Convertible Flat Tow, late model convertibles???

[George Schweikle]

I betcha a couple of years shipping cost would buy a nice lightweight trailer

Originally Posted by TimmyB

Tell me about it. Our second car is an SLK 320 that we have to get to Florida and back each year! No real good solution other than have it shipped.

[Healeyman]

Originally Posted by A. L.

What is the secret sauce?? This is directed to HEALEYMAN.

No real secret. True, the owners manual discourages flat towing, BUT the manual does NOT differentiate between Manual Transmission cars and Automatic Transmission cars, so their blanket statement covers both.

That said, in MY opinion any of the Miata 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission cars can be flat towed. NO Mazda automatic transmission may be towed.

Make sure the manual transmission is in neutral and the steering wheel is unlocked and go have fun.

Tim

[mlorlomoski]

We've towed 3 Miata's, a 1992, 1995 and our current 2000, all 5 speeds. Never had an issue and the base plates were a piece of cake to install on all 3. Unless you need room for more than 2 people a Miata can't be beat for this task. For an alternative we also use a 2008 Honda Fit. Light weight, interior room of a small van and almost as big a hoot to drive on a curvey road as the Miata but with the disadvantage of the roof.

[hypoxia]

I would get whatever you want and tow it in neutral with the engine running.

[Healeyman]

Originally Posted by mlorlomoski

We've towed 3 Miata's, a 1992, 1995 and our current 2000, all 5 speeds. Never had an issue and the base plates were a piece of cake to install on all 3.

The baseplate is indeed a piece of cake (6 bolts) on a 1989-2005 Miata. I'd give it a difficulty rating of 2.

The baseplate for a 2006-2015 is much more involved. Consists of 3 pieces and involves removing the entire front plastic bumper. I'd give it a difficulty rating of 4 of 5.

The baseplate for a 2016-2020 is seriously more involved. 5 pieces and involves removing the front plastic bumper and drilling 4 large holes. I'd give it a difficulty rating of 7 or 8.

Roadmaster is the ONLY manufacturer of a baseplate for the 2006-2020 Miata.

The RV to tail light wiring is about the same for all Miatas.

Tim

[A. L.]

I hope so, too. Auto Manufacturers are making huge marketing mistakes by not providing option for 4-down towing of their convertible offerings.

[radar]

Originally Posted by A. L.

I hope so, too. Auto Manufacturers are making huge marketing mistakes by not providing option for 4-down towing of their convertible offerings.

And it will only get worse. There is only one electric vehicle manufacturer that is planning on making a vehicle towable four down. And that is Rivian with their truck and SUV. Kinda sad because with the regenerative braking I would think they would be a natural for the job.