M936a2 towing a M931a2

[Tornadogt]

Okay, along the lines of not much time in a wrecker. I am recovering a M936A2 later this week. My buddy was originally going to drive my Ford F350 back and I drive the 936. He can't make the trip, so I was thinking maybe I could tow my F350 with the 936. Any experience out there towing a pickup with a 936? Tips or suggestions?

Post 20and 21
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...936A2-quot-Winona-quot-Mods-and-Repairs/page2

 

[Csm Davis]

I have shackle mounts on the F350. Just put it in neutral and go??? Tie off steering wheel?

If it was mine I would drop the drive shaft and don't tie the steering wheel or lock it. If it is an auto transmission definitely drop the shaft.

 

[TruAg]

Yep, its an automatic and 4 wheel drive. I'll plan on disconnecting the rear drive shaft and tying it up. Not sure how to keep steering wheel unlocked without leaving key on. Because its 4 wheel drive, I thinking I shouldn't have to mess with dropping that drive shaft because it will not be engaged. I have a set of tow lights, but they are 12V. May have to figure out how to get around that.

 

[davo727]

What day are you going Sam? I might be able to go with and you wouldn't have to tow.

Yep, its an automatic and 4 wheel drive. I'll plan on disconnecting the rear drive shaft and tying it up. Not sure how to keep steering wheel unlocked without leaving key on. Because its 4 wheel drive, I thinking I shouldn't have to mess with dropping that drive shaft because it will not be engaged. I have a set of tow lights, but they are 12V. May have to figure out how to get around that.

 

[Tornadogt]

You shouldn't have to pull any driveshafts on a 4X4, just put the Tranfur case in Neutral.

 

[TruAg]

What day are you going Sam? I might be able to go with and you wouldn't have to tow.

Heading over on Thursday morning. Gotta stop at Ft. Polk to pick up some tires and then head to Camp Beauregard to pick up 936. Help would be GREAT!!! Always better to have a tailing vehicle just in case there is trouble.

 

[davo727]

OK Thursdays good. Will line it up with you on phone.

 

[Jeepsinker]

You still never told me what time I need to meet you up there to get the wrecker running. Are you just going to call when you get over my way? If you have front shackle mounts on the ford that will accommodate the military shackles then you have nothing to worry about.

 

[74M35A2]

Can you just rent a car, drive it there, and drive the MV back? Taxi from rental place to MV pickup. If I was closer I'd he all about helping, but I'd want to drive the MV, not the F-series!

 

[adeso]

I am driving a rental there, but I have both a 936 and 931 to pick up. seemed like a good idea to get both at the time...

 

[TruAg]

Sorry adeso, didn't mean to highjack your thread. Just seemed like the same kind of question. Good luck on your recovery. Always an adventure!

 

[adeso]

No worries TruAg, yea it will be. Both trucks were "start and operate" per Gov Liq.... so yea I'm bringing about 300 lbs of tools plus all the tow bar stuff. Probably going to have 700 lbs of gear in the rental on the way out there lol. I also have several ditch spots on the way home just in case. I'm counting on spending an entire day making sure they are good to go, and 2 days to make it home despite google saying it will only take 10 hours to get home.

 

[M35A2-AZ]

When I tow a M939 I like to remove the drive shafts off of the front and rear. Just make sure your axles have gear oil in them.
It is just what I like to do. Does not take that long with a impact, they are 9/16" bolts.
Good luck and be safe!!

 

[74M35A2]

I am driving a rental there, but I have both a 936 and 931 to pick up. seemed like a good idea to get both at the time...

Sorry, I was half asleep when I read it last night.

 

[lakeydna]

I've flat towed lots over 1500 mi long trips. Transfer case in neutral, hook gland hands up to air rear truck, disconnect Canon plug at signal switch and run a cable from the trailer plug of the front truck to the trailer plug on the rear truck. Before I Had mv plug ends I just used some 4 pin harness and stuck it in the pins. Hook up right, left,running and ground. I think B, D, E, and J. I've never done it but Pulling axles will reduce drag but not required. Turning three diffs instead of six.

 

[lakeydna]

I advise you don't cage the brakes, more braking is never a bad thing.

 

[wheelspinner]

Well Caging the brakes DOES NOT stop service brakes. I agree that putting the transfer case in Neutral is all that's necessary, there is no tangible gain in adding additional work to the move ASSUMING all parts are operational when you leave. Safety chains, air hoses (Stonepicker had the correct sets) and lights are all you need. The 936 has plenty of weight to pull the other truck without being thrown around. Suspending a load for no reason does nothing but introduce complexity into the operation.

Hook it up. flat-tow away and you won't even know its there. I have towed several 923s with another 923 of equal weight and it was so simple you almost forget its there.

No need to make a relatively easy task more difficult.

 

[lakeydna]

Well Caging the brakes DOES NOT stop service

Did not know that. Thanks

 

[Csm Davis]

Well Caging the brakes DOES NOT stop service brakes.

But it does decrease the available force on the caged brakes, so only cage them if needed

I agree that putting the transfer case in Neutral is all that's necessary, there is no tangible gain in adding additional work to the move ASSUMING all parts are operational when you leave.

I used to believe this also but now know otherwise, for a short tow it is okay but a long haul I would advise removal of the rear, and front on an unknown truck. Many of these trucks have been found to be in 6x6 all the time, don't trust it until you can check it out for yourself.

Safety chains, air hoses (Stonepicker had the correct sets) and lights are all you need. The 936 has plenty of weight to pull the other truck without being thrown around. Suspending a load for no reason does nothing but introduce complexity into the operation.

Hook it up. flat-tow away and you won't even know its there. I have towed several 923s with another 923 of equal weight and it was so simple you almost forget its there.
No need to make a relatively easy task more difficult.

Great advice! Also the air lines that you need to hook up between the two trucks are available at most truck stops, one red, one blue, with gladhands on both ends. I prefer the coiled type they are easier to keep off the ground and still have enough slack.

 

[wheelspinner]

My original statement was ASSUMING all operational as a qualifier. If there isn't time to check all out correctly, then, yes I agree on removing drive shafts. Bring two ratchet straps to tie them up in place, especially the front, it makes that one much easier. This means you have to remove the end at the axles, not at the transfer case.

Jeff, you have definitely out towed me for sure so I will defer to your expertise.