Towing a car?

I need to get SWMBO's car from Austin to Houston, and it wont start. Does anyone know the cheapest/best way to do this?

My father in law has a Ford Explorer, and Uhaul wont rent a towing dolly to those, Penske will only rent one if you are renting a truck too.

Does anyone know what we would need to pull the car with all four wheels on the ground?

Appreciate any help

- magno

Do you have a friend with a Full size pickup? you have to tell uhaul that you are towing a ford escort, and they will let you rent it.. I know it is stupid, but it works.

There's a very good reason not to rent you a car tow unit if your car isn't big enough.

The towing car needs to be significantly heavier than the towed vehicle or your tow/towed combination is unstable at speed, especially if you have to make any sudden lane changes.

Either get a huge truck to tow it with or take Penske up on their offer. Towing the car in an unsafe manner is foolish.

A friend of mine has a V-6 ranger, but they said that was too small.

They would rent to a similar sized chevy, toyota, etc. but they wont rent anything to be towed by a ford explorer.

I belive that u-haul err's on the side of caution too much, I have a '96 full sized bronco with a 351W in it and they wouldn't let me rent a car hauler to tow a mustang with (mid 80's). I used that truck for years to haul classic mustangs (late 60's early 70's) around and never once had a problem and 7 years ago i used to rent from u-haul! I am not sure what happened, in that time but they changed their policies somewhere along the way. so i say go for the full-on car hauler trailer and tow it.

Cheers

There's a reason I bought an F-150 when my Honda died. I believe they say there has to be a 750 lb difference in the weights, I was definitely covered going from a CRX to a 1/2 ton. It really depends on the car, but in any kind of a cross-wind you'll be glad to get the right towing vehicle.

1. Get car fixed in Austin.
2. Sell car in Austin.
2 Get a big rope and have a road trip.

I think that dibby got closest to what will end up happening.

Anyone know any good repair places in Austin?

wop31 said:

I believe that u-haul err's on the side of caution too much.

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I tend to agree...but I wouldn't try and tow a car with an Explorer or Ranger, either.

Tow dollies are cheap and easy, but they sure tow like $hit. Be careful, and be sure that the tie downs are centered over the tires - they can slip off, especially if the towed car's wheels turn a little.