Community Forums

wingrider07 · 04-30-2013, 11:36 AM

1. What modifications have to be made to the towed vehicle?
2. How is the ignition lock overriden on the towed vehicle?
3. What are the pros cons of these chassis, Spartan, Roadmaster, Frieghtliner

BFlinn181 · 04-30-2013, 12:31 PM

Not sure what you are asking. A towed car needs to have a baseplate attached to the frame ends of the vehicle, sometimes cutting of front facia to allow attachment of the tow bar, wiring for auxiliary brakes and tail lights. Your owner's manual should instruct on how to set ignition switch to unlock steering for towing or even if it can be towed.

All three chassis manufacturers you listed make custom motorhome chassis. They use a variety of axles and suspensions, you will find wrench turners that favor one over another and will argue their choices forever.

GaryKD · 04-30-2013, 12:54 PM

Hi wingrider07,
Welcome to iRV2. Answers to Q1 and Q2 depend on what vehicle you have. Can the vehicle be towed with 4 wheels on the ground or must you use a dolly? Help us by providing the year, make and model of the towed vehicle.

Lastly, there is a towing forum just a couple of forums below this one. That might be a better place for you to receive the most accurate answers.

There is no answer to Q3. It is personal preference. The pros and cons are also personal preference.

wingrider07 · 04-30-2013, 04:23 PM

Thanks for your reply. The vehicle is a 2012 VW Passat, TDI. So what I think I understand from the comment replies is the tow hitch manufacturer supplies a bracket set to attach to the front frame rails of the towed vehicle and wiring kits to activate tail and running lights. So vehicles may not permit 4 wheel towing. How would one find out if the VW Passat can or cannot be 4 wheel towed?

JQ
aka Wingrider07

TheArnolds · 04-30-2013, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingrider07

1. What modifications have to be made to the towed vehicle?
2. How is the ignition lock overriden on the towed vehicle?
3. What are the pros cons of these chassis, Spartan, Roadmaster, Frieghtliner

Not sure what you are asking but for us we decided to go with a dolly to allow us to tow both of our front wheel drive cars without needing to install tow gear, base plates, etc., on each.

We have a Freightliner chassis and it handles our dolly/car without any issues.

BFlinn181 · 04-30-2013, 04:49 PM

Best resource is the Owner's manual. According to this website, they don't know: Store : Remco

Base plate is available: Volkswagen PassatBase Plates | etrailer.com

But I don't know your transmission type. As I said, best resource is the manual, don't believe what they tell you at a dealership UNLESS they'll put it in writing!.

myredracer · 04-30-2013, 05:14 PM

Since brought up, am curious on one thing. Never will move up to a MH but would like to know for the record.

Over many years, I have read on various auto forums that it is not a good idea to flat tow cars. That is, with all 4 wheels on the ground. The reason is supposed to be that when doing this, the gears in the differential are reverse loaded and can cause damage. I see this done a lot by MH-ers though. I have read about some folks disconnecting the axles, but what a job.

Is it possibly better to use a tow dolly to prevent any drivetrain damage? (At least with a FWD car.) Or maybe this is just another urban myth? Or is there a modification(s) done to the towed vehicle for flat towing?

Coaster1 · 04-30-2013, 05:25 PM

^^^^^^Vehicles that can be towed 4 down are generally defined in thew Owners manual under the index "Towing". Over the years I have flat towed vehicles ranging from a VW Thing, to a 4 wheel drive Suburban. If the manual describes how to do it, do it.
Danger, Danger, Danger" Do Not believe the car salesman!

wingrider07 · 04-30-2013, 11:39 PM

Coaster1, I'll be sure the check the manual. Why is the tow dolly not more prevalent among MHers?

BFlinn181 · 05-01-2013, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingrider07

Coaster1, I'll be sure the check the manual. Why is the tow dolly not more prevalent among MHers?

A tow dolly means the auto has to be loaded and tied down, then a few miles down the road the straps need to be tightened again. At a campground, a place must be found to stow the dolly after unloading the vehicle. Tire wear and alignment seems to be an issue with many dollies.

I can hook or unhook my toad in about 2 minutes or less and I'm done, no hand moving a dolly.

I know many will argue the convenience of a dolly, to each his/her own.

ArmyVet717 · 05-03-2013, 08:22 PM

BFlinn181.
New here, but can you elaborate I the Tue wear and alignment? Do you mean on the car or dolly?
My parents bought an MH and we are considering our options.
Thank you.