Flat towing an m715 with a gladiator

[riprock01]

I've been thinking about flat towing my m715 home from my storage unit (about 10 miles). I would be using my 68 gladiator with 327 (250hp) and th400 (rebuilt with towing gears. I realize that the m715 weighs about 2-3k lbs more than my gladiator but figured the gladiator could handle it with it being such a short distance. I am going to need to change out the axles and tranny (which I can't do on a gravel parking lot). I would plan on towing it at about 20-25mph at most. Would it be better to just have it towed? Should I try to flat tow it?

[maskale]

By default I guess I would say go based on the tow capacity of your truck.

However, yes I think it can be done 99% of the time without incident. Keep your speed down like you said, and keep plenty of stopping distance.

Buy flat tow I assume you mean with a tow bar? So no one inside the M working the brakes?

Do it when there is the least traffic, early morning on Sunday, about 3:14am should do it.

[Barrman]

You should be fine up to around 35-40 mph. Less than 30 mph on curves and down hills.

I used a M1009 to flat tow my M715 a few months ago and that was my speed limits.

Make sure the front tires have the max air the sidewall says they should have in them and the steering is free. Plus of course the transmission in neutral.

[riprock01]

I plan on using a tow bar (I still need to check my shackle mounts. There is a metal bar welded in front of my winch bumper that needs to be cut off) I might be able to put some cheap brake fluid in and do a quick bleeding so that someone can help me brake. The plan is to rebuild my other axles since they are easier to work on not being under the truck(and I can change out my springs, shocks, ubolts and front shock towers). I'd likely flat tow it late at night or early morning with magnetic tow lights on the m715 as hazards.

[md1970]

Pulling isnt the problem ,stopping and turnning is the problem. stay on the safe side and let a roll back haul it home for you. this is law suit city if you hurt somebody. it could cost you everything you have + some. my opinion

[gimpyrobb]

Nah, I flat towed mine for very long distances. As long as you know it will increase your stopping distance and you are aware of traffic around you, you will be fine.

[Mikel]

Not advisable, but ten miles through backroads should be fine if driving carefully.