Posted by Paul Cook on March 02, 2000 at 16:32:07:
In Reply to: towing a powerwagon posted by Sharon on March 01, 2000 at 23:54:31:
My PW, M-37, WC-52 all weigh between 5500# and 5800#. M-43 and WC-63 are 7000#. U-haul car haulers weigh 2100# pounds and are rated for ONLY 3900# loads. Rentals are abused by others and may break while you have it. You'll pay - particularly if they find out you hauled nearly twice the allowed load. U-Haul web says Local (bring it back) rate is $49.95 per day - if available.
It's very practical to buy your own trailer. You have one that can handle the load. You haul when YOU want (when your friends are available to help) You haul other things. And it's reasonable to expect you friends to reimburse you for hauling their trucks and stuff. When you have a trailer, you can take your truck to many events that are just too far to drive at 45 mph. An 18 foot tandem axle 7000 pound GVW car hauler with electric brakes on one axle and loading ramps is $1200 (in Texas)
Power Wagon on a trailer needs 3/4 ton truck (PU or suburban type)with frame mounted hitch to tow. No bumper balls! 10% of the total trailer and load must be on the ball. This lifts the tow vehicle's front wheels and affects alignment and braking. I use an equalizer hitch to force weight back onto the front wheels, and to compensate for excesive dips and rises in some roads (I-20 at Jackson, MS). I often make trips of 2500 miles each way. Good tow vehicle, good trailer, good hitch, good trailer brakes - my life, the lives of others on the road, and the trucks I collect are all worth doing it right.
A gooseneck trailer puts the load into the bed of the truck and is the next step up. I had several goosenecks that carried only one truck.
Now then, load up your Power Wagon and come to the Texas Power Wagon Reunion.