I need to get a 89 T-bird to TX from NY.
I called around for a dolly - U-haul or Ryder don't want to rent to me because they rent dollies only with trucks. Is there any other option available ?
How about my truck (97 4.6L bumper hitch) - would that be OK if I find a dolly?
Any help appreciated. Need to go next week.

 

Well, I've seen people towing vehicles behind RVs using some kind of tow hitch on the car they were towing. I'm guessing they leave the key inside the car to let the steering turn free and I'm sure they remove the drive shaft from the differential so the towing doesn't damage the tranny. In other words, I don't think this would ever work with a front wheel drive car.

Not sure at all if this is a viable or safe option, but it could be worth some investigation.

 

As Dennis says, have seen big RV's towing cars with all four on the road with a tow bar. Usually a stick trans, so no driveshaft pull needed. Seen quite a few Suzuki Samurai's towed that way (I think the big RV stops them from rolling over!).
When you say "dolly", I think of Parton... no, ah, the two wheel little trailer that you see front drive cars towed behind big RV's on. Front wheels are on the dolly, rear wheels are on the ground. Don't know if there are any brakes, but a big RV is a better brake than a F150.
What about a four wheel car carrier from U-haul? They have surge brakes on them, better than no brakes, and all self-contained. Probably pushing the 5000 lb. limit on the bumper, though. A Class III Receiver bolted on would give a lot more piece of mind.
I don't think I'd go over 55 - 60 with those little rented tires, though.

 

The problem is that I can't find any trailers or dollies - U-haul or Ryder will not rent without a truck rental.
U-haul says we don't have enough. Plus they charge over $600 if you can find one.
I guess we would have to drive it.

 

They can... they just don't want to... I hauled my buddy's 88 t-bird from Detroit to Boston 1-way. $600 is about right. You would need to add a class III reciever, drawbar and ball to pull their trailer (The car is around 3500 lbs, I believe, plus the trailer weight puts you right near the max for the bumper), as well as get wired for their lights (a $10 adapter they sell for their plug, but you can always use it the next time you rent a trailer) You couldn't use a dolly, unless it's a manual because in an automatic, the input shaft needs to turn to lube the bearings. In a manual, they are "splash-lubed" so there's no problem. I would still recommend a four wheel carrier for it because their car carriers come equipped with surge brakes. I also towed one out to Boston and back this past May (My dad was going to buy a Mustang... long story for another board!) They're available, but I don't see why they wouldn't want to rent you one?!?! Call the national reservation number, instead of the local shop. They might be more helpful.
Either way, be careful and have a safe trip!
-Joe-


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98 Explorer (Lemon Law Case in Progress)
Deposit on '00 F-150, X-cab, 4x4, Lariat, Off-road, Trailer Tow, Sunroof, currently missing the fuel filler door, but they're working on that..

 

By the way, I forgot to mention... we used my dad's 95 Lightning to tow it... It towed it effortlessly, and made the ride home very nice! :-) I used his instead of my 97 F-150 to prevent going over on my mileage.
-Joe-


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98 Explorer (Lemon Law Case in Progress)

'00 F-150, X-cab, 4x4, Lariat, Off-road, Trailer Tow, Holandia Sunroof, built 11/99 picked up 10/00!
List of planned mods: Clear corners and tails, CB wiring, Stainless brush guard, at least 1 set of KCs (probably more!), custom radar detector mount, color matched trailer hitch with stainless steel ball, torsion bar tweak, bug deflector, spray in liner, and a tonneau of some sort...