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Qwimby1 · 05-07-2020, 07:40 PM

I did it a few times and for short distances with a Porsche that I couldn't tow with the rear wheels down. I prefer using a trailer, but it's not convenient right now. I'm thinking about putting the FRS on the towbar backwards. With the Porsche I would pull forward a few feet to let the front wheels center, and then strap down the steering wheel. I'm not sure it's a good idea to plan on long distances with that set up. Has anyone else done this with success?

Ray,IN · 05-07-2020, 07:59 PM

Your title is confusing, do you mean backing onto a tow dolly??

kdauto · 05-07-2020, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qwimby1

I did it a few times and for short distances with a Porsche that I couldn't tow with the rear wheels down. I prefer using a trailer, but it's not convenient right now. I'm thinking about putting the FRS on the towbar backwards. With the Porsche I would pull forward a few feet to let the front wheels center, and then strap down the steering wheel. I'm not sure it's a good idea to plan on long distances with that set up. Has anyone else done this with success?

It's not recommended, it can damage some components on certain vehicles and I'm not even 100% sure it'd be legal everywhere to be honest. I have done it with a few RWD vehicles on short distances, never long distance or high speeds.

Ever try backing up real fast on long distances? You'll see how unstable the steering wheel is.

For a 1939 Hupmobile it'd possibly be OK.

Waiter21 · 05-08-2020, 08:13 AM

I assume your talking about a tow dolly. I've seen it on the highways a few times, looks funny as heck..

I don't see any reason why not if its a swivel pan dolly. The rear end of most vehicles sticks out more than front ends so check the clearances when its on the dolly to make sure the rear of the vehicle on the dolly doesn't hit your tow vehicle when turning.

Also make sure the steering wheel is locked with something other than the ignition lock. i.e. seat belt, rope, etc.

Old Scout · 05-08-2020, 10:56 AM

….think I recall reading on this forum that rental companies like U-Haul forbid their customers from doing it.....of course, if you own it, guess you can do whatever you want but suspect there is some reason, probably a good one, why companies don't allow it???????
My personal experience was pulling a RWD sports car on a dolly cross-country--putting the engine weight on the back-end seemed to cause a lot of sway--I made it to my destination but in retrospect, it probably was not too bright!!!!!

kdauto · 05-08-2020, 10:59 AM

I think the O.P. wants to tow his Toyota FRS backwards on a tow dolly, being it's a RWD car.

The FRS has little front overhang BUT it is very low slung and I doubt the spoiler would even have ground clearance once set up on most tow dollies.

As I stated earlier, stability at higher speeds towing backwards is dubious anyway.

Qwimby1 · 05-11-2020, 04:18 PM

Yes. I should have written tow dolly.

pointrow · 05-11-2020, 04:40 PM

Put a drive shaft disconnect on and flat tow it forward.

twinboat · 05-11-2020, 04:55 PM

Some Tow them with front wheels on the dolly and leave the engine running.

Many folks tow backwards, usually full size 2WD pickups.

Seen plenty coming and going along US 1 in the FL. Keys.

kdauto · 05-11-2020, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qwimby1

Yes. I should have written tow dolly.

What does your FRS owner's manual say about flat towing or dolly towing? Being an FRS I imagine it is a manual trans? Almost all manuals can be towed in neutral engine off.

Have you even tried getting it up on a dolly? I mentioned the low ground clearance on them.

kdauto · 05-11-2020, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pointrow

Put a drive shaft disconnect on and flat tow it forward.

An FRS is a small low-slung sports car. I doubt there's much room to fit a disconnect and I wouldn't recommend it anyway. It's really not a great "toad".

Old Scout · 05-11-2020, 06:44 PM

….actually, I think it fair to say that most manual tranny's can't be towed--no lube for rear of tranny if engine isn't running??????

kdauto · 05-11-2020, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Scout

….actually, I think it fair to say that most manual tranny's can't be towed--no lube for rear of tranny if engine isn't running??????

That would be applicable to an auto trans. A manual would be towed in neutral and the lube would be splashed around the same as if engine driven. Some rare exceptions may apply.