Towing a Deli behind an RV

[ghmorris]

We are getting ready to semi-retire and hit the road full time later this summer.

Probably going to use a converted HDT (Heavy Duty Truck) re-licensed as a motor home in Ontario pulling a 36' fifth wheel RV. If you want more information, this is forum has the most active members with HDTs... http://www.rvnetwork.com/index.php?showforum=32
Here is a good example of a member who has lengthened his truck to accommodate a jeep. Not nearly as cool as a Deli tho

,

I want to bring our Deli (300) with us, but that raises a few issues. If we put it on the deck of the truck, we end up with a very long truck (probably close to 300" wheelbase), which is expensive to source and hard to park in a campground. Or we pull the Deli behind the 5th wheel RV, either all four wheels on the ground with a towbar http://www.blueox.us/Towbars/towbars.htm, or with either the front or back wheel on a towing dolly http://www.towbartowdolly.com/. If we use a dolly, we can lift it up on the back of the truck when not in use. I'm worried about transfer case / transmission damage from towing 4-down with a towbar.

I'm open to all ideas. At this point a dolly with the Deli's front wheels on the ground seems like the better answer because of the free-wheeling hubs, but I would love to hear some debate.

Thanks
George

[thedjjack]

I think manual hubs up front and a disconnecting driveshaft coupler that any drive line shop should be able to add.

Good to go four down that way.

Or since you are a Delica Guy how about an Old COE truck to shorten up the wheel base!!

[Green1]

While I don't think the L300 isn't going to be as short a wheelbase as the jeep is, it is still not a very long vehicle, I compared mine to a friend's honda civic, and the civic was actually longer than the L300!

As for flat towing... as stock, definite no-no. this was discussed earlier in another thread though, and I believe the end result was as thedjjack stated, manual hubs up front and a driveline disconnect should allow towing without any damage.

[Firesong]

Since I knew you were going to say something I wanted to as well.
Auto hubs and tow it backwards.

It will work and harm nothing.
Believe nothing else.

:)
FS

[ghmorris]

Thanks guys, this is very interesting. I have read the other thread. Does anyone have suggestions on where to find a drive-shaft disconnect for the rear wheels?

George

[ghmorris]

I think manual hubs up front and a disconnecting driveshaft coupler that any drive line shop should be able to add.

Good to go four down that way.

Or since you are a Delica Guy how about an Old COE truck to shorten up the wheel base!!

I would love an Argosy, but they are like gold dust. About twice the price of a conventional truck...

I used to drive an International Transtar for Halliburton in Northern BC/Alberta in the mid-70s, so between that and the Deli we feel right at home in a COE!

[thedjjack]

Never had a disconnect, but when I get drive shafts built the they have a display of one on the shop counter.

Keep us posted on the Rig. Cheers

[jessef]

Thanks guys, this is very interesting. I have read the other thread. Does anyone have suggestions on where to find a drive-shaft disconnect for the rear wheels?

George

Driveline shop.

The only thing I don't like with this idea is the fact that our L300 rear driveshafts are not much longer than a toothbrush and putting a disconnect in-line will make the driveshaft length even shorter than it already is.

You don't want to be driving/removing/installing the rear driveshaft on the road. Too much of a pain. You'd need to plug the transfer case so fluid won't come out as well.

That leaves you with few options.

On a trailer.

Front-end on dolly with manual hubs disengaged and trans in 'N', although it will put wear on the drivetrain and I'm not certain if that's even legal.

Rear-end on dolly with manual hubs disengaged.

[jelbon]

What issues will develop if a tow bar is used, hubs unlocked, engine idling in neutral while being towed.

[loki]

What issues will develop if a tow bar is used, hubs unlocked, engine idling in neutral while being towed.

I don't think there is enough flow in the tranny when in neutral for those speeds but I could be wrong. I have heard of some putting an electric pump on the tranny of some kind that would pump the fluid while driving. just because I heard about it a long time ago doesn't mean it's true though :)

[thedjjack]

Can the 5 speed not be towed wheels down? It is splash lubed. Anyone got a manual?

[jessef]

To be honest, a forum is not the best place for this type of advice.

I would contact both an RV place that sells and deals with towing vehicles and they will recommend what to do or which driveline shop to ask.

The Delica's have the same driveline's as many vehicles with part-time 4WD. 85-late 90's Jeep Cherokee's have p/t 4wd with aisin Warner transfercases. Toyota 4runners, etc ... with the exception of the length of the rear driveshafts.

What I'm saying is your safest bet would be to contact shops/places that specialize in this.

[Erebus]

The other issue to consider is the legality of towing something behind a 5th wheel trailer. If I understand it right, it is legal in Alberta, not legal in BC, no idea about other provinces and states. But any decent RV forum or dealer should know the answer.

Another option is getting a 5th wheel trailer that has a "garage", and put the Delica in there! Regular 5th wheel trailers might have issues with it, but modifying a horse trailer 5th wheel RV/horse trailer might be easy, just remove the stalls. And since they are designed for heavier weights, they should be able to handle it.

Just a thought to explore.