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RSchleder · 03-04-2012, 09:44 AM

Ive been towing my vehicles since 1995 with all four wheels down behind my class A motorhomes. I now own a Sprinter class B and a Mini Cooper S that I want to tow on a Demco kar kaddy SS. My Mini is a manual trans with fwd. And yes, I do realize that although the owners manual states not to 4 down, many are towing these cars all 4 wheels down. For several reasons, I choose not to go this route and will be towing with the front wheels up. My question is:
With a manual transmission should I just leave it in neutral? I know that with a auto tranny, you place it in park. I'm concerned about putting this manual tranny in any thing but neutral as any rocking/movement ( may in fact be none) of the front wheels on the dolly going down the road puts stress on the tranny an or the clutch. Anyone help out here? Thanks in advance, Ron

lllkrob · 03-04-2012, 09:52 AM

Once it's strapped down on the dolly properly there won't be enough movement to cause any problem no matter what gear you leave it in.

1ciderdog · 03-04-2012, 10:10 AM

I wouldn't think it would make much difference as long as the front wheels are tightly strapped. Tow it in neutral if that makes you more comfortable.
Bob

Wanabee FTer · 03-04-2012, 10:15 AM

I suspect if you did not strap down the front wheels in the dolly and only left it in gear, the engine would not have enough compression to hold it in one spot anyway.
In or out of gear would be a moot point.

Steve N Sal · 03-04-2012, 10:19 AM

After securing the PT on the dolly I shift into reverse. It is also a manual trans.

TDiGuy · 03-04-2012, 10:34 AM

When I towed my bug on my demco i kept it in gear so if it fell off it would not go far...
The autosteer on mine made it tow great.. be sure to tighten the straps after about a mile then again often... they stretch...

RSchleder · 03-04-2012, 12:31 PM

Thanks to all for the quick reponce with great info. I really appreciate you're help!

Ron

HNA · 03-04-2012, 12:58 PM

I think you have a point about leaving it in gear placing stress on the clutch and gear box. Independent up and down movement of the rear suspension will rotate the front wheels forward and backwards placing stress on the clutch while doing so. Imagine lifting the rear off the ground while the front wheels are locked in place on the dolly. The car will attempt to pivot on the axles at the front wheels The transmission and clutch will try to stop the wheels from spinning. I don't know if this is a big deal or not. I would tow in neutral.