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Mechanic and car/rv nerds, advice needed!
13 years ago
I have a question about our new mobile home. It's a 21 foot 1977 Dodge Sportsman with a 440 motor. Newly built transmission and engine. We also have a Subaru Outback. We're preparing to head off on a 14 hour drive from northern AZ to northern California. My husband is going to be driving the mobile home, and... I REALLY am not comfortable driving the car all the way to CA by myself...We want to tow our car behind the mobile home, but we're going to need a car hauler because our model of car requires all tires off the ground. We've heard in the beginning that it would be absolutely no problem and our RV can tow our car easily. We took it in to have it tuned up yesterday and the mechanic there said he's really worried we'd be pushing it by doing that.
It doesn't have a manual with it, and looking around online we've been unable to find one or any additional information. Thoughts? Advice?
It doesn't have a manual with it, and looking around online we've been unable to find one or any additional information. Thoughts? Advice?
http://bit.ly/GMKOy2
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1977-Dodge-.....d3&vxp=mtr
#1 If your subaru outback has all wheel drive, (and I think they do), then you can't use a car dolly on it. Check the owners manual, but I'm pretty sure it'll have to be towed on all four wheels. (IE all four wheels turn or not, but not 2 on and 2 off the trailer) .. and I believe this is true even if you can disengage the differential.
#2 If the above is true, then you'll need to attach a tow-bar to your outback, which will be more price.
#3 If your traveing to california, why not take it slowly, drive both vehciles with two way radios, and just enjoy yourself, and take breaks.
I was terrified to drive after my first accident, but my mom encouraged me to not let it stop me from driving. And I didn't. If I had a car right now, I'd be a driving fool! (Meaning, I'd just be driving a lot.)
Good luck!
Might wanna check with these guys:
http://moparbvans.proboards.com/index.cgi
Once you start towing something, life gets more complicated... no 3-point turns, larger turning radius, really being careful in gas stations, as most aren't set up for that (combined) length of vehicle, etc.
Alternately, could your husband drive the motorhome to California, bus/train back, then drive the car there?
The main problem with towing is when the hauling vehicle has an automatic transmission. Automatics can overheat. This is probably why the mechanic is concerned. It's not the engine or the truck frame you need to worry about, it's the transmission.
I'd look into this in more detail, but I'm really overdue to head to bed. Maybe tomorrow.