any advice on how to tow spf

rated x · #1 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 01:35 PM

I need to tow cobra about 175 miles. can I use a tow dolly(2 wheel trailer) any one try this? I was thinking U-haul car carrier but cobra may be too narrow? or too low? any one try this?

sharpe 1 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 02:07 PM

Go to a dealer and rent a trailer, this will prevent the posibility
of damage to the car. Renting a trailer will cost about the same as a car dolly.

rated x · #3 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 02:11 PM

will a spf fit on a u-haul trailer???

MAXVELO · #4 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 02:16 PM

175 miles? DRIVE IT!

Tony Radford · #5 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 02:44 PM

I rented a Uhaul and towed my Unique from Atlanta to Nashville and back for last summer's SAAC event. Although I had no problem getting my car on and off the trailer, one of the other Unique guys in the area rented one and was unable to load due to interference between the chassis and trailer. You should be able to do a test load at the Uhaul place and see if it works out. If so, it should tow fine. You will need to do this on a rain-free day since you can't cover the car while it in on an open trailer (assuming you don't want to duct tape a tarp to your car).

rated x · #6 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 02:54 PM

if not enough clearance would come boards help? for example a 2X8 laid on top of the rails ???

Chaplin · #7 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 03:03 PM

A SPF should fit on a UHaul trailer with no problem, but make sure you get the trailer that you drive up on and all four wheel of the car are off the ground (don't get the one that you strap the front wheels down and the back wheels roll on the ground.)

I rented the one of these trailers for my ERA and it was fine. One piece of advice, get some 6' 2x8s to use on the ramps in case the car won't clear trailer or wants to scrape the frame. When I loaded the car, it when on the trailer with no problem, but I needed the 2x8s when I unloaded it- it all depends on the ground where you are loading/unloading.

The other thing you might want to look into is a flat bed tow truck. You might find someone willing to tow it for $200 bucks, which may be a lot easier.

rated x · #8 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 03:09 PM

thanks for advice I will bring 2X8 but maybe they should be the length so car clears trailer rail. U-haul trailers have plate steel that actually is bent upwards( for strength and keeps wheels from sliding side to side.

Chaplin · #9 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 03:17 PM

I don't think you'll have a problem with the car hitting the trailer once it's loaded, the problem comes from the angle the car takes in relation to the trailer whenyou are loading/unloading. Once it's on, you should have plenty of room- at least there was with my car.

BANDIT 1 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 03:31 PM

Only 175 miles, I would drive the car!

Bill Wells · #11 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 06:57 PM

rated x...not to be rude...BUT:

man , you are hyperventilating..more posted threads by you going around than someone trying to pimp a ho on a troop train..

ok, re engines..351 or 514 thread . hey, .go get what ya want. randall thomas wrote an outstanding reply to you, worthy of framing..read it , believe it and answer his questions and the do your own thing.

re 514 crate thread...all engines can have problems, big or small...all make changes over time . some have had problems others did not. it is the cost of ownership and the hobby.

re towing a spf...yeah, no big deal if the tow vehicle is adequate. i rented a u-haul to tow my spf for 300 miles in inclement weather. no big deal. car fit on the trailer nicely, ramps were ok but license plate on the trailer had to be bent down to clear the front of the car. u-haul trailer tracks well if the tow vehicle is fine , it is a heavy trailer but i had a navigator.

now, if you are in fair weather climates and the car is broken in, FORGET A TRAILER AND DRIVE IT THE SHORT 175 MILES !! I take many 3-5 hr one way trips in my SPF, top up/ top down..wet, cold and warm weather ( never snow).

so, DRIVE IT or RENT A U-HAUL ..and if ya rent a trailer, do NOT put the top or tonneau on the car when you haul it if you dont have to..and do NOT tow it with a car cover on.

These darned cars will run and run...might as well bond with it your first 175 miles and remember to keep an egg under the gas pedal til ya get used to the car.

now, take a deep breath and settle down. pay the man/dealer ..and drive it or tow it. Bill, SPF 156.