towing a shortbox question????

[riz]

I just bought an 81 sortbox and need to bring it home. It isn't drivable. Can I safely haul it on a car dolly type trailer with a Dodge Grand Caravan with a class 2 hitch? Thanks in advance.

RIZ

[rayfinseats]

I towed a Prius 500 miles with a Prius on a 2 wheel dolly at 70 MPH and didn't even know it was there (except gravel tended to jack knife it). As long as the van is as heavy as the truck and you have good brakes you should be okay. Two wheel dollys are awsome. Class 2 is 3500 pounds? The truck is 4000+ ? How far you going?

http://www.etrailer.com/tv-helpful_h...s_2_hitch.aspx

[andrewmp6]

I wouldn't try its a unibody van trying to tow more then its own weight.Do you have any friends with a pick up you could get to tow it?

[406 Q-ship]

I would not do it, I doubt the brakes on the Caravan are up to the task, they were after all soccermomoblies. The C10 will be close to or out weight the tow vehicle.......a very bad combination. If your only going a short distance (under 20 miles), then maybe. Do yourself a favor and beg, borrow, or steal a better tow vehicle.

[78 Chevyrado]

It would probably do it, but if anything happens, you'll be fined on top of fines for going over basically every weight rating involved. Dunno about there, but here, anything over 1,000lbs has to have its own brakes. Brakes are the most important consideration, and caravan brakes will likely overheat and lose their effectiveness pretty quick.

[RastaRobb]

I think I would stay away from that too. Even if you had to rent something heavier, you are money, saftey, and hassel ahead if there was a problem. It has been said, "Dodge Caravans seat 7 so 6 can get out and push it up hills."

[stroker87]

Originally Posted by RastaRobb

Dodge Caravans seat 7 so 6 can get out and push it up hills."

LOL 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque in a 4600lb (my 87 c10 was 4400lbs when I got it) mini van mid 15's in the 1/4 mile (witch is a lot more power then a stock small block square body) towing 3600 capacity

I'd do it! just be careful and leave your self room to stop and dont be lead footed keep your speeds down

I dont have one and really dont think I ever will but these vans came along way

[notyo_cheez]

Call for a wrecker to bring it home. No matter the distance it's cheaper than replacing a destroyed minivan.

[iroc12valve]

Please please..... PLEASE DONT
those vans werent known for good trannys to begin with, the grand caravans have huge rear overhangs so that gives the trailer more leverage to push the van around, you'll be climbing hills in first gear

My concern isnt for the van, im concerned about the poor shortbox that has to be involved.... o and also everyone else on the road.

[C15_Sierra]

I wish I got pics of my '80 1/2 ton long bed being pulled home by my buddy's Nissan Frontier... 7.8 mpg...

[stroker87]

how far does it need to be pulled?

[68GMC_Dan]

I towed a 94 Lifted ext cab with my 2002 trailblazer, felt like I was gonna rip my reciever out from under the vehicle I wouldn't recommend towing with a minivan but sometimes you have to do whatever you have to to get your truck home. the 94 had no motor either and I pulled it on a two wheel car dolly. BE SAFE and drive slow otherwise you may have to have both vehicles towed home cause of a blown tranny.

[riz]

Well, my van took a crap on me even though i decided days ago not to try and tow the shortbox with it. I'm going to borrow my friend's 1/2 ton 1500 pickup either today or tomorrow with a car dolly. Thanks for all the advice. I figured it wasn't a good idea from the onset.

RIZ

[andrewmp6]

It sucks your van died whats wrong with it?

[riz]

I have no idea. It lost power on the way to work yesterday and then stalled. I got it started again and hobbled the last 1/4 mile to work. It has a pretty serious knock. I had it towed to my mechanics house and he can't look at it until Monday.

RIZ

[WigglesTheHoly]

I was going to say sell that caravan before it dies. I know my dad has worked on a few the tranny's suck and they just start falling apart after their 100k mark.

[andrewmp6]

Yeah fwd dodge trans are known to be weak i have replaced a few,It sounds like your fuel pump died to me or just hope its something easy like that and not nothing big like the engine.