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Odd Question - Can A 1990 B350 Xplorer Be Towed?
#745452 February 19th 2019 8:40 pm
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Hey everyone! It has been a very long time since I have been on the site!

I now travel in a 2002 Blue Bird Skoolie conversion and my old campervan may be up for sale this Fall. I currently do not have a tow car and was considering purchasing my old camper van back and towing it with the bus.

I know this isn't the most logical course of action but come one...old loves die hard.

Let's say I have about 5k to invest into making this happen, is it even possible? What needs to be done? From my research the transmission in my old rig cannot be towed without modification. Would I need to install a transmission fluid pump? What about a driveshaft disconnect?

Thanks guys!

[img]https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...6dee1464fa2df8c819059351&oe=5CE544BB[/img]

Attached Files pleasant harbor no music.00_00_14_12.Still001-2.jpg
Re: Odd Question - Can A 1990 B350 Xplorer Be Towed?
ChrisPenn #745470 February 20th 2019 11:34 am
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Hi Chris, Nice BlueBird Bus! Welcome back to the Site! I'm hooked on my 94 Xplorer too. Yes yes and YES buy it back if you do get the chance.

Flat towed back in the day in Ca, before the law stepped in and regulated in Ca.

When not towing Volkswagens, also ran Redneck driveshaft disconnects, pull 2 u-bolts, install safety rope. Don't drop the U-Joint in the dirt...

I think you have the Bus to pull it. My FIL had a GMC 8-71 with a two speed auto that was an absolutely gutless pig. Seattle transit bus. Got stuck. Alot.

There are auction car caravans here in Texas that fly down I-20 with several vehicles in flat tow. Insane...

How about a decent heavy flatbed car hauler, or a nice equipment trailer? 12000-15000 pound capacity, double or triple axle? Just saw a nice triple axle rated for 15000# on CL for $6200. You could load it on a unit like that and forget it was there. Plus the big ball weight distribution hitch doesn't hurt either. Nice trailers hold their value too.

So, your GVWR is under 10000, probably around 8600-9000 and change.
IMO, personally, A 10000# trailer is not enough in this scenario.

I've not seen a flat towbar setup ever rated for 10000 pounds, I made my first one, so heavier steel, rated hitch, and a welder? Quite sure the CHP would frown on that nowadays.
Most states make you have a brake system installed. Not sure about limits on flat towed weight. Check your state's laws and see what they give you to work with.

I would most definitely have a rear view camera...


BBC Blue
1990 Chevy G30 L19 7.4 EXT
Church Van, maternity division

DogVan
1988 Dodge B250
LA series 318 Wedge 5.2 TBI A500

Cabin Cruiser
'94 Dodge B350 www.xplorermotorhome.com/
Xplorer MH model 230
230 hp LA series 360 Wedge MPI 5.9 A518 OD auto

Old vans are getting pricey!
Re: Odd Question - Can A 1990 B350 Xplorer Be Towed?
ChrisPenn #745471 February 20th 2019 11:36 am
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Hmm... not sure which transmission it is, but it can be towed. It is basically still the Dodge B350.
The Haynes repair manual includes information about towing the vehicle. Also, at one time I have found at rockauto.com the Operating Instructions and Product Information booklet, for our 1985 Dodge B350 Xplorer 228.
I´ll try to attach pics of that part.
But you might be better off to get a trailer specifically for carrying vehicles.

Re: Odd Question - Can A 1990 B350 Xplorer Be Towed?
ChrisPenn #745473 February 20th 2019 11:48 am
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Let´s see if I am attaching this picture right:

[Linked Image]

Re: Odd Question - Can A 1990 B350 Xplorer Be Towed?
ChrisPenn #745474 February 20th 2019 1:20 pm
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My thoughts:

Driveshaft disconnect would be best. Not cheap tho.
May need to research manufacturers and call their customer service or FAQ number to find out if they have a fit for the '90 B350.

Towing a trailer is a real hassle compared to flat towing (and you'll need a long heavy trailer for the X) but you may be able to recover most of the cost when you sell. Not necessarily so with the disconnect as it may not be needed/wanted by the next owner.
The extra weight of the type of trailer required would eat a lot of fuel also ....

My2%

BTW ... good to see you're still out there and doing well.



Last edited by CatFish; February 20th 2019 1:29 pm. Reason: kant spel
Re: Odd Question - Can A 1990 B350 Xplorer Be Towed?
ChrisPenn #745487 February 20th 2019 4:33 pm
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https://www.demco-products.com/rv-towing/supplemental-brakes/air-force-one

I take it trailers are towed vehicles, Toad vehicles are trailers. Requiring brakes. Varies by State, by weight or stopping distance. Required to meet the requirements of State you are traveling in, as well as licensed in..


This is an example of a high quality towed vehicle brake system. It uses the Coaches air brakes as a signal only, to activate the Toad vehicles brake system in proportion to the Coach. Vacuum generator/control unit is mounted under the hood of the Coach. Pretty Slick setup. Unit isolates the Coaches air brakes in the event of a breakaway.

Edit: (Ignition switch will need to be in the on position to unlock the steering column so the front wheels turn free, might need a battery disconnect?)

A stout tow bar, lights, camera, and one of these, Action!

Last edited by Wedgy; February 20th 2019 4:38 pm.

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