Towing

[eric stewart]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me the pros and cons of using a dolly
to pull a second vehicle as opposed to pulling the vehicle on its own
wheels. Is the main consideration the miles being put on the towed vehicle.
Maybe Wannabee
Tidewater Virginia

 

[chuck blanford]

Eric

I'm certainly no expert, but I'd guess that a dolly is used in those
applications where you can't mechanically disengage the drive train. Some
automatic transmissions don't do well being towed without the fluid
circulating. I tow a Jeep Wrangler without a dolly as the transfer case
allows me to isolate the transmission from the drive train, and I actually
position the selector in "Park". I believe this is why you see so many Jeep
and other 4 wheel drive products being towed.

The dolly would also be additional towed weight, and another piece of
rolling stock to maintain/store.

A dolly would also be useful for those applications that don't lend
themselves to a tow bar application.

Just my thoughts.

Chuck
77 Kingsley
North Idaho

- -----Original Message-----
From: Eric Stewart
To: gmcmotorhome
Date: Monday, July 05, 1999 7:45 AM
Subject: GMC: Towing

>I was wondering if anyone could tell me the pros and cons of using a dolly
>to pull a second vehicle as opposed to pulling the vehicle on its own
>wheels. Is the main consideration the miles being put on the towed
vehicle.
> Maybe Wannabee
> Tidewater Virginia
>
>

 

[john wright]

Eric,
Most GMC'ers I know flat tow their toad's. I flat tow a GEO Tracker
with a 403 77 Eleganza II. I hardly know it's back there. What is
probably most important is the weight of the vehicle that you plan to
tow. Anything under 2300 or 2400 pounds does really need auxiliary
braking. Some do tow heavier units but for the most part have installed
brakes actuated by the GMC. Also remember the heavier it is the more
fuel you use.

J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
77 Eleganza II
Michigan

>
> Eric
>
> I'm certainly no expert, but I'd guess that a dolly is used in those
> applications where you can't mechanically disengage the drive train. Some
> automatic transmissions don't do well being towed without the fluid
> circulating. I tow a Jeep Wrangler without a dolly as the transfer case
> allows me to isolate the transmission from the drive train, and I actually
> position the selector in "Park". I believe this is why you see so many Jeep
> and other 4 wheel drive products being towed.
>
> The dolly would also be additional towed weight, and another piece of
> rolling stock to maintain/store.
>
> A dolly would also be useful for those applications that don't lend
> themselves to a tow bar application.
>
> Just my thoughts.
>
> Chuck
> 77 Kingsley
> North Idaho
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Eric Stewart
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Date: Monday, July 05, 1999 7:45 AM
> Subject: GMC: Towing
>
> >I was wondering if anyone could tell me the pros and cons of using a dolly
> >to pull a second vehicle as opposed to pulling the vehicle on its own
> >wheels. Is the main consideration the miles being put on the towed
> vehicle.
> > Maybe Wannabee
> > Tidewater Virginia
> >
> >

 

[dave lowry]

Eric; Besides what Chuck mentioned, maintain & store, you'll also need to
license it.

Two popular auto trans alternatives which can be towed with 4 wheels down
are Saturn and Geo Tracker / Suzuki Sidekick 4X4, the latter weighing less
than most others.

Fkr more info, each January, Motorhome magazine does a detailed article on
what can and can't be towed. I think you can get copies of back articles on
their web site.

Jump in and join the fun!

___________
Dave (& Dege), '76 Royale /_][__] [_] | "SR JAMES"
Santa Barbara, CA *0-------OO--* (our hobby)