QuestionWe are driving the Alaska Highway next month. My husband has
a Ford 150 SuperCab 4WD (2001) and we'd like to tow my
Toyota 4Runner 4dr 4WD (1997) behind it for our drive from
Alaska to Wyoming along the Alaska Highway, avoiding
mountainous stretches. Weather will be mild and road conditions
should be relatively good.
Can this be done safely and if so, what kind of equipment would
we need and how should we set it up? UHaul web site states that
we cannot use their dolly for this tow - is that because this
combo just would not work or because of their equipment
limitations?
Thank you for your help!
AnswerAliza,
Let's do the math:
4Runner: ~4000lbs.
Tow Dolly: ~700-1000lbs.
This is with an empty gas tank and nothing at all in the 4Runner.
Now check your Ford's owner's manual for it's tow rating and lookup it's GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating). Don't forget to check your hitch's rating (it will be either 3,500 lbs or 5,000 lbs.)
If all of this works out and you have a dolly with good brakes you should be fine. I am guessing you will be over the GCWR.
I have never driven from Alaska to Wyoming but I was curious how you were going to avoid mountainous stretches.
I also cannot confirm at this time that your vehicle is dolliable as-is. I would advise disconnecting the driveshaft from the diff and tying it up.
Final words: I don't advise it. It is a very heavy vehicle being towed by a marginally heavier vehicle.
Good luck,
Shayne Peterson
MobileHitch
http://www.mobilehitch.ca
