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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Anyone use a Uhaul tow dolly?

Posted by: itsa914 Jun 25 2005, 07:18 PM

OK, I have used an Uhaul auto transport (aka trailer) before to haul my car but with the low profile tires it bottom out the last time when loading I need to get my car down to Brad Mayeur next week to do some clutch tube repairs and a few other small things. I can rent either a Uhaul autotransport or tow dolly. I have done a search here and seen many topics on tow dollys but nothing saying a Uhaul one was used. Anyone?

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Posted by: Aaron Cox Jun 25 2005, 07:19 PM

allan (headrage) has brought his car to SoCal more than once on a tow dolly

Posted by: skline Jun 25 2005, 07:21 PM

Yeah, lots of times, I have seen even some at the WCC that came on U-Haul tow dollies.

Posted by: itsa914 Jun 25 2005, 07:22 PM

OK, well that answers it. I have never used one before. Just for the record I will tow it nose first.

Posted by: mihai914 Jun 25 2005, 07:52 PM

No problems using the U-Haul dolly, it's pretty strong and the 914 isn't that heavy especially in the front. You're also correct nose first.

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Posted by: ajracer Jun 25 2005, 07:58 PM

Been there and Done That !!

I used a U-haul Tow Dolly to transport my new baby (914) all the way from
Florida to Toronto, Canada 1750 miles in total.

Because it was not really together (lots of parts in the vehicle and tow
mini-van) I decided to tow it with the rear on the dolly and just secured the
steering wheel in a straight position for the trip. If I was to do it again I would
likely use a car trailer for long distance, but a two dolly would work great for a
few hundred miles.

It's amazing how great a 914 handles going backward on the I-75 passing cars
at 70 mph chasing my Pontiac Montana van down the highway !! It was a great
experience and one I would consider again.

Allan

Posted by: Jacques Jun 25 2005, 09:32 PM

I approve! -- Sonoma to Pasadena (412mi.) with no problem.

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Posted by: SLITS Jun 25 2005, 09:39 PM

I use them all the time....I tow em ass first even though I am told the back window will blow out, the roof will fly off and the trunk lid will fold itself over. Duct Tape is a wonderful thing.

Posted by: andys Jun 25 2005, 10:33 PM

I've done all three without a problem; i.e. Full size U-Haul auto trailer, U-Haul tow dolly, and flat tow.

With the tow dolly, be sure the car won't high-center onto the tow dolly when negotiating a driveway. Easiest adjust there is the height of the tongue....find the right drop hitch, and you'll be ok. After the initail hook up, drive it a few blocks, pull over, and re-tighten everything.

I prefer trailering, as I know what to expect, and I can back it up.......something that's very difficult to do with a tow dolly.

Andy

Posted by: Michael N Jun 26 2005, 11:19 AM

Back it on the trailer so you can drop it straight in the garage ( of course if it's not running)......

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Posted by: Dr Evil Jun 26 2005, 11:29 AM

I have use dthe U-haul two wheel dolly manny times and always have towed nose first without incedent. Backing does suck, though. I still do not understand why one would want to tow backwards on a tow dolly. I will be towing my car this way tomarrow down to TJ for its final paint and body

Posted by: SLITS Jun 26 2005, 11:36 AM

QUOTE (Dr Evil @ Jun 26 2005, 10:29 AM)
I I still do not understand why one would want to tow backwards on a tow dolly.

1. The majority of the weight is on the dolly, giving a tad more tongue weight which lends itself to stability on the road. Most cars towed have the engine in the front.

2. No need to putz with axles and shit if the tow is long. The internals in the tranny aren't turning.

My reasons...valid or not....don't care!

Posted by: Dr Evil Jun 26 2005, 11:50 AM

But there is no real problem with towing it forwards, correct? I see more problem with going backwards for me because of the following reasons:
1. I will have to remove the front wheels and swap them becasue they are unidirectional.
2. I do not think that my steering would lock with the wheels straight.

I will be towing my car for about 3k miles, should I be concerned?

Posted by: SLITS Jun 26 2005, 11:56 AM

QUOTE (Dr Evil @ Jun 26 2005, 10:50 AM)
But there is no real problem with towing it forwards, correct? I see more problem with going backwards for me because of the following reasons:
1. I will have to remove the front wheels and swap them becasue they are unidirectional.
2. I do not think that my steering would lock with the wheels straight.

I will be towing my car for about 3k miles, should I be concerned?

You don't use the steering lock....a rope slammed in each door, tied to the steering wheel keeps things straight.

As far as the tires, well.....got nuthin to say.

Towing in the "normal manner" should be fine..but I would remove the axles for a 3K tow.

If you tell UHaul that you're going to tow it backwards, they won't rent you a dolly.

Posted by: scott thacher Jun 26 2005, 11:57 AM

back in my bird board days i heard a story of a guy who towed a bus in gear, well a few hundred miles later the motor was melted from turning (iirc) 14 k for hours

moral of the story make sure it is out of gear

i am going to try to find the post on PP

edit to fix my incorrect memory

and http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=84111&highlight=towing+and+gear

Posted by: Bertus Jul 23 2005, 01:43 PM

I am contemplating purchasing a car and using the tow dolly to get it back home, approxiamtely 800 miles. Which is the easiest and safest way to tow? Also what, if any prep work needs to be done to the car for such a long haul?

Thanks Bert

Posted by: McMark Jul 23 2005, 06:51 PM

QUOTE (Jacques @ Jun 25 2005, 07:32 PM)
I approve! -- Sonoma to Pasadena (412mi.) with no problem.

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I know that house!!! Good ol' Dug!

I've used Tow Dollies. They work. BUT the one I have has damaged two cars from turning too sharp and the dolly fender hits the car door. Now that I know this is an issue, I can watch out for it. But, if you can get a trailer, it's definitely more peace of mind. If the ramps are too low, you can boost them with wood planks if you're so inclined.

Posted by: boxstr Jul 23 2005, 10:39 PM

I used Uhaul tow dollies, but finally bought one with Porsche Rescue. I swivels in the middle so you don't have the door dent problems.
You can not back a tow dolly with a car on it, don't waste your time.
They work great I have towed up and down the west coast and never have had a problem.
CCLINUHAULME

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Posted by: Dr Evil Jul 23 2005, 10:47 PM

I just 2 wheel dollied my car from CA to PA. No worries, other than ripping off my front 916 bumper It would have been fine, but make sure clearance is not an issue. I used a Uhaul one to go to Mex and back, too.

Posted by: Rhodes71/914 Jul 24 2005, 11:35 AM

I've dollied several cars thousands of miles and never had a problem, used a dolly when I got my 914 and towed it 600 miles.

Worked great for the Squareback, 3500 miles up the Alcan.

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Posted by: ! Jul 24 2005, 11:42 AM

Hey Evil....you ever sell the BMW bike?