Towing a car
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Towing a car
You guys who have towed a car before, what'd you do to really secure it?
It's just a Mazda Miata on a flatbed trailer. I was thinking first gear, emergency brake fully on, ratchet straps from all four tow hooks (a Miata gets tow hooks and we don't...).
Anything else I should consider?
It's just a Mazda Miata on a flatbed trailer. I was thinking first gear, emergency brake fully on, ratchet straps from all four tow hooks (a Miata gets tow hooks and we don't...).
Anything else I should consider?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Maine
I'm by no means an expert. But I seem to recall reading somewhere that if you strap to the car above the suspension (e.g. tow hooks) you'll beat up, and risk breaking, your straps, and you should tie the wheels/axles down.
Seems there was a thread on this in the towing forum not long ago.
Seems there was a thread on this in the towing forum not long ago.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,461
Likes: 6
From: Abilene Kansas
i always tie to axels and other parts so that the car can use its own suspension to smooth the haul. i used a tow strap on each corner for a full size truck. you should have no problem towing a car of that size. i pulled a full size f-150 over 150 miles with my ranger at interstate speeds
Matt
Matt
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,263
Likes: 92
From: BC Canada
I use a set of chains to the back suspension and then use ratchet straps to pull the vehicle forward and tight.
Never had a problem with moving or damage, have hauled lots of rebuilt classics this way.
Never had a problem with moving or damage, have hauled lots of rebuilt classics this way.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,461
Likes: 6
From: Abilene Kansas
basically, pull the car in all 4 directions so the straps cant give. towing a car is pretty simple and you should be fine
Matt
(p.s. i towed a car with barb wire and a trailor before, it worked)
Matt
(p.s. i towed a car with barb wire and a trailor before, it worked)
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 586
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by RangerPilot
That's how I towed the Ranger behind the GMC, except with the chains at the front and the straps in the back. Worked good for me. Thanks.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Englewood, CO
I towed a Miata on a U-Haul car trailer. It came with straps for the tires. That's all I used. Nothing in the rear. The trailer did have chains, but there wasn't any place to put them. Besides the front tire straps kept it from moving forward or back.
Be careful with the Miata Zach, most have independant rear suspension and it's pretty easy to mess up with a burly strap around it. Not saying you can't use that, but I'd look for the strongest point to hook to.
Be careful with the Miata Zach, most have independant rear suspension and it's pretty easy to mess up with a burly strap around it. Not saying you can't use that, but I'd look for the strongest point to hook to.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 28
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From: Glen Ellyn, IL
yeah I wouldn't tie it down from the tow hooks. You would have to massively compress the suspension or you'll have a wild ride. When I tow my car, I secure him by the axle and k-member. 1st gear and e-brake set.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Went off without a hitch (no pun intended), hardly noticed it was back there really.
Used a flat bed trailer, centered it over the axle, four tow straps, one around each wheel and axle, a chain on the front and a chain on the back to keep it from sliding front to back at all, left it in first gear with the e-brake on.
Didn't have any problems at all except I had to buy a new HD blinker flasher (finally blew mine with all the towing), but I guess that was a good excuse for an upgrade.
Anddddd...just in case anyone was wondering, best the guy can tell, it overboosted, blew the head gasket, stretched four head studs, and snapped the number two rod.
New pistons/rods/bearings, turbo, head gasket, all new studs, head work... I'm glad it's not mine!
Used a flat bed trailer, centered it over the axle, four tow straps, one around each wheel and axle, a chain on the front and a chain on the back to keep it from sliding front to back at all, left it in first gear with the e-brake on.
Didn't have any problems at all except I had to buy a new HD blinker flasher (finally blew mine with all the towing), but I guess that was a good excuse for an upgrade.
Anddddd...just in case anyone was wondering, best the guy can tell, it overboosted, blew the head gasket, stretched four head studs, and snapped the number two rod.
New pistons/rods/bearings, turbo, head gasket, all new studs, head work... I'm glad it's not mine!