towing a SIII

[Rat Patrol]

I'm getting ready to pick up my first Rover and wondering if it is safe to tow it. I've pulled other vehicles with the power trane in nuetral but how will this affect a Rover's system.
I will be transporting it about 1500 miles. My thinking is that the distance will be a big impact considering the time frames I have to work with. Hence a trailer, I should be able to maintian higher and much safe freeway speeds.
The downside to using a trailier is the rental cost.

So in the end does the cost of the rental (<$500) outweigh the strain on the Rover?

Thanks

[Muddy Oval]

You could drop the drive shafts in 15 minutes. Short distance flat towing you put transfer case in N and gearbox in 4th. For that distance, I'd drop the shafts or trailer it (trailer being the best by far).

[bamarover]

I put my Series IIA on a Uhaul vehicle tow for 450 miles, Kentucky to lower Alabama. Using a diesel pick-up to pull it, it was like it was not even back there. The cost was $225 one way. I would put it on a trailer if you can work it out, especially if it is not a daily driver for previous owner. No issues with flats, bearings, etc.
Good luck,
Greg

[bamarover]

One more thought. It might be worth having an auto transporter move it that long distance. There are several that move vehicles all over the country. With gas like it is, you might come out cheaper, plus no missed work so you can pay for some more toys for the Rover! Stewart Transport is one I have used in the past.
Greg

[pickuprover]

I flat towed my rover to Nova Scotia last year (2200 km). Just dropped the shafts and hooked up the tow bar and wired the tail lights into a trailer harness... towed like a dream behind the ford f-350 with a deisel engine. just make sure that the oil in the front and rear axles are up and especially the swivelballs... but a trailer would be better if you can afford it.

[Rat Patrol]

I appreciate all the input....trailering really does seem the way to go. Besides the diesel F250 needs a work out.

I looked into an auto transporter...$2.00+ per mile. I can drive up there, rent the trailier (U-Haul) and come back for around $1200.

BTW I'm going from El Paso, TX to San Fransico. If you need something in either direction and are along I-10, I-5 or close proximity drop me a line.

[p76rangie]

Over here, most of the new cars are delivered to dealers on the back of trucks that carry 5 or more cars. I could ship a car on one of these trucks the distance you are talking for $200 to $300. The quote you had of $2 per mile would be a single vehicle tow truck. Try the big car transport companies.

Ian

[Rat Patrol]

Ian, you are correct the pice is a bit high at $2. per. I just spoke with several major shipping agents and was quated $950 on average.

I think the adventure of picking it up in person is worth the extra hundred or so I will spent getting there and back.

[knercknerc]

I used to run a small landrover dealership in South Africa and the best way apart from getting somebody else to do it is method of towing a landy on a regular bases is find some of these free wheeling hubs and fit them ALL wheels simple ?? Derek

[pickuprover]

Originally Posted by knercknerc

I used to run a small landrover dealership in South Africa and the best way apart from getting somebody else to do it is method of towing a landy on a regular bases is find some of these free wheeling hubs and fit them ALL wheels simple ?? Derek

One of the Nova Scotia guys does that with his series IIa, works sweet, but make sure you have a couple of regular drive flanges when you off road as the freewheel hubs can strip out a little easier than the regular ones....