travel questions

[markmitchinnh]

OK so I am driving approximately 3100 miles from NH to California and I am curious if anyone has towed an astro with a car dolly any lengths like I am preparing to do. I was told it would be less gas and less wear on the truck to use a dolly instead of a trailer. I know I would have to remove the drive shaft from the van to tow it like this. And I also know I would have to get a piece of a drive shaft to slip into the end of the transmission so it does not leak fluid out.

[Smiliesafari]

Disconnect the driveshaft from the differential and tie it up out of the way so it wont fall out.

[mdmead]

Yeah, what Skip said. I've used good quality bungee cords to secure the driveshaft.

[1Gary]

When I rented a U-haul dolly,I had to lie to them about what I was towing.They would rent to anyone towing a Astro.They don't fit,they are too wide.I got around that by using two donuts spares. You want to check those tie-down straps often. Crank them down tight as you can get them. I towed from Marty's house in Ohio and from Ky back to Rochester NY. Lost the brakes from Marty's and ended up towing slow and with only the E-brake to stop. NOT a fun trip at all.

[markmitchinnh]

anyone ever try one of these?
Reese Towpower 74344 Adjustable Class III Tow Bar With 5,000 lb Capacity
Adjustable tow bar folds closed for easy storage
Includes 2 inch coupler and one set universal bumper brackets
5,000 pound capicity
May require base plate fabrication
Limited lifetime warranty

[markmitchinnh]

We decided to have it shipped

[crazyvanman]

Do not dolly your van unless you do not like it much. The dollies are to narrow and if you get caught in a major interstate shut down the troopers do not give a rats butt about your predicament and will force you to screw up both sides of the body making hairpin turns to clear the road; or they will have a tow truck move it for you at ridiculously exorbitant prices.