Tow dolly a Mazda Miata

[Smsudad]

I all, I plan on towing my 1992 mazda miata 5 speed on my tow dolly. Should I put it on dolly rear wheels or front? I need to tow it with the dolly as I tow other types of cars ( automatics) as well. Thanks. Doug

[BFlinn181]

I'd tow it with front wheels on dolly, transmission in neutral. Check dolly manual as to whether steering should be locked or unlocked. On a car with Automatic transmission, you must put the drive axle on the dolly, but I'm not a big fan of towing car backwards. (rear axle on dolly) It shifts weight off dolly (front engine) towards rear, and unless the steer wheels are locked dead on straight the car will crab down the highway, scrubbing tires.

[Mtn.Mike]

Why don't you just tow it 4 down? I towed my 2002 and now my 2013 with all wheels down.



Mike

[kaptain]

Originally Posted by Mtn.Mike

Why don't you just tow it 4 down? I towed my 2002 and now my 2013 with all wheels down.



Mike

I have a 2012 Miata, according to the manual it can't be towed w/ 4 down. I'm considering a drive shaft decoupler. Would appreciate comments about the use of decouplers. Thanks

[Brockx]

Originally Posted by Smsudad

I all, I plan on towing my 1992 mazda miata 5 speed on my tow dolly. Should I put it on dolly rear wheels or front? I need to tow it with the dolly as I tow other types of cars ( automatics) as well. Thanks. Doug

When I was looking for a Toad late last year I explored the Miata. What I found at that time was NO on any Miata. Now on a dolly you could go on backwards, secure the steering with a strap, don't rely on a locking column (if it has one). There are some other threads on backward towing on here so do a search. It is okay except front drives and most 4wd's.

Obviously there are other opinions voiced and experienced so you will need to rely on towing equipment searches and Mazda recommendations, and your gut feel.

[jmckinley]

Mazda has a blanket NO for all its vehicles no matter what.

Some of their cars use the same drive train as similar Ford vehicles that Ford approves. A good example is the Ford Focus and the Mazda 3. Ford says yes, Mazda says no. Exact same transmission.

So, it is hard to say what can and can't be towed in the World of Mazda.

If you're still under warranty, it is of course a definite no.

Lots of people flat tow Miatas successfully. Go to a Miata forum and see what they're saying.

[MandG-Fun]

We have a '90 Miata that we tow 4 down all the time with no issue. Can't see how towing on a dolly would be any issue whether forward or backward. If I were putting it in a dolly I would go forward so you don't drag the chin coming out of driveways.

[MickBrennan]

Originally Posted by Smsudad

I need to tow it with the dolly as I tow other types of cars ( automatics) as well.
Thanks. Doug

Originally Posted by Mtn.Mike

Why don't you just tow it 4 down?
Mike

Answered in the OP.

Wanting the ability to tow various vehicles is the main reason for a tow dolly.

[reitrof]

Originally Posted by kaptain

I have a 2012 Miata, according to the manual it can't be towed w/ 4 down. I'm considering a drive shaft decoupler. Would appreciate comments about the use of decouplers. Thanks

I have a 2008 with a 6 speed manual. Been flat towing it for 2 years and no issues.

What tranny do you have?

[Healeyman]

Originally Posted by kaptain

I have a 2012 Miata, according to the manual it can't be towed w/ 4 down. I'm considering a drive shaft decoupler. Would appreciate comments about the use of decouplers. Thanks

Kap,

NO ONE makes a drive line decoupler/disconnect for any Miata. No one ever has so there are no used ones out there.

The Miata Owners Manual which declares no Recreational Towing makes NO differentiation between the Automatic Transmission which CANNOT be towed with all wheels on the ground and the 5 or 6 speed Manual Transmission with CAN be towed with all wheels on the ground.

I believe that Mazda's NO Towing is more for legal liability reasons than for mechanical drive line reasons.

I have been instrumental in helping more than 50 NA/NB owners and more than a dozen NC owners to get their Miatas flat towable. Many of them are on this forum.

I towed a 2010 PRHT 6MT for over 16,000 miles until it was totaled late last year. I now tow a 2012 PHRT 6MT.

PM me if you want more information on what is involved in flat towing a Miata.

Tim