Community Forums

Airshow · 04-05-2009, 03:19 PM

I would like to dolly my 86 Toyota MR2 behind my 35' 2004 Holiday Rambler.
The car weighs in at 1950 lbs, is an automatic, rear wheel drive, mid engine (engine is over the rear wheels). I thought I would back it onto the dolly for towing. Any thoughts out there on this? Thanks

GaryKD · 04-05-2009, 03:27 PM

Hi Airshow,
I do not know the MR2. However, I towed cars backward for over 10 years without any problem. The front wheels must be centered and fastened solid to stay centered. You'll need to determine how to affix brake and running lights to the car.

Airshow · 04-05-2009, 04:11 PM

GaryKD, It's a two seater. Thanks for the reply

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mygrayhound · 04-05-2009, 07:06 PM

Hi Airshow
I towed a Mazda Miata backwards (as per owners manual) once from Florida to Pennsylvania using a U-Haul dolly. Hardly knew it was there-perfectly stable and straight. GaryKD's correct you'll need to hold the wheel straight. I couldn't get the steering wheel locking mechanism to click-in while aiming the wheels toward center, so I pulled the battery cables, turned the key on and double strapped the wheel tight with a nylon strap connected to the seatbelt floor eyelets.

Two other concerns. Check the front tires for overheating/wear along the way as the "toe-in" is now "tow -out" (you are travelling backwards), so you might see some scuffing on the inside edges of the front tires. Secondly watch for pot holes and speed bumps-your front valance /spoiler will be lower than normal. The dolly had lights on the fenders so I didn't need to do anything with that. Good Luck!
Gene

Airshow · 04-05-2009, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mygrayhound

Hi Airshow
I towed a Mazda Miata backwards (as per owners manual) once from Florida to Pennsylvania using a U-Haul dolly. Hardly knew it was there-perfectly stable and straight. GaryKD's correct you'll need to hold the wheel straight. I couldn't get the steering wheel locking mechanism to click-in while aiming the wheels toward center, so I pulled the battery cables, turned the key on and double strapped the wheel tight with a nylon strap connected to the seatbelt floor eyelets.

Two other concerns. Check the front tires for overheating/wear along the way as the "toe-in" is now "tow -out" (you are travelling backwards), so you might see some scuffing on the inside edges of the front tires. Secondly watch for pot holes and speed bumps-your front valance /spoiler will be lower than normal. The dolly had lights on the fenders so I didn't need to do anything with that. Good Luck!
Gene

All very good information, I may have to rethink this. Thanks

2004 35ft Holiday Rambler

porscheracer · 04-09-2009, 09:47 AM

As I stated on another forum (MR2OC - username ITA-MR2), front wheel caster setting is the problem more than toe. I know some people have successfully flat-towed them, but I wouldn't. Same for dollying backwards . . . it can be done, but I'm a safety nut and don't recommend it. Besides, you can get a serviceable trailer for what a dolly costs - and it's a whole lot easier to back up.

Airshow · 04-09-2009, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porscheracer

As I stated on another forum (MR2OC - username ITA-MR2), front wheel caster setting is the problem more than toe. I know some people have successfully flat-towed them, but I wouldn't. Same for dollying backwards . . . it can be done, but I'm a safety nut and don't recommend it. Besides, you can get a serviceable trailer for what a dolly costs - and it's a whole lot easier to back up.

Well hello again, Thanks, Jim