My Towing Experience...

[Jason Zimberoff]

Howdy all.



I have seen lots of threads on here asking about towing over the years, and wanted to share my experience.



I have a 2001 4x2 Trac with a class 3 aftermarket hitch on it.



I was able to borrow a really nice tandem axle car hauler from a friend of mine, and I was set.



Last weekend, I towed my 63 Ford Ranchero a total of about 60 miles using this setup.



I really had no problems - just took it easy and never went over 45 mph. Tried to give myself plenty of time to stop, etc...



It all worked out great, and the Trac had no problems at all.



Here is a pic of my little truck towing an even littler truck:

-Zim

 

[Joe B 4]

Nice. I am looking to tow a pop up trailer in the future so good to know your experience. This is quite a bit different vehicle from my old girl.

 

[JerryW Gilliland]

I tow stuff all the time. I have a total of 3 trailers. A 4x8 single axle utility trailer I use to haul yard debris and junk to the landfill. A 6x12 single axle low sided utility trailer I use to haul my golf cart, my 60 inch Grasshopper mower and my little yard tractor to the repair shop and to do odd jobs for friends. I also have a two horse tandem axle horse trailer that I haul a horse or a few sheep to stock shows.

I've never had a problem towing anything with my '02 ST 4x4. If I had a minutes problem, I would have immediately sold it. If it can't tow, it has to go! :lol:

 

[Tom Schindler]

I have a 16' tandem axle trailer. You would have had no problems towing that trailer at 65 MPH. I was able to tow my Escort GT down to Lexington, KY at over 75 MPH. Never gave me a lick of trouble.





Tom

 

[Johnny O]

Only problem is stopping. Most states require trailer brakes for trailers over 1500 lb. and once you're over 2000 lb. I think every state requires trailer brakes.

 

[Richard Weihert]

How do I license my trailer?



If it is more than 3,000 pounds it is required. Under 3,000 pounds is optional. See Registration, Miscellaneous requirements.



I just bought a trailer which is not licensed. Can I pull it home?



Yes. If it does require a license, register with a motor vehicle inspector.



When does a trailer need trailer brakes?



Trailer brakes are required if the trailer and load exceed 3,000 pounds or if the trailer's gross weight exceeds the empty weight of the towing vehicle. RE: Wisconsin statute 348.10 (4)



How big can my trailer be before it needs side mirrors?



You must be able to see 200 feet of the roadway to the rear of your vehicle. Re: Wisconsin statute 347.40



http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/statepatrol/inspection/faqs-inspection.htm

 

[Tom Schindler]

I just bought a trailer which is not licensed. Can I pull it home?

In Ohio, with a valid bill of sale oir signed agreement between two private parties, you can tow a trailer for 72 hours before you need to register it.





Tom

 

[Dreman]

What do you do with a tow dolly if you have to have brakes on any trailer over 2,000 lbs? Most cars are over 2,000 lbs, but I've never seen brakes on a tow dolly.

 

[Tom Schindler]

I have a tow dolly with Electric brakes. Brakes are VERY common on a tow dolly.



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-Master-tow-Tow-Dolly_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ50072QQihZ008QQitemZ180220914469QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008-Master-Tow-Car-Dolly-80T-HeavyDuty-BRAKES-Tax-Free_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ80769QQihZ007QQitemZ170198956813QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-2008-MASTER-TOW-77T-CAR-TOTE-DOLLY-WITH-ELEC-BRAKES_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ50072QQihZ018QQitemZ280206832029QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008-MASTER-TOW-80T-HEAVY-DUTY-CAR-DOLLY-WITH-BRAKES_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ50072QQihZ018QQitemZ280206832383QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW



The reason you see many without brakes is to keep the price down. Electric brakes (surge are also available, but very expensive) are very common on tow dolly's.





Tom

 

[Johnny O]