Tow Dolly with manual FWD car

[fighterpilot]

With the acme tow dolly it doesn't pivot or the wheels steer. better unlock you front wheels on the car.

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by StevieG

Going to be towing for the first time this weekend and just want to make sure I get it right... I'll be towing a FWD manual transmission VW Passat behind my 39 DP with an Acme EZ tow dolly trailer.

My 2 questions are:

1) should I tow in neutral or do I tow in gear?

2) do I need to have the key in the ignition?

I already know not to use the ARS system with the chains and have watched the YouTube video on how to load the car on the dolly. Any info on the above is appreciated.

Thanks

I didn't see this thread before your trip, but now...what did you end up doing?

The transaxle can be in neutral or in gear...doesn't matter. Because, there should be no rolling of the tires as you accelerate/decelerate -IF- the straps are properly installed. There is a small amount of rolling movement in the toad front wheels while turning, but that is opposite for each tire...one advances while the other retreats. But, the differential in the transaxle will accomodate this movement.

The trick with the Eze-tow is to let the toad's front tires pivot for the turns since there is no pivot pan or steering axle on the dolly. That means that any steering lock must be unlocked. If the key has to be in the keyhole to unlock the steering on the toad, then yes- key in the ignition.

Best of luck

[StevieG]

Scarab, we towed our Passat in neutral and with the steering unlocked. There is actually a position on the ignition between lock and ACC that leaves the wheel unlocked and doesn't use battery power... I towed with the rear camera on and was able to pass as if I wasn't even towing... Trip went great... The car towed great... The only thing was the car was very dirty from the rain. Thinking now about getting a stone guard... It never ends!!!!