Every so often I go out and buy cars, or help friends pick up cars, but the ones that don't run presented an issue. I wasn't going to pay a tow truck a million dollars to go hundreds of miles, and dealing with the auto transport companies willing to take a non-runner was always a pain. So I put together this system.
Harbor Freight Multi Use Ball Mount and Hitch Receiver Item # 66966
HF Hitch Receiver Mount for Winches Item #69106
HF 12000 LB. OFF-ROAD VEHICLE ELECTRIC WINCH WITH AUTOMATIC LOAD-HOLDING BRAKE Item #61256
Put it all together, and all one has to do is rent a Uhaul trailer for $62 (unlimited miles), and one has the perfect setup for loading and transporting non-runners when they want it. Don't need it? Slide the assembly out of the receiver, and give the trailer back to Uhaul.
I immediately figured out that since the Uhaul trailer runs the emergency brake chain directly over the trailer tongue, one must cut a 90° section off the bottom of the winch mount or it will strike the hoop over the brake chain. Also, the placement or removal of the winch/mount to the receiver needs to be done while the trailer is at an angle to the truck.
The dead vehicle in question is an 89 convertible Dodge Dakota. The only thing that made it a non-runner was 1 bad tire and simply having no idea if it would start. Turns out it runs perfectly after getting it back home and putting a new battery in.
This would probably also be aces for those who occasionally haul a race vehicle, 4-wheelers, off-road truck, and don't want to invest in buying a trailer with a mounted winch.
Dunno if this helps anyone, but if it does, there it is.