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Posted by: Dtjaden Apr 24 2017, 11:32 PM

I will most likely tow to the WCR. What are the opinions on flat towing vs using a trailer?

Posted by: McMark Apr 25 2017, 07:03 AM

If you have a trailer, use it.
If you don't, flat tow.

That's pretty much it.

Posted by: johnhora Apr 25 2017, 07:32 AM

QUOTE(McMark @ Apr 25 2017, 05:03 AM)

Posted by: Tom_T Apr 25 2017, 08:04 AM

I really don't see the point of flat towing, if you're trying to save the wear on your car.

If you don't have a trailer, then borrow or rent one from UHaul, Penske, Budget, etc. - assuming your TV has the necessary tow ratings GTW & HW.

Otherwise, just drive it & have fun!


Tom
///////

Posted by: 76-914 Apr 25 2017, 08:07 AM

I would say the advantage of flat towing over driving would be the peace of mind that "if" your teener takes a 800 miles from home you can still get it back home!

Posted by: rdauenhauer Apr 25 2017, 09:50 AM

Posted by: RobW Apr 25 2017, 09:51 AM

I always chose a trailer for the brakes. Peace of mind on hills surrounded by morons.

Posted by: bandjoey Apr 25 2017, 11:28 AM

There have been several threads on 2 wheel towing. I think HotShoe Don has done this. Might look into that too.

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=33862

Posted by: jcd914 Apr 25 2017, 02:27 PM

I use to flat tow my 914 to autocross events all the time.
Since the tires are on the ground and turning there is wear on tire, bearings, shocks, other suspension and steering bits but I think it is much less that if driven.

But I did not tow to avoid the wear it was the potential break down and of course to fit all the crap I convinced myself I needed at an autocross.

One of the advantages of flat towing is once the tow bar is removed for the car you can stash it in the tow vehicle or your hotel room, try that with a trailer or tow dolly.

Braking is of course a concern but I never felt that my tow vehicle was under braked or that the weight of the 914 was even remotely controlling of my tow vehicle. Even with my Ford Aerostar which was the smallest vehicle I ever flat towed the 914 with.
With my current Ford truck the 914 doesn't even register as being there especially compared to my 5th wheel trailer.

Jim

Posted by: r_towle Apr 25 2017, 03:21 PM

QUOTE(Tom_T @ Apr 25 2017, 10:04 AM)

I really don't see the point of flat towing, if you're trying to save the wear on your car.

If you don't have a trailer, then borrow or rent one from UHaul, Penske, Budget, etc. - assuming your TV has the necessary tow ratings GTW & HW.

Otherwise, just drive it & have fun!


Tom
///////

Posted by: rdauenhauer Apr 25 2017, 03:25 PM

Totally agree, if you are concerned with the weight of an un-brake'd 914 moving you around, you are pulling with the wrong vehicle.
Ive flat towed quite a few 914's MANY miles, in a few different vehicles.
The lightest being a 1/4 ton Ranger...Ive never had a problem. In the 1/2 Ton F150 you dont know its back there.
As for wear-n-tear, if your car is in as Good, or Bad shape that its a worry, by all means rent a trailer.

Posted by: Mike Bellis Apr 25 2017, 04:30 PM

I flat towed mine from San Ramon to Medford OR without any issues. I sold my trailer because it was taking up space. I will be flat towing to WCR but I'm unsure of the route. Fr now it looks like I need to take 80 to Reno and turn South to get there...

Posted by: Justinp71 Apr 25 2017, 04:38 PM

Sorry for the semi hi-jack, but what's the preferred method for flat towing? Meaning do you have to weld tabs to the car or is there another way to do it?

Posted by: Mikey914 Apr 25 2017, 04:44 PM

this is my preferred method
http://shop.914rubber.com/914-Flat-tow-Bar-914FTB1.htm?categoryId=-1
Designed to work with the EMPI tow bar about $88 at your local VW shop $122 if you can't get without the mount for the beetle


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Posted by: Dtjaden Apr 25 2017, 04:48 PM

QUOTE(Justinp71 @ Apr 25 2017, 03:38 PM)

Posted by: Justinp71 Apr 25 2017, 04:49 PM

QUOTE(Mikey914 @ Apr 25 2017, 03:44 PM)

Posted by: Mikey914 Apr 25 2017, 05:24 PM

Easy peazy
Made mine specifically for that bar, but also making adapter brackets to use the HF model.
Shipping is what kills as these have some weight

Posted by: wndsrfr Apr 25 2017, 08:35 PM

Flat towed mine quite a bit with Volvo 850 turbo.....longest was 750 miles...got 21mpg on some sections of I85/I95!
Don't forget a set of magnetic brake/signal lights. I put mine in the rear window at the corner of the targa with a bit of duct tape to keep them from walking around & scratching up the paint.

Posted by: JRust Apr 25 2017, 10:47 PM

I have flat towed for years & love it. I would recommend maybe some plastic dip or 3m. Only down side I have is rocks getting kicked up from my truck. That would be the only reason I would prefer a trailer. Well that & the wear on your car. Otherwise flat towing is just so easy. Connect your car in just minutes. Don't have to worry about storing a trailer wherever you go. Which can be a chore when there are multiple people with trailers at our get togethers

Posted by: Mikey914 Apr 26 2017, 08:34 AM

I went Ghetto and bought the 20" roll of stretch wrap and went to town. Made it all the way to Tahoe and unwrapped the front. Worked like a charm

Posted by: 76-914 Apr 26 2017, 09:29 AM

Any tips on where to buy the 20" roll of stretch wrap Mark?

Posted by: burton73 Apr 26 2017, 09:45 AM

Paper Mart for pallet wrap in 18" but they want you to buy 4 rolls

Posted by: PanelBilly Apr 26 2017, 09:53 AM

Will the odometer run up mileage when you flat tow?

Posted by: Elliot Cannon Apr 26 2017, 11:14 AM

QUOTE(76-914 @ Apr 25 2017, 07:07 AM)

I would say the advantage of flat towing over driving would be the peace of mind that "if" your teener takes a 800 miles from home you can still get it back home!

Posted by: siverson Apr 26 2017, 11:43 AM

Drive your car!

Posted by: Mikey914 Apr 26 2017, 01:17 PM

Home Depot is where I got the stretch wrap. It might be 18 but definitely not your handheld stretch wrap roll. In fact I'm getting ready to flat tow my car again today because I have to be out of the garage that I'm in it is decided it doesn't want to run. Just not enough time to fix it.

Posted by: wndsrfr Apr 26 2017, 07:05 PM

Not if you take 2 minutes to disconnect the drive at the rear of the tranny.....be sure to zip tie it up tho....

Posted by: Mikey914 Apr 26 2017, 07:43 PM

FYI Harbor Freight has the tow light kits on sale for 17.99 Sku 63100
Dont buy the leds as tge wires will break before you have to change the bulb

Posted by: Krieger Apr 26 2017, 08:41 PM

Mark, how much does that bracket you make weight?

Posted by: Mikey914 Apr 26 2017, 09:40 PM

I can weigh tomorrow but its 3/8" steel so my guess is about 8 lbs.
I looked at at reinforcing the bar by adding some angle bracket but 3/8 inch engineered out nicely. Besides I didn't want anything else to be able to catch on obsticles, as the car already sits fairly low. These are sturdy.