Towing Advise Needed...

OKCM38CDN · Post by **OKCM38CDN** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 8:12 pm

I am trying to figure on how to get my M-38CDN and M-100 trailer to Little Rock from OKC... I do not own a trailer (I can rent a 16' or 18' car trailer from the Base MWR) and my towing vehicle is a '98 Astro van...

I have rented a trailer (16') from the base in the past and used the Astro to tow the jeep to MO, but adding the trailer weight causes concerns... Main problem is rear axle springs on the Astro, they are crap, bottom out to much... Thinking of helper springs ...

Any suggestions...

gamillerman · Post by **gamillerman** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 10:17 pm

Hal; I think you will run into weight problems with both on a trailer and and a Chevy Astro van. If the 16 Ft. trailer you have in mind is anything like U-Hauls double axel car haulers those trailers by themselves are heavy........although the Astro would probably tow the rig it wouldn't be unsafe. I own a Chevy Astro and wouldnt attempt it.

52_M38 · Post by **52_M38** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 5:12 am

I had the same problem when I picked up my Jeep (11 hours away). I used an auto transport from UHaul which as someone else mentioned are heavy. The trailer and the Jeep combined was too much for my towing vehicle so I rented a UHaul truck too (to tow the whole mess). This ended up being more expensive, but better in the long run when you consider wear and tear own your private vehicle. You can beat the crap out of the UHaul without fear of an expensive repair down the road.

Good Luck.

Post by **wesk** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 10:29 am

Hal,
Rent a 26 foot Uhaul van and carry it all inside. You can even use the van for a camper while you're there. There will even be lots of room for new spare parts that you buy while you're there.

gamillerman · Post by **gamillerman** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 2:19 pm

Wes's idea of a 26' U-Haul is an excellent Idea..both a camper and a vehicle hauler. You might also consider a car dolly......I used one to tow mine back from northern Va. when I purchased it. You have to disconnect the rear drive shaft but other than that it was a very easy tow and rode very well hooked up like that for the 500+ miles towing it back home. The only concern I had was the rear end seal leaking (the jeep had sat in a barn for 8-10 yrs.) but I kept checking it and never lost a drop.

OKCM38CDN · Post by **OKCM38CDN** » Sat May 19, 2007 4:35 pm

Well my transportation problems have been solved (Unless gasoline gets too high ) 2005 Chevy Extended cab w/Tow package was purchased...

I made my reservations to stay at the Rodeway Inn & Suites, 2401 W. 65th St, Little Rock, AR; today... (Doubletree was booked solid)

Anyone else attending??? If so, post where you are staying so we may meet up and have a face to face meeting...

This will be my first MVPA convention and I will arrive Wednesday afternoon and leave Sunday Morning... I am bringing my M-38CDN and M-100 Trailer...

Hope to meet you there...

Jim · Post by **Jim** » Sat May 19, 2007 7:41 pm

Hi, Hal,
Can't wait to see your vehicle. We're only able to
get there for one night, and are staying at the Peabody
Hotel Friday night, attending the convention on Saturday.
Call me at 479 474-9727 here in Van Buren if you need
any help between Vian, Oklahoma, and Ozark, Arkansas,
going or coming. "Situations" precluded my original plan
to have the M38 at Little Rock. You can see it on my web
page:
http://home.earthlink.net~starbird1942/
on the last page.

Jim in Darkest Arkansas

Jim · Post by **Jim** » Sat May 19, 2007 7:43 pm

Hal, OOPS! The correct URL is

http://home.earthlink.net/~starbird1942/

Sorry about that...

Jim in Darkest Arkansas