Flatbed towing

[ttempleton]

Pros and cons of towing auto with car hauler (flatbed)behind Class A.

[Chris_Bryant]

I've also seen both an auto plus a golf car on a trailer, and auto plus boat overhead is done often as well.

[Grant_Lasson]

I made this switch recently. For the most part I'm happy with switch. My trailer is aluminum and has a tilt bed. It's easier and quicker to load and unload than four down. I'm surprised how often I back up now. I built a receiver hitch for the tongue and now taking bicycles is super easy. It tows very easily. I took a car this summer that couldn't be towed four down. I don't have the expense of setting up each vehicle to be towed. I'm not wearing out really expensive 35" tires on my jeep.

Two main negatives: long pull through sites are not that common. I only unhooked once during my main summer trip. I didn't make any reservations this summer but I will in the future. Staff moved my trailer for me with their tow vehicle. It worked out very well but could have been more difficult; second, it is an additional thing to maintain and it takes up space to store.

[Passin_Thru]

You will also need a lesson in proper loading. Too far fwd or aft can make a trailer swerve. Almost lost a Ford Van one time from weaving. Will never pull one again. Pickups and cars yes. You can buy an aluminum auto trailer which is light too.

[DallasSteve]

Georgew48 wrote:

DallasSteve wrote:
Related question: Does the vehicle have to be secured to the flatbed? If so, how is that done? There may be some pros or cons in that part of the equation, too.

Only if you want it to stay on the trailer.. Straps or chains depending on the type of trailer. Most just use straps. Make sure they are rated to secure the amount of weight you are securing. Not the cheap 500 pound straps you get at Walmart.

Also make sure you restrain for all directions, fore, aft, lateral and vertical.

You made me laugh. Thanks. I think I want it to stay on the trailer. 🙂

[Georgew48]

DallasSteve wrote:
Related question: Does the vehicle have to be secured to the flatbed? If so, how is that done? There may be some pros or cons in that part of the equation, too.

Only if you want it to stay on the trailer.. Straps or chains depending on the type of trailer. Most just use straps. Make sure they are rated to secure the amount of weight you are securing. Not the cheap 500 pound straps you get at Walmart.

Also make sure you restrain for all directions, fore, aft, lateral and vertical.

[DallasSteve]

Related question: Does the vehicle have to be secured to the flatbed? If so, how is that done? There may be some pros or cons in that part of the equation, too.

[carringb]

Pros:

-You can tow anything, provided it has the clearance for loading onto the trailer.
-You can use it for other things, like home projects
-Easy to sell if your needs change
-You can back up
-No wear and tear on the car, and usually keeps it clear from stray rocks etc.

Cons:
-Potential to be less stable than either 4-down or dolly towing
-Tongue weight may eat into carrying capacity.
-Something else to maintain and buy tires for
-Hookup and loading will likely take longer than other options
-Campsite storage can be hit and miss. I wouldn't even consider a trailer that can't be towed by the car it's carrying, in case remote storage is necessary.

[wa8yxm]

Pros: Most any car or truck or motor cycle or golf car can be flat towed
Cons:
Storage at campsite. Some parks do not allow on-site storage unless hooked to Motor home. (Some even charge an additional fee, IE: Where I'm sitting)

WEIGHT: if your Class A is a gasser you can perhaps flat bed a Golf car, but even a Smart Car is going to put you over limit.

[DougE]

You can back up. You don't put mileage on the car components. You don't have to finagle a set of towing lights on the car. Put a hitch on the car and it's easy to move the trailer around when not using.

[Lwiddis]

Three vehicles instead of two. Hmmm.

[LVJ58]

Off hand, can't think of any pro's using a flatbed, as just another piece of equipment to deal with when traveling compared with towing a vehicle four down.

However if that is your preferred method of transporting your car then by all means use a flatbed trailer.

Best of luck and safe travels