Flat towing a short skoolie behind a long skoolie

[dalez]

https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/ct...272642458.html

How well would a long bus flat tow something like this long distances? I have a 86 International 36ft w/ dt466 and hydraulic brakes as my home, debating on using a short bus as a truck/van/toolshed. What's a little shortie like that weigh?

[Oldcarnut]

My diesel 02 5 Window Thomas is 10000 pounds, figure this being a gasser n smaller right around 8000 or so.

[somewhereinusa]

I don't think you can flat tow any auto transmission that a van like that would have.

[jrtroubleshooter]

Sure u can just disconnect the driveshaft

[dalez]

So too heavy for surge brakes, and most tow bars except a high end Blue Ox. Ouch.

Re: Driveshaft, disconnecting and reconnecting it every time I move it (at least a few times a year, often multiple times in short succession) would be a huge PITA. I'm seeing people using external lube pumps for the trans, driveshaft disconnects, or swapping to manuals... all $$$

Tow bar: $1500
Toad brakes: $1200
Shaft/Trans/whatever: $xxx-xxxx
This looks like the towing accessories will cost more than the bus

[Jacob]

Could get a minivan and a tow dolly not as cool but sounds cheaper and would probably pull way easier

[Alan N]

If you are not going to tow it very often you can just leave the towed vehicle running with the transmission in nutral.
A little fuel is much cheaper than a drive line disconnect.
I have flat towed a 10,000 lb pickup with my bus without any problem.
Keep it simple.

[dalez]

It wouldnt be towed often, but when it is it'll be 300-500 miles each way, 2-3 times a year. Probably a total of 2000 miles a year.

I need the space and structure of the skoolie body vs a van. I plan to install shelving inside and a small generator on it somewhere. I've considered hunting down a shortie with a blown drivetrain at a scrapyard and converting it into just a trailer, with the front end cut off and a tongue welded on, but the only vehicle I have that could move it would be my long bus... Kinda hard to back a trailer into a tight space on a city street with a long bus. Sure as heck couldnt move it by hand... I could use a truck anyways, and a shortie is 'truck' enough for my purposes. But to have my partner following me on the long trips in it would burn enough fuel to cover the towing gear in a few years... and she'd hate me for it :P

[Jacob]

I have removed a few driveshafts seems like it took about an hour or so. If your only doing it a couple times a year it shouldn't be that large of an inconvenience. The first time will be the hardest! Put something back on the threads to keep them from seizing and you'll have it out in 45 minutes the second time. Will still need brakes and a tow bar however. Keep your eyes out for some good used equipment. I have also seen trailer tongues on hinges attached to the front of vehicles. I'm not sure how legal it would be to make your own.. but I know people have done it. Then your down to brakes

[Jacob]

If you go with removing the driveshaft make sure you dont lose the caps from the u joints. All the little pins will be a pita to get back in there and any dirt will tear them apart in no time. Use electrical tape to secure them. I would probably replace them the first time anyway. They get worn out and are fairly inexpensive.

Having someone around that has taken a few out can't hurt either but YouTube could get you through I'm sure.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Alan N

If you are not going to tow it very often you can just leave the towed vehicle running with the transmission in nutral.
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That's so simple- it's genius.