We need to travel across country can my '05 dodge van pull my Chevy S10 pickup without ruining it?
Traveling from Nauvoo Illinois to Arlington Washington thru Arizona. I worry about the cost of gas also would like to travel in same viehicle but don't want to ruin our car. If we pull the little truck is there an inexpensive way to attach them? The trip will last a month so we hesitate to rent something.
Maintenance & Repairs - 9 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
good luck!
Answer 2 :
You don't say what specific model of dodge van you have but in all likelihood trying to tow another car will exceed the towing capacity. This is especially so if you already have the van loaded down with people and the supplies necessary for a month long road trip. You really need to consult your owners manual though.
Answer 3 :
there's a few mountains between those states. I would think twice before towing a vehicle that is a similar size to the one I'm driving. Is your van a heavy duty work van that's made to carry heavy loads? if not, do you really NEED to take two cars?
Answer 4 :
You may have to disconnect the transmission of the truck. You can rent a dolly from U-Haul and load the truck on that. They also rent hitches for your van if you don't have one. I suggest this.
Answer 5 :
I don't know if the fuel costs used to tow the Chevy will be worth it. THAT being said, I towed a full-sized chevy from Austin to Tampa behind a u-haul, and it was cheaper to buy a tow bar than to rent the tow dolly. I bought the kind that had 2 brackets that mounted to the front bumper, the tow bar was pinned into it. The Chevy was a standard, so I didn't have to take the driveshaft out. I used a trailer wiring harness from the back of the U-haul, and hooked it into the trailer harness already existing on the back of the Chevy for lighting.
Answer 6 :
A car dolly will work but you might want to disconect the drive shaft on the s10 so you do not burn up the tranny. Good luck on saveing gas also:)
Answer 7 :
I would disconnect the driveshaft at the rear axle and tie it up under the truck somewhere leaving the other end in the transmission. buy a tow bar at a u hall store.
Answer 8 :
You do not say which Dodge van you have. If it is a mini van then the answer is Do Not Do It. If it is a full size van with a V-8 then sure it will. Like the others sya you will need a tow dolly and disconnect the drive shaft on th s-10 so tranny will not burn up. When the engine on the S-10 is off there is no lubrication and the spinning drive shaft (because the wheels are still turning) can cause internal tranny dame over time.
Answer 9 :
Use a car dolly and disconnect the driveshaft to reduce drag and to take the load off the transmission. Take your time and don't follow too closey because your braking distance will be greatly increases. It can be done with certain risks obvious. I have pulled plenty of cars using car dollies and even run my own towing service for some time and even I, with experience, got into some sticky situation a few times. I highly suggest just driving both vehicles. Pulling the S10 will hinder safety and cost you gobs more in fuel. Also, I think the van will pull it, BUT, it will cause wear and tear on it. A lot of people don't realize it, but even an unloaded van without towing anything is already close to its pulling capacity. Theyare so heavy. If you do decide to pull the truck, do yourself a huge favor. Just so you don't wind up with a trashed transmission half way, don't trust the stock transmission cooling system for it. Get an aftermarket transmission cooler installed. Also, do NOT hook the tow dolly straight to the bumper. If you don't already have it, invest in one of those towing package things that mount from under the van straight to the frame and uses a draw bar for the ball. They are much safer. If you insist on riding in the same vehicle, there's another option I've seen in similar situations. It's summertime. There's probably some college kid around who'd be happy to make a few extra bucks to follow you to WA and fly or take a bus back
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