Consumer log splitters, towable on roads??

RebelPride · Oct 7, 2004

I have towed my log splitter a lot, but usually if i have a long way to go with it, i will get some help and load it in the back of the truck.

Slamfire · Oct 7, 2004

If one of the tires goes flat you'll never know from the effort required to pull it. Don't ask me how I know this. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Gary_in_Indiana · Oct 7, 2004

You might want to check with your state's BMV and make certain that you don't need a title and license plate to tow it on the road. Different states look at the same things differently. Sometimes even different entities in the same state do, too. Here's an example.

I own something I tow and for which I can not get the BMV to sell me a plate. I've also been pulled over for NOT having a plate on it by an officer who seems to have this as his 'pet peeve.'

When he said, "You've got to have a plate on that," I immediately responded, "I AGREE with you...and I called your desk sergeant when I got it and asked. He told me I didn't. I still didn't believe it so I called after the shift change to get someone else. then I was told they didn't think so but was referred to the BMV.

"I called then the next day and they told me not only that I don't need one, but also that they wouldn't even sell me one!"

He could have ticketed me and had the towed piece (if not what I was driving, also) towed and impounded. Fortunately, he let me go. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Mark4510 · Oct 7, 2004

adegiulio,
I pulled my splitter home when I first bought it and did not have problem going down the highway. However, once I reached our bumpy windy road to our home I could see it bumping and bouncing and skittering sideways. As others have said I think if I had to travel a long way I would load it in the bed or at least bring a spare.

I think if you are careful you can pull it but just watch to see what the road and traffic conditions are like. And, as Gary indicates check with your local DMV.
Mark

KubotaSteve · Oct 7, 2004

I've pulled my dad's woodsplitter and it is difficult to see it even behind a small pickup, plus if you are going on a road that is not very smooth it is all over the place. If possible I would say load it up. If you can't load it, drive slow once you get on a road that is even a little bumpy. Just make sure it has highway wheels and bearings.

Cliff_Johns · Oct 7, 2004

Well, I rented a tow-behind today and can say that it bounced around quite a bit on my way home and back to the rental place (1/2 mile). I'm not used to towing, so this may be just inexperience, but everytime I went over 25 MPH it made an awful racket when it hit a bump.

Cliff

eee · Oct 7, 2004

( it is difficult to see it even behind a small pickup )

For piece of mind,when I tow my splitter I attach one of the flags that bicyclists use,the type that is on a long fiberglass rod.At least that way as long as you can see the flag you know you have not lost the splitter. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

rozett · Oct 7, 2004

When I picked up my splitter I had to cross through four states and I did not want to take a chance with state/local laws regarding towing. I went to the town hall and got a transit plate which I taped to the hydraulic tank/axle. It cost me $22 and I needed the model number and serial number. An ounce of prevention....

shoppintractors · Oct 7, 2004

Well, I rented a tow-behind today and can say that it bounced around quite a bit on my way home and back to the rental place (1/2 mile). 

This is inherent with this style of splitter. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
It distributes the oil and keeps everything lubricated for long life. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Don

JeffRey30747 · Oct 8, 2004

The bicycle flag makes backing the splitter at least possible to do. It is really maddening to try to back a trailer that you can't even see. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Jeff