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beetleman217
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2011
Posts: 515
Location: Canada
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 Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2012 11:25 pm Post subject: Towing with a dolly - can it be done? |
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I need to tow a beetle that has not run for a long time along 3 states. U-haul have explained that my SUV can only tow a car on a dolly - which means with two wheels on the dolly and the others rolling on the ground (this is due to towing weight restrictions). Also, according to them, I'll have to "disconnect the drivetrain". I'm assuming that if I take out the engine this will be considered done?
Also, what do you guys think? Can it be done? Can I tow the beetle with its rear wheels rolling like that? The axles will be spinning the gears? Will that cause damage?
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If all else fails, stop using all else
1977 Westfalia
1961 Beetle |
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docdanracy
Samba Member
Joined: June 26, 2012
Posts: 1118
Location: Auburn, CA
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| Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2012 11:32 pm Post subject: |
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Tow with engine in car, trans in neutral. No problem.
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Doc
1970 Sunroof Bug Yukon Yellow (L19K)
Custom 6.5x15” 914 Sport Wheels wrapped in 185x65x15 Contis
Empi shifter, full compliment of gauges, 1679 with mild cam, stock induction
SOLD: 1974 Marina Blue Standard Beetle undergoing restoration/preservation
1679 with Kadrons and header/QP
914 sport wheels 5.5" ET40 wrapped in 195x65x15 Kumhos |
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dan macmillan
Samba Member
Joined: October 19, 2003
Posts: 3110
Location: Northern Ontario, Canada
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| Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 5:32 am Post subject: |
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| docdanracy wrote: |
| Tow with engine in car, trans in neutral. No problem. |
As stated above, but make sure the steering is unlocked and do not try to back up. Make sure the front torsion tubes and frame head are in very good condition as you will be pulling the entire car through the 4 frame head bolts.
I once towed one for 9 hours where this connection was not the best. Repeated bumps eventually weakened it to the point that all 4 bolts pulled through the frame head. I eventually had to run two 2" ratchet straps from the frame head to the trans frame horns to keep it together. U-haul trailers/dollies have a max speed of 45mph. Do not exceed this, in fact run below it if you can. Check the tow setup often.
At the beginning of my trip these bolts had only 1 washer on each.
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Licensed Automotive Service Technician
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66 Modified Manx,68 Kyote,74 Thing,74 Beetle, 76 Transporter,75 self made Double Cab,65 Meyers Manx,78Westy,68 Ghia, 79 Bradley GT2
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HeidelbergJohn4.0
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Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 1199
Location: Havre de Grace, MD
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| Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 5:54 am Post subject: |
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I've towed a bug on a dolly over 1000 miles behind my old 1.8T passat wagon with zero problems. U haul wouldn't even rent me the dolly. I towed a 71 Safare High top with my W8 wagon, again, zero problems. Unless you are towing with a Samurai, UHaul's tow ratings are extremely conservative for liability reasons. They wouldn't even rent me one of their little tag along trailers (The little fiberglass ones) to tow behind my W8 or the 1.8T. A guy pulled up in a Trakker and he left with the same trailer no questions asked. Class III frame hitch 270hp, AWD, 14" discs, TC and Anti lock vs 80ish hp, tiny little front discs and FWD????
That was the last time I even bothered calling Uhaul.
I flat towed a bug from Portland Maine behind a 1993 4 door Dodge Colt. Bug had good tires and rolled free. AS long as the bearings and tires are fine in teh bug, I'm sure your SUV (what ever kind it is) will do fine.
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gt1953
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Joined: May 08, 2002
Posts: 13848
Location: White Mountains Arizona
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| Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 6:17 am Post subject: |
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OK it is like this....get a tow bar for your VW. Get a set of magnet lights to put on the car. Make sure you tires and in good condition. Best thing is you will own the tow equipment and not have to rent it.
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Volkswagen: We tune what we drive.
Numbers Matching VW's are getting harder to find. Source out the most Stock vehicle and keep that way. You will be glad you did.
72 type 1
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({59 Euro bug, 62, 63, 67, 68, 69, 73 type ones 68 & 69 type two, 68 Ghia all sold}) |
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Cusser
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Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 31362
Location: Hot Arizona
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| Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 6:58 am Post subject: |
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| gt1953 wrote: |
| OK it is like this....get a tow bar for your VW. Get a set of magnet lights to put on the car. Make sure your tires are in good condition. Best thing is you will own the tow equipment and not have to rent it. |
Exactly what he posted. I have never used a tow dolly, but 35+ years ago I used a standard VW tow bar a few times a week one summer. In 1986, I bought my own tow bar to travel 300 miles to pick up my own VW. We always left the drive shafts connected (I can't vouch if similar for auto-stick models). Funny, I still have the tow bar and haven't used it since.
Note that Super Beetles would require a different tow bar, you didn't state.
This should also be considerably less expensive and easier to drive and use than a tow dolly. Harbor Freight sells inexpensive magnet-type tow lights if you're traveling at night.
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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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Wolfgangdieter
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Joined: June 25, 2008
Posts: 1958
Location: FL Panhandle
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| Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 6:59 am Post subject: |
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I flat towed my VW bug basd Speedster kit car from Northern VA to NW Florida (1k miles) behind a 4 cyl Toyota Camry. I used a slightly modified VW tow bar. Assuming front frame is not rusted, brakes are not seized up and your tires are good (not dry rotted and 10 year old), you'll have no problems. Hooking up a tow dolly will take far more time than the $70 VW tow bar.
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Wellington
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Joined: September 21, 2004
Posts: 1884
Location: Montreal
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| Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 8:06 am Post subject: |
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You should not tow an automatic with the rear wheels on the ground.
If you do , remove the half shafts. |
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adam f
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Joined: January 18, 2012
Posts: 134
Location: cincinnati ohio
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| Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 9:24 am Post subject: |
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| Wellington wrote: |
You should not tow an automatic with the rear wheels on the ground.
If you do , remove the half shafts. |
From what I've read on forums this is not true. You can tow them the same as any other vehicle.
Also, check local laws for towing with a dolly. Here, if the vehicle being towed has any wheels touching the ground, IE tow dolly, towing behind a wrecker, the vehicle towed has to have valid license plates, or you have to have special plates on the vehicle doing the towing.
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68IHscout
Samba Member
Joined: March 10, 2010
Posts: 3122
Location: santa ana ca
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| Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 11:26 am Post subject: |
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| gt1953 wrote: |
| OK it is like this....get a tow bar for your VW. Get a set of magnet lights to put on the car. Make sure you tires and in good condition. Best thing is you will own the tow equipment and not have to rent it. |
this would be the best way ,I was going to rent one to take my bug to alignment shop ,but they want 45dls + what ever insurance etc they need to get money for ,I just drove the bug to shop ,but I am going to buy one at 100 + - its worth it figured if I rent a dolly twice its almost that much ..buut this way its mine to keep even if I never use it again ,ill know its there.. |
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oldPSUguy
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Joined: May 21, 2012
Posts: 217
Location: Vancouver WA
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| Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 3:14 pm Post subject: |
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| Could you tow it backwards, with rear wheels on the dolly and the steering wheel secured in a fixed position. |
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Cusser
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Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 31362
Location: Hot Arizona
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| Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 3:49 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| ="68IHscout",I just drove the bug to shop.. |
That's what I would've done: get it close (like 1/8 inch toe-in, then drive to the shop.
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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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wilkin250r
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Joined: October 28, 2012
Posts: 26
Location: Reno, Nevada
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| Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 4:57 pm Post subject: |
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I can't really help you with your bug, I'm still fairly new to them. But I've got years of experience with other cars.
Automatic transmission cars cannot be towed with all four wheels on the ground because the engine must be running for proper lubrication of the transmission. Even in neutral, the driveshaft would would still be spinning a host of other transmission components without lubrication. That's probably fine for a couple miles, slowly, but not for thousands of miles. Imagine driving your car without any transmission oil at all, how long do you think it would last?
There are a few cars with automatic transmissions that can handle it. I think most Hondas can, and almost any 4WD by switching the transfer case in neutral. Most manual transmissions can also handle it.
However, I'm not sure on the particulars of the VW, because it's not like most manual transmisisons. For example, most manual transmisisons don't have the ring and pinion inside the transmission. |
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bugninva
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Joined: December 14, 2004
Posts: 8858
Location: sound it out.
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| Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 8:51 pm Post subject: |
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| wilkin250r wrote: |
However, I'm not sure on the particulars of the VW, because it's not like most manual transmisisons. For example, most manual transmisisons don't have the ring and pinion inside the transmission. |
the vw is very much like any other manual transaxle out there.. .most of them are connected to the front wheels, though...
to the OP. if you are concerned, you can remove the outter cv joint bolts and tie the axle up out of the way. I tend to do this for long trips with the wheels on the ground. No particular reason other than no chance of transaxle damage that way. If it is an autostick, you need to do this anyway.
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| [email protected] wrote: |
| With a show of hands, who has built over 1000 engines in the last 25 years? Anyone? |
GEX has. Just sayin |
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cuzzinit
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Joined: August 31, 2012
Posts: 158
Location: Berea KY
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| Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2012 7:43 pm Post subject: |
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| oldPSUguy wrote: |
| Could you tow it backwards, with rear wheels on the dolly and the steering wheel secured in a fixed position. |
i'm doing just that right now..... going 1800 miles |
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beetleman217
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2011
Posts: 515
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 11:26 pm Post subject: |
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After reading all your replies, I'm considering using a tow bar and towing the beetle with 4 wheels rolling, using magnet lights. The car is not auto-stick. However, 2 things concern me:
1. Is this legal? I will be traveling thru 3 states, should I check with each?
2. Seeing dan macmillan's comment, I'm really concerned of damaging the car. But that happened to him with the front wheels off the ground. Can this happen with all 4 rolling?
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If all else fails, stop using all else
1977 Westfalia
1961 Beetle |
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EVfun
Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2012
Posts: 5475
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 11:43 pm Post subject: |
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If you are towing with wheels on the ground you need those axles to have good tires, good bearings, and the brakes not dragging. You are dragging the car around by the front beam, both with a tow bar and a tow dolly. The frame head needs to be in good shape. I recommend towing with a VW Beetle specific tow bar. Most any VW shop should have them.
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docdanracy
Samba Member
Joined: June 26, 2012
Posts: 1118
Location: Auburn, CA
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| Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 11:52 pm Post subject: |
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I have flat towed a 914 RaceCar for over 2000 miles with no ill effects...have friends that have been flat towing 914 and 911 racecars for over 20 years with absolutely NO problems.
If the car is a decent roller and you have a proper tow bar setup you will be fine
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Doc
1970 Sunroof Bug Yukon Yellow (L19K)
Custom 6.5x15” 914 Sport Wheels wrapped in 185x65x15 Contis
Empi shifter, full compliment of gauges, 1679 with mild cam, stock induction
SOLD: 1974 Marina Blue Standard Beetle undergoing restoration/preservation
1679 with Kadrons and header/QP
914 sport wheels 5.5" ET40 wrapped in 195x65x15 Kumhos |
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Q-Dog
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Joined: April 05, 2010
Posts: 8699
Location: Sunset, Louisiana
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| Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 11:55 pm Post subject: |
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| beetleman217 wrote: |
After reading all your replies, I'm considering using a tow bar and towing the beetle with 4 wheels rolling, using magnet lights. The car is not auto-stick. However, 2 things concern me:
1. Is this legal? I will be traveling thru 3 states, should I check with each? |
In most states the car must be licensed and insured for it to legally drive or be towed on it's own wheels.
| beetleman217 wrote: |
| 2. Seeing dan macmillan's comment, I'm really concerned of damaging the car. But that happened to him with the front wheels off the ground. Can this happen with all 4 rolling? |
Towing in itself won't break anything. If the car is in good enough condition to drive, it should be safe to tow. BUT, anything can happen. How good are the tires? Ball joints and tie rods OK? Do the wheels turn freely ... i.e. bearings good and no dragging brakes?
I tow my buggy behind my RV a lot. But, I also drive the car almost every day. I don't know how long your car has been sitting, but if it's been more than a year you really should consider loading it onto a trailer.
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'69 Dune Buggy
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beetleman217
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Joined: April 03, 2011
Posts: 515
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 9:59 pm Post subject: |
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Ok I decided to tow a beetle with an EMPI tow bar across 3 states. I hope this won't turn out to be a huge mistake...
Does anybody know at what height the ball of the hitch must be in order to couple correctly with the EMPI tow bar, when the latter is connected to the beetle? I'm getting the hitch installed on my Santa Fe tomorrow and saw that they offer different height ball connectors, and don't know which one to choose.
Thanks
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1961 Beetle |
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