Tow Dolly for 2001 Dodge Dakota to Tow 1941 Chevy Coupe

Updated 10/12/2020 | Published 10/09/2020

Question:

I have a 2001 Dodge Dakota 2WD with a hitch, drawbar, and ball all rated at 5,000 lbs. The truck specs allow a maximum trailer weight of 5,100 lbs and a maximum tongue weight of 700 lbs. The truck’s GCWR is 9,200 lbs. The truck’s curb weight is 3,900 lbs. I want to tow a 1941 Chevy coupe using a tow bar, I think approximately 250 miles. From the factory, the Chevy has a curb weight of approximately 3,145 lbs, distributed 1,645 lbs and 1,470 lbs front and rear wheels, respectively. The engine and transmission have been replaced with a modern V-6 and automatic transmission., so those figures are no longer completely accurate, but should still be fairly close. Questions: Is my truck “heavy-duty” enough to serve as a tow vehicle? Would you recommend a tow dolly or tow bar? I am aware, in either case, of the need to remove the driveshaft. The car is not currently licensed. Is towing it behind my licensed truck legal? What else should I be considering? Thanks!

asked by: Kent D

Expert Reply:

For a vehicle as old as your 1941 Chevy Coupe it would be easiest to use a tow dolly like the # DM9713045 I'd say as there isn't a base plate kit that fits and the lighting solutions will be difficult as well due to the older wiring and lighting of the vehicle.

Your truck would have the capacity needed and your Chevy would not need to be licensed to be flat towed.

expert reply by: Jameson C