Anyone use a Uhaul tow dolly? |
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Anyone use a Uhaul tow dolly? |
GaroldShaffer |
Jun 25 2005, 07:18 PM
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#1
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You bought another 914? Group: Benefactors Posts: 7,628 Joined: 27-June 03 From: Portage, IN Member No.: 865 Region Association: None |
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 (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/headbang.gif) 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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Aaron Cox |
Jun 25 2005, 07:19 PM
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#2
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Professional Lawn Dart Group: Retired Admin Posts: 24,541 Joined: 1-February 03 From: OC Member No.: 219 Region Association: Southern California |
allan (headrage) has brought his car to SoCal more than once on a tow dolly (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)
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skline |
Jun 25 2005, 07:21 PM
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#3
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Born to Drive Group: Members Posts: 7,910 Joined: 26-December 02 From: Costa Mesa, CA Member No.: 17 Region Association: Southern California |
Yeah, lots of times, I have seen even some at the WCC that came on U-Haul tow dollies.
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GaroldShaffer |
Jun 25 2005, 07:22 PM
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#4
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You bought another 914? Group: Benefactors Posts: 7,628 Joined: 27-June 03 From: Portage, IN Member No.: 865 Region Association: None |
OK, well that answers it. I have never used one before. Just for the record I will tow it nose first.
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mihai914 |
Jun 25 2005, 07:52 PM
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#5
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 800 Joined: 2-March 05 From: Montreal, QC Member No.: 3,697 Region Association: None |
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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ajracer |
Jun 25 2005, 07:58 PM
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#6
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Member Group: Members Posts: 204 Joined: 18-April 04 From: Toronto, Canada Member No.: 1,945 |
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 |
Jacques |
Jun 25 2005, 09:32 PM
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#7
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Technician Group: Members Posts: 149 Joined: 20-April 05 From: Los Angeles Member No.: 3,954 Region Association: Southern California |
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smash.gif) I approve! -- Sonoma to Pasadena (412mi.) with no problem.
(IMG:http://www.ae.tc/STF/JPDVC00030.jpg) (IMG:http://www.ae.tc/STF/mq-mapgend.websys.aol.com.gif) This post has been edited by Jacques: Jun 25 2005, 11:14 PM |
SLITS |
Jun 25 2005, 09:39 PM
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#8
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"This Utah shit is HARSH!" Group: Benefactors Posts: 13,602 Joined: 22-February 04 From: SoCal Mountains ... Member No.: 1,696 Region Association: None |
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.
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andys |
Jun 25 2005, 10:33 PM
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#9
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 2,165 Joined: 21-May 03 From: Valencia, CA Member No.: 721 Region Association: None |
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 |
Michael N |
Jun 26 2005, 11:19 AM
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#10
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Certifiable Group: Members Posts: 1,426 Joined: 6-June 04 From: San Jose, Ca Member No.: 2,164 Region Association: Northern California |
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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Dr Evil |
Jun 26 2005, 11:29 AM
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#11
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Send me your transmission! Group: Members Posts: 23,032 Joined: 21-November 03 From: Loveland, OH 45140 Member No.: 1,372 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
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 (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smilie_pokal.gif)
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SLITS |
Jun 26 2005, 11:36 AM
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#12
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"This Utah shit is HARSH!" Group: Benefactors Posts: 13,602 Joined: 22-February 04 From: SoCal Mountains ... Member No.: 1,696 Region Association: None |
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! |
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Dr Evil |
Jun 26 2005, 11:50 AM
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#13
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Send me your transmission! Group: Members Posts: 23,032 Joined: 21-November 03 From: Loveland, OH 45140 Member No.: 1,372 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
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? |
SLITS |
Jun 26 2005, 11:56 AM
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#14
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"This Utah shit is HARSH!" Group: Benefactors Posts: 13,602 Joined: 22-February 04 From: SoCal Mountains ... Member No.: 1,696 Region Association: None |
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. |
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scotty914 |
Jun 26 2005, 11:57 AM
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#15
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suby torque rules Group: Members Posts: 1,528 Joined: 20-July 03 From: maryland, the land of 25 year Member No.: 924 |
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 here is the PP link This post has been edited by scott thacher: Jun 26 2005, 12:05 PM |
Bertus |
Jul 23 2005, 01:43 PM
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#16
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Member Group: Members Posts: 222 Joined: 2-May 05 From: Lexington, KY Member No.: 4,021 Region Association: South East States |
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 |
McMark |
Jul 23 2005, 06:51 PM
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#17
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914 Freak! Group: Retired Admin Posts: 20,179 Joined: 13-March 03 From: Grand Rapids, MI Member No.: 419 Region Association: None |
I know that house!!! Good ol' Dug! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/boldblue.gif) 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. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif) |
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boxstr |
Jul 23 2005, 10:39 PM
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#18
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MEMBER:PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION Group: Members Posts: 7,522 Joined: 25-December 02 From: OREGON Member No.: 12 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
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 Attached image(s) |
Dr Evil |
Jul 23 2005, 10:47 PM
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#19
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Send me your transmission! Group: Members Posts: 23,032 Joined: 21-November 03 From: Loveland, OH 45140 Member No.: 1,372 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
I just 2 wheel dollied my car from CA to PA. No worries, other than ripping off my front 916 bumper (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/dry.gif) 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. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif)
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Rhodes71/914 |
Jul 24 2005, 11:35 AM
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#20
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Glacier Group: Members Posts: 1,374 Joined: 8-August 04 From: End of the Road, Alaska Member No.: 2,482 |
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. Attached image(s) |
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