Ball tow hitch on the Blazer

[TechnoLoGs]

Small chance I can bolt up a tow hitch, (?? Or have it done) and go to U-Haul, get a Car Transport, save Volvo. Unsure the chance but assume I wanted to hook up a ball hitch to the S-10.

If it IS easy, just HOW easy is it? And tools required?

 

[JHZR2]

go to uhaul rent the truck and car trailer attached, done. Probably will save money and time vs buying a hitch, installing it, etc.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

The other problem is, they likely will not rent a car trailer to a S10 Blazer

 

[Gabe]

A hitch bolts on in just a couple minutes - four bolts right in the open.

Don't listen to these guys; my Bravada's 4.3 has hauled my car more times than I care to admit. Remember not to run it in overdrive.

 

[heynow]

I think that for you, AAA would be a worthwhile investment.

 

[TechnoLoGs]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
go to uhaul rent the truck and car trailer attached, done. Probably will save money and time vs buying a hitch, installing it, etc.


I heard someone say they may even be able to install it?

Originally Posted By: Gabe
A hitch bolts on in just a couple minutes - four bolts right in the open.

Don't listen to these guys; my Bravada's 4.3 has hauled my car more times than I care to admit. Remember not to run it in overdrive.


The "D" not the "OD" right?

Must see if I can do this.

I know demand for junk Volvo is low.

 

[Kuato]

Our GC had a Uhaul hitch installed for around $200, including wiring.

 

[KD0AXS]

Originally Posted By: Gabe
A hitch bolts on in just a couple minutes - four bolts right in the open.

Don't listen to these guys; my Bravada's 4.3 has hauled my car more times than I care to admit. Remember not to run it in overdrive.


Capability isn't the issue, liability is. U-Haul is very picky on vehicle and trailer combinatiins and will most likely not rent a car hauler to be towed behind an S-10 Blazer because in their opinion it's too much for the Blazer.

They still won't rent you any trailer at all if you have a Ford Explorer because of the whole tire fiasco from years ago. Even if you had a 2013 Explorer that has absolutely nothing in common with the old Explorers, you're out of luck because it says Explorer on it. However, if you have a Mercury Mountaineer or Lincoln Aviator... No problem!

 

[EricF]

I know a guy who had a 92 Subie Legacy AWD, he bought a hitch from me, installed it, went to u-haul & rented a car dolly (the 2 wheeler).
He told them he was towing a 1965 VW Bug and they let him take it.
He actually towing a buick lesabre to fix.
he said it wasn't a fun tow, his little subie was swaying back & forth, the lesabre wasn't doing any better.
But he made it to 40 miles back to home. uhaul would've had a cow!

 

[lyle]

Quote:
They still won't rent you any trailer at all if you have a Ford Explorer because of the whole tire fiasco from years ago. Even if you had a 2013 Explorer that has absolutely nothing in common with the old Explorers, you're out of luck because it says Explorer on it. However, if you have a Mercury Mountaineer or Lincoln Aviator... No problem!


Not true anymore...

Uhaul will rent trailers towed by 2011 and newer Explorers. This change occurred at least a year ago. My b-i-l rented from Uhaul last summer (2012) and told them he had a 2011 Explorer with the factory tow package. Not a problem according to Uhaul and had no problems when he showed up.

 

[TechnoLoGs]

Originally Posted By: lyle
Quote:
They still won't rent you any trailer at all if you have a Ford Explorer because of the whole tire fiasco from years ago. Even if you had a 2013 Explorer that has absolutely nothing in common with the old Explorers, you're out of luck because it says Explorer on it. However, if you have a Mercury Mountaineer or Lincoln Aviator... No problem!


Not true anymore...

Uhaul will rent trailers towed by 2011 and newer Explorers. This change occurred at least a year ago. My b-i-l rented from Uhaul last summer (2012) and told them he had a 2011 Explorer with the factory tow package. Not a problem according to Uhaul and had no problems when he showed up.


+1

The Volvo was initially towed by a 2002 Cadillac Escalade. And the U-haul place in Newark, NJ was totally fine with renting it, even lowered it on the ball hitch. They eyed up the vehicle, they didnt ask what kind of car would be towed or anything.

I may have the finds to move the Volvo. Will know more tomorrow.

 

[morepwr]

Well the Escalade is a full size and is just a fancy version of a suburban. The S10 and explorer have a pretty light duty suspension and brakes to be towing a car with. It can be done though.

 

[TechnoLoGs]

Originally Posted By: morepwr
Well the Escalade is a full size and is just a fancy version of a suburban. The S10 and explorer have a pretty light duty suspension and brakes to be towing a car with. It can be done though.


I'm right there with you. I believe that when U-haul sees my tires and sees the spare engine in the back as weight, it wont be like towing with a pickup with an empty bed.. no, the old engine with the smoke/gasket issues is still in the rear of the Blazer!

And if they can do it for like $200 installed.. Wow that would honestly be great. I could then rent the car transport for the day and park the Volvo somewhere and not be in the squeeze play.

To save up for a used engine, with junking it being another option down the line. Perhaps...

I just e-mailed for a quote from somewhere in NJ that advertises top dollar, etc. See what the ballpark is.

Such a nice car to do that, but I am seeing all my options. Might have money land in my lap to do this, might not. We will see.

 

[bullwinkle]

I'd get that old motor out-you'll be dangerously overloaded as-is. The U-Haul Auto Transport trailer is all steel, OVER 2200 pounds empty, plus the weight of the Volvo-guessing 5000+ total?? That's a LOT for a S-Blazer to tow safely! My Cherokee has a factory receiver hitch, NO WAY I would even try it!

 

[bullwinkle]

In my neck of the woods (Cincinnati, older suburbs) there are many independent wrecker driver types that will haul vehicles for a reasonable price-that's the route I would take. There's no sense destroying both vehicles in a wreck, plus a potential additional innocent 3rd party if you hit someone-and we both know your insurance isn't going to cover you in an accident if you're that overloaded.

 

[OVERKILL]

This sounds like a recipe for disaster. How good are the brakes on the Blazer? How much trailer towing experience do you have?

 

[TechnoLoGs]

Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
This sounds like a recipe for disaster. How good are the brakes on the Blazer? How much trailer towing experience do you have?


The brakes are good, tires aired up with tread (should I let some out?), there is still the massive 500lbs or so of weight behind the backseat due to the engine, and I know you tow driving verrrry cautiously or you can push yourself into ___________________ for underestimating velocity.

I doubt U-Haul will say "no" however I am gonna stay local roads, speeds down.. apparently the U-haul guys know how to rig up the wiring and put it on. That said, would be first car *towed.* Still, an empty Escalade towed it, and my truck and it probably weigh roughly the same. (Mine has 500+lbs extra weight)

 

[TechnoLoGs]

Originally Posted By: bullwinkle
In my neck of the woods (Cincinnati, older suburbs) there are many independent wrecker driver types that will haul vehicles for a reasonable price-that's the route I would take. There's no sense destroying both vehicles in a wreck, plus a potential additional innocent 3rd party if you hit someone-and we both know your insurance isn't going to cover you in an accident if you're that overloaded.


"wrecker types?"

I asked a flatbed if they towed long distance, they said no. Seemed so disinterested, I was surprised.

** Of course, this whole aspect assumes I can get a tow ball rigged up, and have the funds.

 

[surfstar]

Originally Posted By: Christopher Hussey
I think that for you, AAA would be a worthwhile investment.


This would be the smartest course of action.

Which means that it won't be followed.

 

[bullwinkle]

As an example, I pass an old GMC 1 ton wrecker called, of all things, "The Tow Truck" on my way to I-75 every morning-I bet I could get him to tow a car for a tank of gas and some beer money if it was local. Of course, I'd probably have to help him get the thing running first!