Towing Question

[Lanse]

Hey yall... Well, im pretty sure that my old ranger is pretty much done for, and im going to be taking the engine and transmission and a few odds and ends out of my parts truck before long here.

But, this is gonna leave me with two dead trucks to scrap. The junkyards 30~ miles away, and im not afraid to pull either one (decent tires) there. Im just not too sure how to.

Id really like to rent one of those little trailer things from a local place in town, the setup where you strap in the front wheels, and the back wheels just roll along behind you. Im thinking that this is going to be the cheapest way to do things.

Neither one of these trucks has been on the road for years, although i have the titles for both of them. How would i legally hook them up to this thing and drag them down there, in the state of ohio?? One truck doesn't even have tail lights. Is it as simple as get some working lights and drive off into the sunset, or is there anything else i should do??

 

[jd b puller]

Lanse, save yourself the trouble, check the local classifieds for guys that buy junk cars. Let them deal with it.

 

[Brad Gyde]

I'm in Michigan, and I'm not too exactly sure on whats what in Ohio.. but in Michigan using a dolly:

The vehicle on the dolly should have a plate (temporary "paper plate" or otherwise) or the dolly is supposed to be plated. I think all of the rented dollies usually have a plate on them, at least the ones i have seen on the road seem to.

Most dollies have lights on the fenders, but I believe a cheap set of the magnetic "towing" lights would be better.. stick em on the bedrail of the towed truck, plug em in, and go. (I do not know if they "rent" the magnetic lights with the dolly or not, but I bought a cheap set at harbor freight to put on farm equipment I tow home from sales, or to sales, etc)

The dollies aren't really a big deal though, as long as you strap down good, and the brakes aren't tied up on the vehicle you're towing.

NOW.. I don't know all the regulations on scrapping a motor vehicle in Ohio.. but in Michigan:

THE TITLE MUST BE IN THE SCRAPPER'S NAME or the person who's name is on the title must be present, and the "scrap check" will be issued to the name on the title. ASK ME HOW I KNOW..

Also, here fuel tanks must be removed, or have a good sized hole cut/drilled/punched in the bottom as to prove there is no fuel in the tanks. Some places require the oil and anti-freeze be drained, but with no motor, no problem there. We also get docked locally for tires, unless we remove them and bring them back home with us.

I believe that is the same way in Ohio, as I believe Michigan and Ohio have about the same regulations on "scrapping rules"

You'll likely get more scrapping them yourself, but I agree that the easiest thing to do is to call a junk car buyer.. BUT if you scrap them yourself, I recommend you CALL THE SCRAP YARD YOU PLAN TO TAKE THEM TO AND ASK THEIR POLICY ON TITLE, FUEL TANK, ETC

Hope this helps,
Brad

 

[Bill Longstreet]

There are places in the paper that you can donate them to and they come pick them up. What part of the state are you in?

 

[Ron in Nebr]

Around here, if I just had a dolly to use, I'd just put 'em on it, and take off WELL BEFORE sunset, so there was no worry about lights, etc...

In a more populated area like you're in though, if you have to go through all the trouble to get temp plates, lights, etc.etc.etc., it might be better to spring for a few bucks more and just rent a trailer(provided you have something that'll pull it).

But from the sounds of things, I'd agree with the other posters that you should just put an ad on craigslist or whatever saying you have these to get rid of, either for free or for a very small amount of cash, and they'll probably be gone within a day or two.

 

[Bill in Colo]

Local scraper will pick for free no title needed if stripped.but in Utah you need the title unless you mash it before delivery,neighbor has smashed several with his backhoe. current scrap price in east utah is about 180 per ton.

 

[SCHMUCK 2]

I don't know what state you live in, but in Missouri, I believe if a vehicle's wheels are rolling on the ground, either 2 or 4, then that vehicle must have tags or temporary registration on it. If it doesn't and you get stopped, then you will be cited. I would have to agree with the others who suggested calling a scrapper and letting them deal with it. By the time you rent one of those dollies, it will probably cost enough to offset any money you would get by bringing the trucks in yourself, let alone time, wear and tear on the tow vehicle, and all the possible problems that can occur when dealing with junk vehicles.

 

[C.R.]

If the frames are ok you could remove the cabs and motore all of the stuff alead of the box and cut it off and make it into a box trailer.

 

[C.R.]

then you have a trailer to haul the rest of it in as scrap

 

[flying belgian]

I think we are all thinking how we would do it now at the age we are. (I'm 57) But think back to how you would have done it when you were 16 or 17 like Lanse. You are all right in that I would just make a phone call and let someone else do it. But when you were 16 By God if you could save or make a buck, you were going to do it. I don't know the answer Lanse but cmon some one, help this kid out.

 

[Bob S.]

Howdy,
The rental place should also have a light bar for temporary hook up. If not you may have to pop for a trailer lite kit and make your own, about $25.00 for complete kit. Will come in handy for towing dead vehicles etc, all your friends will want to borrow it !!
Bob S.

 

[Anonymous-0]

dollys do not have plates in Michigan.

 

[Brad Gyde]

Hey, I tried to help Lanse out.. I'm 29, and I still "scrap" to make spending money. I usually "part out" the combine/truck/car/snowmobile as much as I can, then scrap what's left.

I didn't tell him NOT to do it, I suggested he research what has to be done and make a educated decision.. Upon research he should get a idea of time he has to spend to accomplish the mission, and what he will spend to make X in scrap.

I'd do it.. BUT title would be in my name, fuel tank off, cat convertor pulled (worth more off the car) Radiator pulled (also added value) I can also borrow a "dealers" plate to pull the car into the scrap yard.. but the last one I did, I just pulled it as it was.. Heck, I'll admit I broke the rules and drug a truck with a tow strap more than once.

Before I get read the riot act about the tow strap though, I am not usually one to jeopardize my safety, or the safety of others. I just have a mission to accomplish, and I don't quit till the job is done.. Some may call it foolish, I call it keeping my nose above the water..

And to drummer: IN MICHIGAN it is NOT required to plate THE DOLLY ITSELF if the vehicle ON THE DOLLY is registered. IF YOU RENT A UHAUL DOLLY IT WILL HAVE PLATES..

Brad

 

[RN]

Couple little things- Harbor Freight has magnetic base light kits for about $20.00- with coupon I got a set for $9.95. From scrapping here in Wisconsin- Loosen all lug nuts, then retighten so quick to take off if going to scrap metal place that says no fuel tanks, tires and AC. Tanks can be punched and drained- pour in tow vehicle was common practice. Tow dolly or trailer handy- trailer is usefull for other things also. Pickups can make handy utility trailers, really need welder and torch set access although frames can be cut with chopsaw blade in a regular saw- wear glass/goggles and gloves- but I've made a dozen over the years from Jap pickups, light GM, full sized Ford, Chevy and Dodges. Other noted scrap metal prices on cats, radiators- sometimes a rebuilder is paying core values on starters and alternators, worth the 1/2 hour to take them off. Disk brake calipers can get you a few dollars if taken off also. Paperwork is varied by state- check your DOT. In Wisconsin I got some registrations with signatures and the state bill of sale forms, title wasn't given and wasn't needed for wrecks. Cab off pickups were considered scrap parts as VIN was on cabs- if glass was good they were sometimes worth $50.00 by themselves at car salvage yard instead of scrap metal dealer. Have fun, try to make a couple dollars for the tractor projects. RN