United States
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Ron, my comment was specific to Ken's situation. I'm pretty familiar with mid-sized GM trucks, which got a minor in 98 and a specific set of transfer case options. Full-sized GM trucks had different model change years, and usually more options and more overlap across years. Jeeps have as many as 6 different transfer case options depending on year. It's definitely more complicated than electronic or manual for some vehicles.

Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
Re: Tow dolly use [message #233362 is a reply to message #233212] Tue, 17 December 2013 17:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
chasingsummer is currently offline  chasingsummer   United States
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I pull an open aluminum trailer with my heavy bike on it. It is real easy to forget it is back there. It is also real easy to slide tru a red light when you forget it is there. otherwise, i did not notice any change in mileagor in coaches sweet spot which is close to 70mph.

brian asheboro, nc 75 eleganza, 74 build 119k miles and counting, DOG HOUSE
Re: [GMCnet] Tow dolly use [message #233364 is a reply to message #233289] Tue, 17 December 2013 17:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Steve is currently offline  Steve   United States
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Ken Burton wrote on Tue, 17 December 2013 00:38

It depends on the version of New Process transfer case that you have. Around 1999 they came out with a version that supported AWD and automatic 4 wheel drive. That version is towable with all wheels on the ground. I'm not sure what vehicle you have that transfer case in, but you can check the operator's manual to see if it is towable. I have a New Process transfer case in a 1998 Blazer and a 1999 Jimmy. The Blazer is not towable but the Jimmy is.


Ken,
Thanks for the post. I had not even thought about the Blazer/Jimmy to tow flat. I have a really nice 99 Jimmy. I will have to check the owners manual. It does have the higher end electronic controlled 4wd system. My original thought was something lighter like a tracker or Saturn. I am thinking lower gears would be a must to tow the Jimmy.


1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
Re: Tow dolly use [message #233374 is a reply to message #233320] Tue, 17 December 2013 23:24 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
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Mine are New Process. I had the Blazer one out last spring replacing the seal between the transfer case and the rear of the trans. It is not towable because you can not electronically get it to go into transfer case neutral. My daughter's 96 Blazer is also like the 98 Blazer. The 99 Jimmy has the ability to go into transfer case neutral by holding the 2 high and 4 low at the same time while the key is on but the engine is not running.

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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