Flat tow w/tow bar '84 Hatch

[ihscout54]

Ive just bought an 84 DL hatch 4 spd 2wd. U-hauls dolly prices have gotten a bit outa reality, I own a universal tow bar lights and chains, and it seems as though flat towing for 200 miles should be OK.

Problem... Where to attach the tow bar.... One of the lower tow hooks is damaged/bent, and the bumper is a bit thin + looks to have the "crash dampener" attachment setup (not sure Im not with the car and only glanced at it).

Any thoughts or experiences are appriciated.

[WoodsWagon]

What are you towing it with? I'd be leary of towing it with anything lighter than a ranger/tacoma/s10 or similar sized vehicle. The GL10 wagon I towed 2k miles home pushed my tacoma around a lot during braking and turning.

[MilesFox]

U-haul will not approve a hook-up to a vehivle that is not qualified.

 

A dolly will be rented to mid size sedans and mini vans, most v6 size cars, with curb weights around 3500 lb, and a 3500 lb class 2 hitch, 1-1/4 or 2 inch receiver. The general rule is, the vehicle in tow should noy exceed the weight of the tow vehicle.

 

The nice thing about a dolly or towbar is there is no tongue weight on the tow vehicle.

 

What model of tow bar do you have? I use one to tow my subarus. I have the valley unit like the ones sold at u- haul. Coincidentally, the pins that go into the supplied shackles, just happen to fit the tow loops on ea81, ea82, 1st and 2nd gen legacy, using big thick spacers leftover from hitch install kits(ask the hitch pro for a handful) and the supplied pins and cotter pin. I never used the shackles, and i have towed so many subarus, universally fitting, across anywhere from a few blocks to 300 miles

 

but if your tow loops are ruined, i would sat remove the bumper and try to fashion a piece of hot steel angle iron that bolts in place of the bumper, and mount your tow shackles to it.

[ihscout54]

Thank you for the replies. I may just have to wait a bit to get it home. Tow vehicle isnt an issue I have a couple full size 8 cyls to choose from. The issue is how to hook up a tow bar, or where to get a dolly.

if your tow loops are ruined, i would sat remove the bumper and try to fashion a piece of hot steel angle iron that bolts in place of the bumper, and mount your tow shackles to it.

This was where I was at. Im sure I could rig something up, but it would take some engineering due to the way the "bumper shocks" are mounted. Also it has occured to me there may be an issue of all four on the ground w/no registration and insurance.

 

The car is in Vegas and since the economy has gotten so bad there people are leaving in droves. Many u-hauls dont have a dolly, or trailer available. The ones that do want top $$ for them. In fact the quoted price for the same trip reversed (to Vegas, instead of from) is well under half the price.

[Mr. Brat]

All you should need would be a trip permit for the car. Your insurance "usually" is transfered to the "towed attachment". Call your insuance company and ask to be sure. I know when I have something hooked to my truck if it has its own insurance of not, it is covered by my truck insurance. But every insurance company AND policy is differant.