Lights on Toad & Tow dolly?

[leadman]

Wife and I are going to Wyoming from Az, thru New Mexico & Colorado. I have to tow her '98 Tracker facing backwards on the dolly as it is 4wd and has automatic locking hubs.
The dolly has lights on the fenders but am concerned that it might be better to use magnetic lights on the hood of the Tracker, especially if we are towing after dark.

Anyone know the laws in NM, Col, and Wyoming or have an opinion on this?

[AFChap]

It probably WOULD be helpful to have magnetic lights on the hood or bumper of the Tracker, regardless of what the law in those states is ...that's the opinion I have.

Are you sure you can tow the tracker backwards w/o damage? ...not only due to the axle/differential lube questions, but also due to the front wheel caster, etc. I'm sure the wife would not be happy with you if the Tracker was damaged by doing this!!

[Chuck 1935]

If it is 4wd, can't you put it in Park and shift the transfer case into neutral ? Also Harbor Freight has Magnetic tow lights for $19.95 and sometimes on sale for $9.95

[leadman]

The owners manual specifies that it be towed backwards and even shows a picture. This vehicle has automatic front locking hubs which requires that it be towed backwards. It is also a manual trans.
I did try leaving the transfer case in nuetral along with the transmission but had it go into 4WD so now I also remove the front driveline bolts and wire the shaft up. I found the engine and trans/transfer case is mounted on large mounts that allow alot of movement and cause the transfer case to go into 4wd, then when you make a sharp turn or back the hubs lock. If I could find a manual hub set-up it work work better I am sure.
There isn't anything wrong with the transfer case shifter but I think the different jarring when towed causes this. The service manager at Chevy said this was investigated before and he thought the same thing.
I have towed it in state for 300 or 400 miles this way with no problems.
I think I will take advantage of a coupon for Harbor Freight and buy the magnetic lights for $9.95.

[DAN L]

Quote:

Originally Posted by leadman The owners manual specifies that it be towed backwards and even shows a picture. This vehicle has automatic front locking hubs which requires that it be towed backwards. It is also a manual trans. I did try leaving the transfer case in nuetral along with the transmission but had it go into 4WD so now I also remove the front driveline bolts and wire the shaft up. I found the engine and trans/transfer case is mounted on large mounts that allow alot of movement and cause the transfer case to go into 4wd, then when you make a sharp turn or back the hubs lock. If I could find a manual hub set-up it work work better I am sure. There isn't anything wrong with the transfer case shifter but I think the different jarring when towed causes this. The service manager at Chevy said this was investigated before and he thought the same thing. I have towed it in state for 300 or 400 miles this way with no problems. I think I will take advantage of a coupon for Harbor Freight and buy the magnetic lights for $9.95.

the magnetic harbor freight lights didn't work when i got them. the wiring was shorted at the sockets and neither of the bulbs worked.
when i got that fixed, the first time i used the lights, they repeatedly fell off the roof during the first 300 miles on my nissan altima. my trunk lid is aluminum.
i went with u haul towing lights. they attach to the trunk to body seal when the trunk lid is closed. the work well.

[burfurd]

I also purchased a set of the Harbor Freight light set. Mine were wired incorrectly in that the brake light section burned with the parking lights. Had to just switch the wiring in both bases.

Magnets are weak and would advise some method of attachment as a safety measure. I ended up purchasing sockets at Auto Zone and using the bulbs and wiring and adding the sockets to existing tail/brake lights....easy!

burfurd

[Robsons]

I towed my minivan on a tow dolly behind our MH for over 20,000 miles through 36 states without the magnetic brake lights. No problems and no issues with law enforcement anywhere.