Towbar install Info

[Sikafishn]

Hey all. New here. I'm in the process of doing a build on a new (to me) econoline and was thinking about towing it behind my dodge diesel for all the storage and versatility that would offer. I've never tried this and was curious about any information/youtubes/etc. that might offer up any sugestions on mounting the tow bar to any insights regarding affects to the running gear or systems of the towed van as it's an automatic. Any thoughts greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Howard

 

[travelaround]

All I know is that you have to know how much weight your primary tow vehicle can safely handle towing.

 

[wayne49]

Tongue weight won't be an issue.

 

[highdesertranger]

overall weight must be watched. the tow bar must be securely mounted. you didn't mention the year but newer bumpers can't handle it, it's best mounted to the frame. don't mess with mickey mouse mounting of the tow bar.

the drive shaft must be disconnected. there is a company that makes a disconnect that is operated from the driver seat. if I remember correctly they are about 900 bucks for the kit, then you have installation, and the drive shaft must be modified.

highdesertranger

 

[Sikafishn]

overall weight must be watched.  the tow bar must be securely mounted.  you didn't mention the year but newer bumpers can't handle it,  it's best mounted to the frame.  don't mess with mickey mouse mounting of the tow bar.

the drive shaft must be disconnected.  there is a company that makes a disconnect that is operated from the driver seat.  if I remember correctly they are about 900 bucks for the kit,  then you have installation,  and the drive shaft must be modified.

highdesertranger

 

[Sikafishn]

Thanks Ranger, that's what I needed to hear. Thanks to all replys.

 

[Sikafishn]

It's   2002 and I didn't  think the front bumper looked like it would take a bolt on bar. Guess were lookin at a tilt bed cuz it sounds like it would be about as expensive as the shaft project.

 

[highdesertranger]

you can always crawl under and unbolt the driveshaft. only cost time but it gets old fast. highdesertranger

 

[bullfrog]

Not as old as having it bounce into gear rip the drive shaft out while breaking the transmission housing as well as cracking a mounting ear on the engine which my dad did while towing an old 6 cylinder chevy truck home for me while I was in service. He didn't tell me until much later!

 

[closeanuf]

I'm trying to figure out where versatility figures into this.  That seems like a complicated situation to me, but I don't know your whole story.  Seems like it would be much more simple to get a cargo trailer.  The weight of the van alone would change my mind.  IMHO

 

[Sikafishn]

I'm trying to figure out where versatility figures into this.  That seems like a complicated situation to me, but I don't know your whole story.  Seems like it would be much more simple to get a cargo trailer.  The weight of the van alone would change my mind.  IMHO

I hear ya. Was trying to figure this out myself. Was gonna go with the cargo trailer then got a smoking deal on the van so figured I could have it all. As time and wisdom take it's  toll on my fantasy I've  come to my senses and have pared it down to the van which has a tow pkg  and MAYBE a small trlr behind depending on tightness of quarters and as I pen this even that seems a bit much.