towing an M1009

[airbornebandsman]

Hey all, I am looking to tow my CUCV with my M35A2 from Fort Bragg NC to Fort Benning GA in the near future. I plan on using an ex-mil towbar anyone have any suggestions or comments. Thanks

 

[JohnFire]

do a quick search, there are a whole bunch of threads on this with good indepth details for towing these trucks, I think we had one on it last month even. All I know is drop the rear driveshaft.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Drop rear shaft, unlock front hubs, put key in and unlock column, add lights, hook up and go. No finer toad in the MV world.

 

[2deuce]

I have towed mine twice with my deuce in the last week. They tow nicely. Like mentioned above drop the rear driveshsft and have your front hubs free. I just disconnect the driveshaft at the diff and tie it up between the mufflers. Long tie stays work great. If you remove it completely you will lose oil. Make sure you put lights on your M1009 and don't forget its back there when changing lanes. One thing you can't do more than a few feet is back up so be careful what you drive into.
Have a safe trip,
Greg

 

[HighAltitude]

Will be towing an M1009 this week. I've read through the many posts on the subject and think I'm ready. One question, since I don't have one handy to look at, can somesuggest what tools I should have to disconnect the driveshaft at the rear differential? I plan on being ready and will have all the basic gear with me...just hate surprises several hundred miles away from home!

 

[Recovry4x4]

7/16 boxed end wrench and some tie wire to tie it up. Bring tape to secure the caps as well.

 

[merace19]

7/16 wrench. I like a long one, more leverage. And a long screw driver to pry the shaft out of the yoke. They like to stick sometimes and are hard to pull out. I strap the shaft up with a minimum of 3 straps. I dont want to loose it

 

[ehuppert]

Would also suggest wrapping some duct tape around the ujoint so you don't lose a joint cap!

 

[SGT Estum]

I would also bring along some PB Blaster (or penetrating oil of your preference), a hammer/mallet, and a portable air compressor. When I recovered my M1009 I had to air up the tires before it was safe to drive down the road.

Harbor Freight sells some magnetic mount towing lights that you can get for $10 with coupon. I cut the wires and spliced in more wire to make it so I could run all the way to the back of the M1009. It worked out really well.

 

[HighAltitude]

Just returned with my M1009. Followed the insight from http://www.steelsoldiers.com/cucv/24660-civy-tow-bars.html and this thread. Worked great! Towed it over 600 miles behind my Ford Expedition. No surprises.

 

[Red_506]

Just curious, would you guys recommend lashing the steering wheel or let her go free?

 

[HighAltitude]

Gotta keep it free. The M1009 trailed very well and kept the turning radius pretty tight. Had a few tight maneuvers required getting through gas stations with no issues. The M1009 pretty much followed the tracks of the tow vehicle. I gotta say, I way overthought this event. I wasn't sure what to expect. In the end, it was way easy. I followed the tips & advice from this forum. (1) Built the towbar from this forum, (2) kept the steering wheel free, (3) made sure the front hubs were free, and (4) disconnected the rear driveshaft from the differential - leaving it connected at the transfer case and just tying it up with a couple of those big, heavy zip-ties. Piece of cake. No worries.