Looking for long distance towing advice

[Jstout2911]

Hey guys, in 3 months I'm going to be moving from California to Arkansas and the plan is to tow my wife's car which is a Toyota Corolla. My truck is a 14 crew cab Lt 2wd without the trailering package. Also the previous owner installed a belltech lowering kit which I think it is a 4"6" drop. I have towed before just not with this truck and not with a lowered truck. I have searched this forum and others for answers on how to make the haul more bearable on the family. I've read people suggest "helper bags" or "air shocks" but this is the first lowered truck I've owned and I know very little about bags, I just want something simple to use. What do y'all suggest? Second question to this, what would be better, a car dolly or car trailer? Sorry for the long post but thanks in advance

[ewiski]

I think my camry is about 3100 pounds. If you get one of those carts that just put the front wheels on the dolly you wouldnt even have to worry about it.

[Jstout2911]

I think my camry is about 3100 pounds. If you get one of those carts that just put the front wheels on the dolly you wouldnt even have to worry about it.

Ya I guess I'm probably over thinking it. I just didn't want my rear to drop that much.

[Donstar]

I would strongly advise you to get a professional to physically inspect your truck before towing, The previous owner of your truck modified it for looks at the possible trade-off of function. I don't doubt that there are ways to lower a truck while preserving its towing ability but I would have this confirmed prior to putting you and your family at risk.

[Jstout2911]

I would strongly advise you to get a professional to physically inspect your truck before towing, The previous owner of your truck modified it for looks at the possible trade-off of function. I don't doubt that there are ways to lower a truck while preserving its towing ability but I would have this confirmed prior to putting you and your family at risk.

I checked it out myself, ran part numbers etc. it is a full belltech lowering kit. With the belltech nitro shocks.

[Bikemobile]

Those 2 wheel dollys are a bit tough to reverse if you get stuck in a gas station, hotel parking etc. They do take the load off the back of the truck though. The U-haul aluminum car haulers, (2axle) are really nice to tow. A bit more tongue weight but long term easier to manage.

 

How much weight are you putting in the bed?

[Jstout2911]

Those 2 wheel dollys are a bit tough to reverse if you get stuck in a gas station, hotel parking etc. They do take the load off the back of the truck though. The U-haul aluminum car haulers, (2axle) are really nice to tow. A bit more tongue weight but long term easier to manage.

How much weight are you putting in the bed?

In the bed I'm probably going to only put plastic totes with clothes in them and of course jack, jack stands, small tool box, and a gas can.

[ewiski]

Trade your corolla in for a smart car and load it into the back of your truck.

[Bikemobile]

In the bed I'm probably going to only put plastic totes with clothes in them and of course jack, jack stands, small tool box, and a gas can.

I would bet that those totes and a 2 wheel dolly will be fine with your drop. Maybe see how much travel you have in the back and rent the dolly for an hour as a trial run.

[14GMCSLTSIERRA]

...Or toss everything that will go in the bed of your truck, into the car?...reducing payload of the truck and possible squat...

[KMGZ400]

is there a reason the car can't be driven? seems unnecessary to tow it

[Jstout2911]

is there a reason the car can't be driven? seems unnecessary to tow it

My wife will be about 7 months pregnant by then, and has told me that she isn't going to be doing that drive. Haha

[Bikemobile]

My wife will be about 7 months pregnant by then, and has told me that she isn't going to be doing that drive. Haha

Copy that

[Likarok]

If you have a buddy with some kind of trailer hook it up and see how it does. Experiment a bit. I pull a Hallmark low hauler every year down to Arizona and back from Alberta with my short box truck and it pulls it fine. That is with two 700lb. Harleys in it, and that is through the tough part of the Rockies coming down through Montana, Idaho and Utah. Up to almost 6900' in altitude in Monida Pass and Malade Pass. I have a friend that pulls the same trailer with her Acura mdx. with a v6 and it tows it fine. You should be pretty level all the way if you go on Interstate 10 or 40

 

Really think you are over thinking this, but a little experimenting would not hurt.

[dman1458]

A car dolly will have minimal tongue weight and therefore minimal squat. A flat bed will add considerable more weight to the tongue, and will cause more squat. As for over thinking, there is nothing wrong with it. Better to over than under is what I always say.