Let's see if I've got this straight...you live in the country, in rural Indiana, you're going to have to drive over some poorly maintained roads for a total of 5 miles. The truck has questionalble tires (may or not hold air) you must have access to a tow vehicle if you're considering using a U-haul trailer or dolly.
Having used both I'd say nix to both! Too much money, a deposit, light hookup and you've got to figure out how to drag the truck up on both. You'll have to put some air in the tires sooner or later....you've been informed about the danger of airing up really old tires.....so don't go for 35 psi....10 psi will keep you off the rims. Eventually, you're going to have to have some tires on the truck to move it around once you get it home.
My suggestion would be to air the tires (cautiously), replace any with used tires if they don't hold air, hook a nylon tow strap to the old girl and assuming the brakes are inoperative, proceed home at slow speed. If you're lucky enough to have an operational emergeny brake it might give you an additional sense of security. The soft tires in the cold weather are going to drag so just keep your speed down to 15-20 mph....in 20 minutes you'll be home.
Hiring a tow truck or a roll-back would be the ideal way to get the truck home but 5 miles on a rural road!!! Of course it's your choice but let me assure you that the majority of old truck folks have used a tow strap, and with a little common sense,have gotten the job done.
Dave
