The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Tow Bar

I have a 65 chevy pickup and would like to haul it to our cabin in Northern Michigan to use in the summer. Than haul it back to tinker with in the winter. Has anyone used a tow bar to haul these old trucks. If so how well does it work? Thanks for any feedback..

If the truck is mechanically sound, it should tow fine on a towbar. Just stop frequently and check your connections. Very nice truck by the way

It should work fine. Just swing your turns a little wider than with a trailer, and avoid backing up.

I should have mentioned that too. DON'T back up, not even a little bit. or better yet get a dolly instead of a tow bar.

If you use a tow bar it would be best if you remove the drive shaft

I agree with all the previous responses. In addition, if you are planning to use a universal, adjustable type, make sure the tow bar has a separator bar that will keep the two side 'draw bar' sections from pulling toward the center of the bumper. Also, some of those will bend the top and bottom edges of the bumper, because the clamps are not large enough to spread the load adequately on the bumper. If you use a tow bar, check the hardware and attachments frequently during the trip, and use safety chains as you would with a trailer. You should also have working lights, as with a trailer.

Either a dolly or a full trailer is a better idea.

Harvester

A dolly will function better as you will be able to back up and won't mess with your bumper. I imagine the cost to rent only a little more but worth it IMHO.

I have a tow bar, and after bending a few bumpers with the universal fit brackets, I have made brackets to bolt to the frame for a few vehicles. You still need the safety chain. Also, removal of the drive shaft is a good idea if you have an automatic or are towing for a distance.. In my opinion, get a dolly. Easier, no damage, has a pin to put in place to back up a small bit.

I towed a 2 ton truck all the way across the country with a tow bar.
It worked OK, I had no problems, and it was the best option given the situation.
However, I wouldn't choose to do it again unless it really was the only reasonable option left, it's a lot of trouble and not as safe as a trailer and suitable truck.

If you still decide to do it check the rules/laws. Friend of ours tows a Jeep behind an RV and is required to have the brakes working in the jeep while being towed, some sort of electric thing that presses the brake pedal...

Grigg

Thanks for your information; I will check on the requirement for needing breaks.

Its a lot easier on both the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle to use a tandem axle trailer with electric brakes in my experience.

I've used a chain, a nylon tow rope, a tow bar, a dolly, a trailer and a tow truck.

In most cases the trailer is by far the best choice in my own humble opinion. Second choice is a tow truck.

Backing a car on a tow bar is amusing to watch but not to do. I've backed a car on a dolly and sure don't think its easiy or any fun. Its also high risk for causing damage.

I finally broke down and bought a trailer and have never regretted it.

I agree with the backing bit. However I have never had to backup when I have my mind on what I'm doing. I'm sure &*^% happens and you might have to put her in reverse but it hasn't happened to me... yet.

That's when you unhook what's being towed and back them each up independently. My father has had to do this a couple times with the car he tows behind his RV.

I've pulled a '68 C-10 with a universal tow bar, bolt-on type, but the bumper face is flat and smooth...I'm going to pick up a '65 project this weekend and had intended to use a tow bar, but realized the bumper is tapered towards the bottom and the lower bolt hole is not on the same plane as the top. I wonder if the shackles will still attach? The bent bumper isn't really an issue as it appears by the photos from the seller that the left front is a bit askew anyhow.

By the way, hello everyone from the new guy!

'57 210 4 Dr
'65 C-10 Short Step
'66 C-10 Long Step
'90 K-1500 Short Fleet
'04 1500 Silverado Crew
'06 HHR
'65 C-10 Long Step (project, will pick up 25 July 09)