Can I flat-tow a 1948 B-2-B?

[ebruns1]

Fellas,

 

There is a non-operational B-108 not far (30 miles or so) from me, the guys says it's been 10 yrs. since on the road and the brakes are sticking but the engine runs well.  I am interested in buying and have a flat tow bar that my buddy gave me to use.  I have an F-150 so it should tow easily.  Has anyone attempted to do this with one of their B's?  I would likely stay under 50 the entire route.  I was thinking about rremoving the front bumper and bolting directly to the frame horns.  If I left the stick in neutral and let the trans freewheel I think it shoud work from what I've read.  One site recommended putting a bungee on the stick to make sure it does not slip into gear, another said to unbolt the drive shaft and tie it up (but he was going cross country).  I'd love to hear about anyone's experience here before I pull the trigger!  Some of the info on the www is confusing me.  Thanks!!!

 

Jim

[ebruns1]

Sorry if this is a duplicate, I don't know what happened to my first try...

 

Has anyone tried to flat-tow their truck?  I have a possibility of buying a local truck and I got a flat tow bar from a buddy to use.  The new truck is about 30 miles from me and the owner says it's been 10 yrs since it was on the road, but in excellent shape averall except the brakes are sticking/ non-working.  Could I remove the bumper and bolt the tow bar to the frame horns?  Seems like it would be solid.  Also, I heard you have to bungee the stick so it won;t slip into gear or disconnect the drive shaft.  Anybody try this?  Any thoughts would be appreciated.  I wouldn't try it if I wasn't so close and I have a F-150 to tow it with.  Thanks fellas!

[jeffsunzeri]

I have towed several Dodge pickups using a tow bar, just as you explained. Front bumper removed and the tow bar bolted to the frame/bumper mounts, and with a tow bar that clamped to the bumper. On neither did I secure the shifter, nor remove the drive shaft. Do not tie the steering wheel to prevent it from moving either. Just go slow, and avoid cops. Did I mention go slow? Also, don't put anyone in the towed vehicle.

I have used my 3/4 ton Dodge B200 van to tow, and have towed 1 ton and 1/2 ton Dodge pickups.

Go slow and avoid cops. Good advice even if you're not towing.

[William Davey]

It might be easier to rent a tow dolly from U-haul. Then you don't have to fight rusted bumper bolts, worry about the front wheels turning correctly, only need 2 good tires, etc. Still have to disconnect the drive shaft.

[JerseyHarold]

I'd check the tires carefully for signs of damage or dry rot and make sure they're properly inflated.  I'd also invest in magnetic towing lights so when you stop or turn with the tow vehicle people behind you will know what you're doing.  I've also used masking tape to spell out 'in tow' on the rear window of cars I've towed.  Hope this helps. 

[Plymouthy Adams]

if not an automatic why disconnect the driveshaft?

[Young Ed]

if not an automatic why disconnect the driveshaft?

 

When the history of the vehicle is unknown its a good precaution. He doesn't know the condition of the joints, the shaft itself, or if the trans is good full of fluid etc

[JBNeal]

I hate to be the cloud in the group, but I have 1st hand experience as to what happens when things go haywire...and I only needed to be towed less than10 miles. Think of everything that could go wrong & how to deal with it:  cut tire, blowout, shelled out u-joint, overheated transmission, overheated bearings, dragging brakes...if something has been sitting for over a year, there is going to be rusty parts somewhere on that beast, and that may not be conducive to getting back on the road for awhile.  It costs more up front to put something up on a trailer, but it may be cheaper in the long run.  You don't have to worry about the aforementioned problems occurring, and ya don't have to worry about the beast breaking free on ya cuz ya are hauling a package instead of a projectile

[Plymouthy Adams]

When the history of the vehicle is unknown its a good precaution. He doesn't know the condition of the joints, the shaft itself, or if the trans is good full of fluid etc

good point Ed...I often overlook the fact that things like this need consideration...I left a recovery in place not long back as the owner had a whole lot "rosier" outlook of the cars condition that life presented on my arrival..I exchanged my dolly for my car trailer for the eventual tow home..

Edited May 16, 2015 by Plymouthy Adams

[JerseyHarold]

Many years ago a friend and I were towing a P15 from the Jersey shore to his home in Western New York.   I told him we should get the car on a lift before setting out; he pooh-poohed it due, shall we say, to frugality.  Finally he took my advice and we stopped at a gas station with a lift.  The oil pan was just hanging under the engine and, more importantly, the rear axle was bone dry.  we had both issues fixed at the gas station and headed north.   We were lucky that we caught the problems before they became disasters.

[ebruns1]

OK, all good points fellas, thanks for the input.  

 

I may look into the tow dolly instead...I'd rather be safe than sorry!  I was only checking on it since my buddy gave me a flat tow hitch.  I guess I'll just put it away until I get my project running and I know it's status.  Than I will use it for emergencies if the truck dies somewhere and only needs to get back home.

 

Thanks!