Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
Dolly tow swing axle no motor
Forum Index -> Type 3 Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
GearheadJim
Samba Member


Joined: April 10, 2003
Posts: 176
Location: Columbus Ohio
GearheadJim is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 25, 2022 6:54 am    Post subject: Dolly tow swing axle no motor Reply with quote

Hi folks, I'm preparing to tow my 65 Notchback about 200 miles using a dolly. I've been reading through various T3 towing posts and have most of my questions answered but am looking for some additional input. As a 65, this is a swing axle car. The motor is out and I'm a little concerned about the the increased camber due to lack of weight.

Would it be helpful to add some weight to the trunk (a couple bags of river rock gets me 100-150lbs)?

I have a camber compensator (not currently installed), would running the compensator be helpful?
_________________
Drive 'em!
65 Notchback build: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=773405
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Ossipon
Samba Member


Joined: May 12, 2021
Posts: 471
Location: KS
Ossipon is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 25, 2022 8:46 am    Post subject: Re: Dolly tow swing axle no motor Reply with quote

I could be wrong (I consider myself usually misled) I would say you would be best off with the camber compensator. and then... instead of added weight, because it is a non-supported trans-axle. I would be placing a support solution on the upper two transaxle motor mount holes and attach to maybe a crossbeam in the engine lid area. such as two bolts in the holes and then anchored to a 2x4 or 2x6 cross ways in the trunk. If you wanted weight, then have that on the board.
You may be fine with just the camber compensator, but like I said, I am usually misled or misleading.
_________________
Ossipon
VWs in my life:
Air
Type 1 - 59, 62, 63, 71 Super 68 KGhia/ Type 2 - 59 Single Cab / Type 3 - 64 Notch
Water
GTI 83, Jetta 81, 85, 87, 91 TDI, 98 TDI, 09 / New Beetle 99 / SportWagen 05, 13 / Tiguan 18 / T3 92
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Erik G
Samba Member


Joined: October 16, 2002
Posts: 13247
Location: Tejas!
Erik G is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 25, 2022 10:13 am    Post subject: Re: Dolly tow swing axle no motor Reply with quote

I would tow it backwards, front axle down if you are using a dolly. Steering wheel (should) lock. if it doesn't, we used to tie it off to the vent window. I'm sure that is frowned upon now but I never had any issues.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Facebook Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Bobnotch
Samba Member


Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 22358
Location: Kimball, Mi
Bobnotch is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 25, 2022 11:08 am    Post subject: Re: Dolly tow swing axle no motor Reply with quote

GearheadJim wrote:
Hi folks, I'm preparing to tow my 65 Notchback about 200 miles using a dolly. I've been reading through various T3 towing posts and have most of my questions answered but am looking for some additional input. As a 65, this is a swing axle car. The motor is out and I'm a little concerned about the the increased camber due to lack of weight.

Would it be helpful to add some weight to the trunk (a couple bags of river rock gets me 100-150lbs)?

I have a camber compensator (not currently installed), would running the compensator be helpful?


The big thing I've found with using a tow dolly is watching your speed. The car will try to wag the truck with more speed. I prefer to tow dolly with the front tires on the dolly. Having towed a T-34 from Des Moines (10 hours away) and a basically engineless (had a bare case in it to mount the engine hanger bar to hold up the IRS transaxle) 71 Notch from Boise to Michigan, I'd only pull it the way the car is supposed to drive. Like I said above, watch your speed and DON'T try to back up with a vehicle on the dolly.
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
Tram wrote:
"Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives."
Tram wrote:
People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed".
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
GearheadJim
Samba Member


Joined: April 10, 2003
Posts: 176
Location: Columbus Ohio
GearheadJim is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Sep 25, 2022 2:27 pm    Post subject: Re: Dolly tow swing axle no motor Reply with quote

Ossipon wrote:
because it is a non-supported trans-axle.


I thought the IRS was the non-supported trans, swing axle is supported. Anyone else care to jump in here?
_________________
Drive 'em!
65 Notchback build: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=773405
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Erik G
Samba Member


Joined: October 16, 2002
Posts: 13247
Location: Tejas!
Erik G is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Sep 26, 2022 9:34 am    Post subject: Re: Dolly tow swing axle no motor Reply with quote

GearheadJim wrote:
Ossipon wrote:
because it is a non-supported trans-axle.


I thought the IRS was the non-supported trans, swing axle is supported. Anyone else care to jump in here?


yes, the swingaxle is mounted to the pan front and rear, IRS is not connected at the rear and requires the engine hanger.
_________________
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Facebook Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Bobnotch
Samba Member


Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 22358
Location: Kimball, Mi
Bobnotch is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Sep 26, 2022 12:53 pm    Post subject: Re: Dolly tow swing axle no motor Reply with quote

Erik G wrote:
GearheadJim wrote:
Ossipon wrote:
because it is a non-supported trans-axle.


I thought the IRS was the non-supported trans, swing axle is supported. Anyone else care to jump in here?


yes, the swingaxle is mounted to the pan front and rear, IRS is not connected at the rear and requires the engine hanger.


Yup, that's why I used a blown up bus case to mount the hanger bar, to hold the trans up in the car for towing.
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
Tram wrote:
"Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives."
Tram wrote:
People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed".
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Multi69s
Samba Member


Joined: January 24, 2006
Posts: 5360
Location: Lefty, CA
Multi69s is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Sep 27, 2022 12:33 pm    Post subject: Re: Dolly tow swing axle no motor Reply with quote

Really curious, is it safe to tow a vehicle backwards on a tow dolly? Sometimes I wish I could tow my Squareback, but it has an auto trans, and I don't feel like disconnecting the axles.
_________________
69 road Bug 2110
73 Squareback - 2L, T4, Automatic W/ AC
Gone, but many fond memories 69 Baja Bug 2010 - 5 Rib Bus Transaxle
Gone but not forgotten 72 Baja Bug 2010
My builds
T4 into Squareback http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=458944&highlight=
Auto Trans Rebuild http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=516066&highlight=
AC in Squareback https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Erik G
Samba Member


Joined: October 16, 2002
Posts: 13247
Location: Tejas!
Erik G is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 10:52 am    Post subject: Re: Dolly tow swing axle no motor Reply with quote

Multi69s wrote:
Really curious, is it safe to tow a vehicle backwards on a tow dolly? Sometimes I wish I could tow my Squareback, but it has an auto trans, and I don't feel like disconnecting the axles.


I'm sure there are reasons not to, like a car was meant to go forward not backwards, but I have never had a problem. I don't think I'd want to do it on a car I don't know, don't know if the early double lock nuts and lock washer are right, etc. If tires are directional, they need to be towed directional, but that doesnt apply to most of us.

Repo trucks tow cars backwards a lot - that doesnt make it right... but again I have never had a problem. some might be concerned that the steering lock is weak and you might bust it... so put the key in, and tie off the steering wheel. repo drivers will use the seatbelt to tie off the steering wheel. again, that doesn't make it right.
_________________
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Facebook Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Roadbeater
Samba Member


Joined: January 15, 2011
Posts: 50
Location: Central Ohio
Roadbeater is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Sep 29, 2022 5:03 am    Post subject: Re: Dolly tow swing axle no motor Reply with quote

I've towed VW's on dollies many times. I wouldn't pull one backwards, it puts alot of weight off the dolly, and the toe on the front tires is backwards for that direction.
_________________
69 Fastback
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Bobnotch
Samba Member


Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 22358
Location: Kimball, Mi
Bobnotch is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Sep 29, 2022 12:53 pm    Post subject: Re: Dolly tow swing axle no motor Reply with quote

I saw some pics from the Oregon/Washington group for the first Invasion (2002) that put a car on a dolly backwards. A few miles down the road all 3 parts (tow vehicle, dolly and car being towed) ended up in the center ditch between the instate lanes. That was enough for me to not pull one backwards on a dolly.
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
Tram wrote:
"Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives."
Tram wrote:
People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed".
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Multi69s
Samba Member


Joined: January 24, 2006
Posts: 5360
Location: Lefty, CA
Multi69s is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Sep 29, 2022 12:56 pm    Post subject: Re: Dolly tow swing axle no motor Reply with quote

Thanks, well if I want to tow mine. I'll pull the axles, or at least one side.
_________________
69 road Bug 2110
73 Squareback - 2L, T4, Automatic W/ AC
Gone, but many fond memories 69 Baja Bug 2010 - 5 Rib Bus Transaxle
Gone but not forgotten 72 Baja Bug 2010
My builds
T4 into Squareback http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=458944&highlight=
Auto Trans Rebuild http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=516066&highlight=
AC in Squareback https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Erik G
Samba Member


Joined: October 16, 2002
Posts: 13247
Location: Tejas!
Erik G is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Sep 29, 2022 8:13 pm    Post subject: Re: Dolly tow swing axle no motor Reply with quote

Roadbeater wrote:
I've towed VW's on dollies many times. I wouldn't pull one backwards, it puts alot of weight off the dolly, and the toe on the front tires is backwards for that direction.


How is it different than a front engine light car, say a Corolla?

I call BS, and would want details on the accident mentioned, someone didn't strap the car down or some other catastrophic likely negligent failure right? Y'all are smart, you can logically think it out
_________________
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Facebook Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Bobnotch
Samba Member


Joined: July 06, 2003
Posts: 22358
Location: Kimball, Mi
Bobnotch is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Sep 30, 2022 11:48 am    Post subject: Re: Dolly tow swing axle no motor Reply with quote

Erik G wrote:
Roadbeater wrote:
I've towed VW's on dollies many times. I wouldn't pull one backwards, it puts alot of weight off the dolly, and the toe on the front tires is backwards for that direction.


How is it different than a front engine light car, say a Corolla?

I call BS, and would want details on the accident mentioned, someone didn't strap the car down or some other catastrophic likely negligent failure right? Y'all are smart, you can logically think it out


Because a Corolla would be sitting on the dolly with it's front wheels on the dolly. But my Corolla hasn't ridden on my dolly over the last 12 years that I've owned the Corolla. My son's Honda's and Acura's both have ridden on the dolly though (front forward). They're not as reliable as the Toyota. Wink

As for the accident with the tow dolly on the way to the first Invasion, you'll have to ask those involved, as I didn't attend it. I think Brian Fye posted pics of it though (were sent to him). I do remember seeing the pics. I believe the purple Fastback was originally being towed to the event, but one of the cars broke down on the way there, so it ended up going on the dolly (backwards), then a short time later found itself in the middle of the interstate. Once all of the vehicles were extracted out of the middle, the car was reloaded with the front wheels on the dolly, and made it to the Invasion.
_________________
Bob 65 Notch S with Sunroof
71 Notch ...aka Krunchy; build pics here;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249390 -been busy working
64 T-34 Ghia...aka Wolfie, under construction... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=412120
Tram wrote:
"Friends are God's way of apologizing for relatives."
Tram wrote:
People keep confusing "restored" and "restroyed".
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Type 3 All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.