What do I need to tow a FC long distances?
#1
Rotary Freak
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What do I need to tow a FC long distances?
Next week, I'm going to be towing a GXL from West Virginia to Illinois. I'm a bit fuzzy on what exactly I'm going to need in order to tow it, though. Can I get away with a tow bar, or do I need a tow dolly? And, if the latter, how well does it fit with the low ground clearance?
I've also been told that I should take out the driveshaft before towing it - it's just the 4 bolts at the differential flange & it slides out, correct (and mark it for reinstall so it's oriented the same way)?
Anything else I should know?
-=Russ=-
I've also been told that I should take out the driveshaft before towing it - it's just the 4 bolts at the differential flange & it slides out, correct (and mark it for reinstall so it's oriented the same way)?
Anything else I should know?
-=Russ=-
#3
you only need to remove the driveshaft if you are towing an automatic. The thing you have to be careful of, is that as soon as you remove the driveshaft gear oil will begin draining out the back of the transmission.
and yes, if you do remove the driveshaft, it is simply the four bolts at the diff flange.
and yes, if you do remove the driveshaft, it is simply the four bolts at the diff flange.
#6
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best and easiest to use a dolly as Rat suggested. Removing the shaft is not necessary in manual models, however, I take the time to do so (call me ****...). take a 1qt freezerbag and place it on the tail section after the shaft is removed and using a tie wrap secure it. add a second for insurance. Try to make the bag tight against the tail section to minimize fluid loss. the second can be loose.
#7
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Originally Posted by J-Rat
I just used a single axle tow dolly. I towed an 87 N/A w. 5 speed over 1200 miles, and I didnt even take the driveshaft out.
Ditto...except mine is an 86 N/A. Went from Virginia Beach, VA to Bossier City, LA. No problems. When I rented the dolly, they told me it would'nt work because of the low ground clearance. I said whatever I still want it. All I had to do was put some 2x4s in front of the ramps and put the car up. Didnt scrape when I did that. Much like you have to do to get your car up on ramps for working underneath.
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#9
Rotary Freak
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Originally Posted by banzaitoyota
What are you planning on towing it with?
I'll try to remember to bring some 2x4s - that's a good idea.
What is the difference between a tow dolly & a tow bar (and how does a tow bar connect)?
-=Russ=-
#10
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tow dolly will tow a 7 no problem, as loing as it isnt auto you dont have to do anything to the DS. I've towed literally hundreds of 7s this way, short and long distances.
A tow bar leaves all 4 wheels on the ground, and is less stable than a dolly. A with a dolly you're only speed limited by conditions, your setup, and common sense. With a tow bar, about 50-55mph is max speed, in my experience. I've run tow dollies at 80mph for long distance trips, and was perfectly in control.
A tow bar leaves all 4 wheels on the ground, and is less stable than a dolly. A with a dolly you're only speed limited by conditions, your setup, and common sense. With a tow bar, about 50-55mph is max speed, in my experience. I've run tow dollies at 80mph for long distance trips, and was perfectly in control.
#14
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Yeah, try not to get into a situation where you have to back up. Its not like backing a trailer, the tow dolly platform pivots on the frame to help make the dolly follow the vehicle towing it. It tends to turn and cause the vehicle to go left or right when you try to back it straight up.
#16
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Originally Posted by MIDNFauciUSN
i guess this is kinda a threadjack, but could be used for good info, i just bought an fb in florida, can i just put the back wheels on a tow dollie and igntition lock the steering wheel straight... its auto
#17
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I highly recommend the use of a full trailer. I towed my vert from Omaha, NE to Mankato, MN without any problems. It is defenitely worth considering even if it is 20+ more a day to rent. After all how much do you love your car?!
#18
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Originally Posted by MIDNFauciUSN
i guess this is kinda a threadjack, but could be used for good info, i just bought an fb in florida, can i just put the back wheels on a tow dollie and igntition lock the steering wheel straight... its auto
#21
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U-haul.....here in really expensive LA area only charged me $54 per day for a double axle trailer.
And by far the full trailor was the best bet when my water pump went out. I drove out to the car and within 10 minutes I was back on the road with the 7 on the trailer. No drive shaft to worry about. No locking of wheels, nothing just drive it up an be gone. The only reason I could argue against the trailer is that your 7 is disabled and won't drive on it's own and you couldn't get the car up there. (of course it will be hard to get one on a car dolly) or you don't have the the extra $10 bux to get a trailer......just couldn't see crawling under the 7 in the middleof the night and getting to those 4 bolts in the dark and then haveing to go through all the steps described above for a measly $10 bux difference
And by far the full trailor was the best bet when my water pump went out. I drove out to the car and within 10 minutes I was back on the road with the 7 on the trailer. No drive shaft to worry about. No locking of wheels, nothing just drive it up an be gone. The only reason I could argue against the trailer is that your 7 is disabled and won't drive on it's own and you couldn't get the car up there. (of course it will be hard to get one on a car dolly) or you don't have the the extra $10 bux to get a trailer......just couldn't see crawling under the 7 in the middleof the night and getting to those 4 bolts in the dark and then haveing to go through all the steps described above for a measly $10 bux difference
#22
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Would pushing the '7 onto a full trailer be something that 2 or 3 grown men could accomplish? I really have no idea how high up they are. I suppose I could always disable the clutch safety switch & use the starter to help crank it up, but that's probably not going to make the starter terribly happy with me.
-=Russ=-
-=Russ=-
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Originally Posted by Karack
$300?
i rented one for $35 for one day and told them i was using it locally since their insurance didn't cover out of the area. you could almost buy one for $300...
i rented one for $35 for one day and told them i was using it locally since their insurance didn't cover out of the area. you could almost buy one for $300...
#24
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i guess this is kinda a threadjack, but could be used for good info, i just bought an fb in florida, can i just put the back wheels on a tow dollie and igntition lock the steering wheel straight... its auto
I highly recommend the use of a full trailer. I towed my vert from Omaha, NE to Mankato, MN without any problems. It is defenitely worth considering even if it is 20+ more a day to rent.
If you lock the front wheels straight, then the car will have a hard time turning when you tow it around corners. The rear wheels will follow because they are attached to a differential which allows them to rotate at different speeds. I think the front wheels have to be unlocked if the rear wheels are on a trailer.
Um... $20 or $30 a day? Where are you renting these things? I was quoted $300 to rent a tow dolly for a one way trip.
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Originally Posted by Syonyk
Would pushing the '7 onto a full trailer be something that 2 or 3 grown men could accomplish? I really have no idea how high up they are. I suppose I could always disable the clutch safety switch & use the starter to help crank it up, but that's probably not going to make the starter terribly happy with me.
-=Russ=-
-=Russ=-