M1008 with tow bar - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

crownjewel4 · 01-04-2009, 21:40

I am picking up a M1008 at Ft Meade. GL says does not run, I have a nice slave cable from my Father - In - Law, but I wanted to prepare for the worst if we can't get this truck running. I was considering a tow bar hooked to by M1009. Is there such a thing, and does anyone have one out there for sale? What else can you tell me about tow barring a M1008, other than dropping the drive shafts etc.

I searched the past threads, and did not find anything relevant to tow barring a M1008, just 2.5 Deuces.

I am new to the site, and so far everyone has been bery helpful, any advice, help any other SS member can send would be greatly appreciated.

I have rented a U-haul drive on trailer before, but does not help with a M1008 as the length of the truck is to long, and if I can't start would have an impossible time getting it up on a drive on trailer anyway.

Please help,

THanks,

mangus580 · 01-04-2009, 21:43

I would not suggest tow-barring a 1008 with a 1009 for any great distance.

crownjewel4 · 01-04-2009, 21:45

Just a 150 miles. Is there such a thing out there as I asked above??

mangus580 · 01-04-2009, 21:47

By great distance I mean more than about 15-20 miles......

GM72K10 · 01-04-2009, 22:14

Try an equipment rental place. Have pulled many a truck back home, even without wheels, such as this M1010 parts truck. The fact that its a tilt bed is of great help for non running vehicles. The place I use charges about $80.00 for the day. This particular trailer will even hold a dual wheel truck. Above all, be safe. Make sure your tow truck is large enough also, (not the M1009, too small) Good Luck. Bring lots of tools, chains, binders, a come-a-long, winch, whatever, be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.

maritimer · 01-04-2009, 22:24

trailer brakes are your friends when it comes to pulling with a m1009, almost mandatory for pulling anything on the road over 1500-2000lbs

Westech · 01-04-2009, 22:34

The little 10 inch brakes on the blazer will not stop that truck very fast. I would get a car trailer with brakes. There are Military tow bars but there not cheap. Look to spend 200-500 for one.

crownjewel4 · 01-04-2009, 23:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by GM72K10

Try an equipment rental place. Have pulled many a truck back home, even without wheels, such as this M1010 parts truck. The fact that its a tilt bed is of great help for non running vehicles. The place I use charges about $80.00 for the day. This particular trailer will even hold a dual wheel truck. Above all, be safe. Make sure your tow truck is large enough also, (not the M1009, too small) Good Luck. Bring lots of tools, chains, binders, a come-a-long, winch, whatever, be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.

I like the idea of the equipment rental facility. Sounds like a good idea. I have a 2009 Super Duty Diesel to pull.

Thanks for all the comments/advice.

crownjewel4 · 01-04-2009, 23:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by crownjewel4

I like the idea of the equipment rental facility. Sounds like a good idea. I have a 2009 Super Duty Diesel to pull.

Thanks for all the comments/advice.

I am in NEPA, where in Bucks County do you rent yours. Sort of on the way to MD.

colomil · 01-04-2009, 23:15

I towed a M1009 home using a home-made towbar. I bought a coupler that fits a 2" ball and I used 2 pieces of 1.5" dia pipe for the diagonals. I cut a 1" hole on the end of each pipe to mount on the M1009s front clevis mounts. I used two 1" diameter x 4" long bolts with two nuts each. I had some welding & cutting to do but all this cost under $80.

The m1009 as a tow vehicle for a 6000lb m1008 might be pushing it. The m1009 rear axle is the problem, the brakes are too small and the differential gears will get hot. If you encounter any hills you will be in real trouble. If you have a buddy ride in the m1008 as a brake man this might be a little safer but I still do not recommend towing with a m1009 in any configuration.

Best bet is to use a rental trailer with surge or electric brakes and a 3/4 ton or larger tow vehicle with a brake controller.

Another option would be to tow the m1008 off base using the m1009 + home made towbar to a place where you can work on the m1008. Once the m1008 is running, you could use it to tow the m1009 the 150 miles back home.