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Topic: Tow Dolly (Read 943 times) previous topic - next topic

Tow Dolly

I am towing a honda CRV and I am very happy with this car. That being said I am purchasing a 2011 Nissan pickup to replace my 1994 pickup and if I want to tow this automatic pickup it, appears I will have to use a dolly on the rear wheels. This means it will be towed backwards, does this present any problems? Also what type of dolly is best? I have found a used roadmaster and a demco are these good dollies? I looked into a driveshaft disconnect but remco does not do this any more and everywhere I check tells me this is not a good move as it has many problems. Any advise is appreciated.

Jim Busby 2009 Phenix
Jim Busby
2015 IH

Re: Tow Dolly

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Jim Busby –
I am purchasing a 2011 Nissan pickup to replace my 1994 pickup and if I want to tow this automatic pickup it, appears I will have to use a dolly on the rear wheels. This means it will be towed backwards, does this present any problems? Also what type of dolly is best?

I would recommend asking the questions or researching this on RV.net's Dingy Towing forum:

RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Dinghy Towing

It's got a very large reader base and expertise on the subject.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Tow Dolly

Reply #2 –
Jim,
          There are plenty of used Remco driveshaft disconnects available. Check out craigslist. You will have to find out what size your U-joints for the rear end are and then purchase a used disconnect with something close. A good driveshaft shop can cut the business end of the disconnect off and reweld and balance it onto your original driveshaft. They will also match up your U-joints as there are adaptor U-joints available if you cannot get the correct one initially. This should run $200-$300. Installation would be extra. I would advise you to first find a good shop and discuss with them then go from there. Check with a local truck shop to find a shop that does driveshafts. Truck driveshafts are modified all the time and there are some very good shops that can do your's.
Good luck,
Rick

Re: Tow Dolly

Reply #3 –
The Remco driveshaft disconnect is handled by Superflow now.  Call Bill at 855-447-3626.

Most of my reading suggests the problems are caused by improper adjustment and using lubricants that attract dirt.

oldMattB
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Tow Dolly

Reply #4 –
This issue is why I purchased a 5 speed manual gear box pickup, so would not need a tow dolly or other contraptions to get down the road.
FYI, Ford claims the manual box is not towable, I asked Remco, they said if the 5 speed is a Mazda box, no limits on towing, just hook and go.  Ford, upon rechecking still said NOPE. makes you wonder about the lawyers lined up for a piece of the pie :(
FWIW ;D

Re: Tow Dolly

Reply #5 –
Jim,

Are you sure you want to go this route?  We have been in RV parks and state and national campgrounds where dollies have to be stowed in an area quite some distance from your site.  Those folks have to do quite a bit of additional work to deal with their tow dollies.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Tow Dolly

Reply #6 –
What about an electric transmission fluid pump?  Remco's Lube Pump | Remco Towing
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Tow Dolly

Reply #7 –
I CALLED SUPERFLOW AND THEY DON'T HANDLE A DISCONNECT FOR MY NEW FRONTIER AND THE SENT ME TO DRIVE SHAFT INC IN DALLAS TX. THEY WANTED 1500.00 FOR ONE BUT MY LOCAL DRIVESHAFT SHOP THAT HAS INSTALLED SEVERAL SAID HE HAS NEVER SEEN ONE STAYED BALANCED AND THAT GETTING THE COUPLING ENGAGED WAS A PAIN. I AM TRYING TO LOOK FOR OPTIONS AS I HAVE THE HONDA CRV BUT I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO TOW THE NISSAN. MY DRIVESHAFT SHOP SAID REMOVE THE 6 BOLTS AT THE REAR YOKE AND SECURE THE DRIVESHAFT. ANY IDEAS WILL BE APPRECIATED . JIM BUSBY
Jim Busby
2015 IH

Re: Tow Dolly

Reply #8 –
Probably the very easiest method is to acquire a four wheel drive vehicle with a neutral in the transfer case.  As far as a drive shaft disconnect is concerned I used one for five or six years on a GMC Jimmy and it worked flawlessly.  It never went out of balance and it always coupled with ease.  I'm not sure, but my disconnect might still be in my barn and if you decide that is the way you want to go and can determine that my disconnect will work on your Nissan, I'm sure we can work something out.  You will have to find a drive shaft shop who can cut it off my shaft and weld it to yours and then balance it.  It doesn't sound like the shop that you talked with would be the one to use.
Paul
36' 2000 U320
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Re: Tow Dolly

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Jim Busby –
...MY LOCAL DRIVESHAFT SHOP THAT HAS INSTALLED SEVERAL SAID HE HAS NEVER SEEN ONE STAYED BALANCED AND THAT GETTING THE COUPLING ENGAGED WAS A PAIN. .... JIM BUSBY
Shops who say this are generally inexperienced in the actual science of driveshaft construction. I would say the shop you talked with does not have adequate technical knowledge and or equipment to properly fabricate and install a Remco Driveshaft disconnect. Call other shops and get recommendations from others in the area if you want to persue this route.
Rick

Re: Tow Dolly

Reply #10 –
Jim, check out swdriveline.com.  Have not used them but was impressed with their web sight.
Laurel Hill, FL
 To do is to be---- Nietzsche
  To be is to do-----Kant
  Do be do be do----Sinatra