Community Forums

seb1899 · 12-15-2019, 11:55 AM

I would like to buy a newer convertible to use as a toad.
I was wondering if anyone is dolly towing a RWD vehicle.
If it has a locking steering column is towing in this manner acceptable other than the difficulty loading backwards?
If a RWD locking steering column is practical it sure provides more choice ie MB, BMW, Camaro or Mustang rather than just VW, Audi or Volvo or an old Solara

Fugitive861 · 12-15-2019, 03:23 PM

I don't see why there would be any problem. My only concern may be if the lock steering were to fail the car would swing to one side. Wheel would need to be locked straight each time as well. Rear bumper overhang could be a problem around corners if rear bumper overhangs a large distance from rear tires. Could get a convertible Jeep and flat tow.

Gary RVRoamer · 12-15-2019, 03:47 PM

It can be made to work, but it's really a poor idea. You need to assure the front wheels are absolutely straight and securely locked in position, but the steering wheel security lock really isn't designed to handle the stresses when towed backward on a dolly. And if it ever broke...

For a RWD vehicle, a far better idea is a driveshaft disconnect or a transmission lube pump, so that it can be towed 4-down. Or a trailer.

There are also FWD convertibles, e.g. the Buick Cascada, Audi A3, and several older Chryslers. And stick shift convertibles too, e.g. Mazda Miata, BMW 2xx or 3xx,

Vongreg · 12-16-2019, 10:28 AM

I put many miles towing a vehicle on a dolly backwards. It didn’t even have a steering wheel lock. I used a ratchet strap to secure the steering wheel. You could do the same as added piece of mind. Towing backwards can be done safely, it just doesn’t look “normal”.

Americanrascal · 12-17-2019, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vongreg

I put many miles towing a vehicle on a dolly backwards. It didn’t even have a steering wheel lock. I used a ratchet strap to secure the steering wheel. You could do the same as added piece of mind. Towing backwards can be done safely, it just doesn’t look “normal”.

X2- do it every trip, thousands of miles so far. I always make sure I have lots of weight over the dolly axles. And I agree it can be done safely!!!

Gary RVRoamer · 12-17-2019, 09:22 AM

Quote:

I always make sure I have lots of weight over the dolly axles.

I'm curious how you do that when the engine is in the front of the towed vehicle? Poured concrete in the trunk?

Old Scout · 12-17-2019, 09:31 AM

….lot of personal experience here but not too many facts.....think I would call someone like U-Haul, who rents dollies for a business, and see what their "experience" is?????

Americanrascal · 12-18-2019, 06:21 AM

Here are some "facts" to help you out.

Check this page https://americandolly.com/user-information/

I've used this method since 2014. No concrete needed. Many 10s of thousands of miles

I do add weight-- in my case to the rear (over the dolly axle) in the bed of my Ford Ranger pick up but can be done with a car with a large enough trunk. The weight I use is the spare 22.5 inch tire for the moho and a spare tire for the dolly. Placed in the bed of the truck over the dolly axle. Plus a few other camping odds and ends. Usually about 200 lbs. It works well for us and tows better than our front wheel drive Focus- may not for you.

If my Focus was not FWD I would use this method also as it has plenty of room for the moho spare and other assorted items if it could be towed backwards.

I do know of other folks that tow this way without any weight and it works fine for them. Not my preference to do that though.

Like you I do wonder if there is enough space in the OP's convertible to add weight at all in a trunk space that would be over the dolly axle. Something he may want to consider