โMar-31-2014 12:01 PM
โApr-02-2014 04:27 AM
Dachristianman wrote:
So before everyone starts tossing eggs at each other, I think I'm going to put my tires on the opposite side of the car so when I'm towing backwards, they'll be rotating the correct direction. I'm not going to use the brakes on my dolly, as not having the weight on the dolly could cause braking issues. I'll put a strap around the steering wheel just in case the locking pin snaps.
Hopefully it will go well, but I'll be sure to take it slow for the first day or so. Thanks for everyone's advice. Maybe I'll drop a line to the mythbusters to see if they can test some of these theories out. It would make for some good entertainment. ๐
Tom
โApr-02-2014 04:21 AM
1BryNelson wrote:
Towing backward without a steering lock strap is going to surprise me. I tow backwards, have done so on surface streets and freeways for about 5,000 miles so far. I do not leave key in ignition, run seperate magnetic lights, plus dolly lights. Watching on cam I do not see fishtailing, swaying and tires show no signs of unexpected wear. When do I expect and what should I expect??
โApr-01-2014 08:12 PM
โApr-01-2014 06:45 PM
โApr-01-2014 06:22 PM
โApr-01-2014 05:04 PM
โApr-01-2014 05:04 PM
โApr-01-2014 03:33 PM
wallynm wrote:
Others as well as myself have posted a different opinion than yours regarding the locking pin. Steering tires on the pavement are different than steering tires on the dolly.
Agree with you backing up comment.
I did not use the words doom and gloom or instant catastrophe either. These are you wordsOhhWell wrote:
you lock the steering when you tow the normal way as well, unless you have an ancient Tow Dolly that is. You don't put anywhere near enough tension on that steering lock pin by driving around corners. Even with a rotating tow dolly, you still put pressure on that pin towing forwards and in a tight turn, it is more than towing backwards. You also can use cargo straps to lock the steering which is what I have done for longer distances.
Anyone who would try to tow backwards without locking the steering is going to get a surprise in about 100 ft.
It's not the best way to tow but it's not doom and gloom or instant catastrophe either.
โApr-01-2014 02:47 PM
OhhWell wrote:
you lock the steering when you tow the normal way as well, unless you have an ancient Tow Dolly that is. You don't put anywhere near enough tension on that steering lock pin by driving around corners. Even with a rotating tow dolly, you still put pressure on that pin towing forwards and in a tight turn, it is more than towing backwards. You also can use cargo straps to lock the steering which is what I have done for longer distances.
Anyone who would try to tow backwards without locking the steering is going to get a surprise in about 100 ft.
It's not the best way to tow but it's not doom and gloom or instant catastrophe either.
THOSE THAT DO NOT KNOW HISTORY ARE DOOMED TO REPEAT IT
โApr-01-2014 12:48 PM
wallynm wrote:
So tell me what happens to the front tires when you lock the steering wheel besides the steering wheel will not turn until you break the pin holding the wheel in place by driving around a corner.:hOhhWell wrote:wallynm wrote:
Towing backwards on a dolly creates three point of articulation. First is the tow ball, the second is the dolly wheels and the third is the car steering wheels. In an emergency stop this can allow jack knifing to occurs more quickly. I have seen fifth wheels towing boats and the boat will whip the fifth wheel around to the side of the truck before it rolls. Happen once in CO and there was boat, fifth wheel and truck scatted for a half a mile down the freeway.Maybe rare but it does happen. I chose not to do it.
Just because some do it and never have a problem does not mean it is safe.
you lock the steering :S
โApr-01-2014 12:12 PM
OhhWell wrote:wallynm wrote:
Towing backwards on a dolly creates three point of articulation. First is the tow ball, the second is the dolly wheels and the third is the car steering wheels. In an emergency stop this can allow jack knifing to occurs more quickly. I have seen fifth wheels towing boats and the boat will whip the fifth wheel around to the side of the truck before it rolls. Happen once in CO and there was boat, fifth wheel and truck scatted for a half a mile down the freeway.Maybe rare but it does happen. I chose not to do it.
Just because some do it and never have a problem does not mean it is safe.
you lock the steering :S
THOSE THAT DO NOT KNOW HISTORY ARE DOOMED TO REPEAT IT
โApr-01-2014 12:07 PM
โApr-01-2014 11:09 AM
ScottG wrote:dons2346 wrote:
When the tow dolly manufacturers say do not tow backwards, that is enough for me. I do believe they know a little more about it than the average guy.
Sometimes manufacturers say stuff like that only because they have not tried it.
2021 Nexus Viper 27V. Class B+
2019 Ford Ranger 4x4
โApr-01-2014 10:31 AM
mowermech wrote:The brakes on the dolly are not going to do any good, because there is such little weight on the dolly, due to the fact that the engine is on the ground. Personally I do not believe there is any good solution to the braking issue. Sure it will be fine under normal driving, but who can guaranty that an emergency stop will not be required.
...Yes, having brakes on the DOLLY is an excellent idea, ...