This is topic Need Tips
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Posted by Phil Manro (Member # 50)
on May 15, 2002, 06:33 AM:
We'll be heading to Carlisle tomorrow with the Roadster in
tow on an open trailer.
I don't want to cover the car (I assume that the wind
blowing the cover would do paint damage) and I don't have a
cockpit tonneau. Anyone have any suggestions/tips to help
keep the car safe while in tow?
Thanks,
Phil
Posted by Wade Chamberlain (Member
# 220) on May 15, 2002, 06:48 AM:
You already nailed the most important tip. Don't cover it!
The only advice I can offer is to make sure you're well
balanced on the trailer, tied down nice and tight, and stop
every couple hours to make sure the tie downs are still
tight.
Before you set out, check the trailer lights and adjust the
electric brakes (assuming you have them).
Posted by RoadsterDan (Member # 305)
on May 15, 2002, 08:27 AM:
I just towed my car up to McDonough on a open trailer for
the first time. I did have a tonneau cover and it kept the
cockpit dry, and it did rain. One of the guys covered his
car but to keep it from removing the paint from the flapping
he had as much duck tape as tarp wrapped around the car. I
just installed a winch (hand powered and removable), just
incase. My ramps have about a 2 inch lip that I have to run
over to get on the trailer. This became a problem with all
the rain when I tried to run up the ramps and wound up
pushing my trailer and Blazer down the parking lot. The guys
helped me winch my car on board with a com-a-long. I'm going
to put a lip on the ramps before I go to DVSFII,and the
winch will solve any other problems (car not starting etc.).
I also made room for a spare tire for the trailer and bought
a bottle jack so I can change a tire on the trailer. I also
installed removeable lites, incase I have to load or unload
in the dark.
Dan
Posted by Larry Cornish (Member #
749) on May 15, 2002, 11:17 AM:
Phil,
It's not much different than driving it. You will still have
road grime, dust, and bugs; just not as much. If it rains on
you, the cockpit should stay fairly dry as the water seems
to go over the cockpit at freeway speeds. Don't tarp it.
Have fun.
Posted by admin (Member # 259) on
May 15, 2002, 11:27 AM:
Don't throw a cover on the car, leave it in neutral when on
the trailer, but put the e-brake on. If it rains, which we
all hope it doesn't, try to find some cover til it blows
over. Treat it just like you were in it.
One thing, be sure you put the car on the trailer so that
the weight is balanced well. Otherwise, you will have sway.
Check the tow vehicle and trailer tire pressure. Have fun!
Posted by Streetrodpainter (Member
# 662) on May 15, 2002, 01:06 PM:
if you don't have 'em, ad mudflaps to your tow vehicle.
keeps the rock chips down. cheers, SRP
Posted by Richard Oben (Member #
52) on May 15, 2002, 04:35 PM:
When you load the car put the trailer jack down to within
about 1 to 1.5 inches off the ground with the trailer empty.
Drive the car up on the trailer until the jack just touches.
Doing this will preload the tounge just a little and make
the chance of sway and other trailer issues less likley. Tie
the car down cross corners if you have the straps for it.
Left front to right front of trailer and so on. More flex in
the straps and less chance of snapping one.
In my opinion unless you have the biggest best tow vehicle
in town get an equalizer or load leveling hitch. Not cheap
but it makes the trailer pull so much better, that I will
never tow anything without one.
The tow vehicle's rating will make the differene on whether
to have 1 or 1.5 inches of room to the ground. Load it drive
it see what it is like and move forward or back to make it
feel right.
If you tow vehicle does not have a trans cooler I suggest
you put one on just to be safe.
I towed over 6000 miles last year and never had any car move
or a tow vehicle problem or any other real problems. Cheers
Richard.
Posted by Todd Baumann (Member #
208) on May 15, 2002, 07:22 PM:
Rich about hit it all on the head excellent tips by all
though.
One other thing that will help your trailer to tow properly
and so many people take it for granted is to make sure that
your tires are to the recommended psi levels, if these are
correct this alone will help the trailer from getting squirrelly
on you. Enjoy!
Todd
Posted by Colorado Steve (Member #
416) on May 16, 2002, 06:03 PM:
Only thing I would disagree with is putting the tranny in
neutral.
I had a front strap break the last time I towed my jeep. If
it had been in neutral, it would have rolled off the trailer
backwards.
E-brakes are fine, but out it in gear for that 'added'
safety factor. If your straps are tight, it won't move to
put any stress on any of the driveline.
Oh yea - bring 1 extra strap - they do break..
Steve
Posted by teamfour (Member # 615)
on May 16, 2002, 06:43 PM:
I agree with the keep it in neutral idea. I will be running
four straps total, 2 front, 2 rear, all with axel straps and
ratchets. My baby ain't going nowhere.
Posted by al solomko (Member #
107) on May 16, 2002, 07:56 PM:
RO's idea for finding the proper tongue load is right on.
When you do find that "right" spot, mount a block
in front of one of the car wheels so each time you load
you'll hit the same spot.
Posted by Scott (Member # 362) on
May 16, 2002, 09:53 PM:
They make a deflector that looks like a big brush for the
back of motor homes that are towing. The brush takes the
energy out of stones that are thrown from the rear tires.
Scott
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