drive or pull on trailer?

rscardina

rscardina

Senior Member
I am a rookie Model A'er. I am considering buying a trailer to tow my Model A for longer distances. Do you guys use trailers often? What kind of distances are you comfortable driving without concern of stressing your Model A?
 
Well ive seen some amazing trips in an A with amazing stories and pictures to go with it. It would be an amazing adventure with the places you will see taking backroads and people you will meet to remember forever if you drove it.

BUT

The better question is do you personally know your car is up to a long distance challenge (both mechanically and electrically)? Do you have the knowledge to do roadside engineering if it comes to that? Do you have a backup plan and AAA to use to get it towed somewhere? Don't forget cell phones still dont work everywhere...

not trying to scare you from doing so but its not like jumping in a modern car and just going. Like right now i would jump in drive across the country with my s10 with 190K miles on it because i know whats been replaced what hasnt and whats slightly worn. I know short of an unforseen catastrophic failure i could at least limp it somewhere. I also have AAA, a cell phone, CB radio, and a good pair of shoes for walking as backup plans.

Also i don't know how old you are but are you physically up to the task? No ac, gets hot, gotta entertain yourself somehow. Not to mention its going to take a bit longer to get to where your going.

Im not tryign to be "debbie downer" or anything but just pointing out some aspects that are often overlooked.

I am kinda watching also as to what kind of trailers everyone uses. Obviously an enclosed trailer would be best but they are pricey!
 
I would trust my car to go anywhere but the problem to think about is can you do repair if it is necessary? The corner gas station can get you soda and chips but finding a good mechanic willing to do the repair will be the challenge. A club roster and a triple A card would ease the mind some but you should know your car inside and out and be able to work on the side of the road before going cross country. I have toured a few hundred miles with no concern but hav had to change a condenser and fan belt on the way at different times.
 
Drive everywhere. Only time it's been towed has been when it was a repair that couldn't be fixed on the side of the road.
 
Hi Ryan,

Humble opinion:

If you ever want to "really" mechanically learn a Model A from bumper to bumper:

1. Drive it -- with it parked in a garage or transported on a trailer, it is only a mysterious museum piece.

2. If anything breaks, try to fix it -- none of us were born with pre-programmed mechanical brains -- calling a mechanically minded buddy or even calling a Model A parts vendor at his 1-800 for technical help is not bad advice.

3. Henry Ford used to brag he could give his Fords away & stay in business just selling Ford parts that wear out -- just drive it & something will definitely need attention before you know it.

4. It is a simple vehicle designed for Do-it-Yourself people in the 1920's & 1930's -- have fun.
 
Thanks for the comments. I am a AAA Plus member which does ease my mind some. I would think road side repairs would be difficult because of the lack of readily available parts across the country. I would think road trips would be fun in my Model A. However, somewhat physically demanding. Not sure how far I would be willing to drive it. I will definitely start with short distances at first. Any trailer guys out there?
 
Trailers -- AT LEAST a 16' open flatbed. Get one with a dovetail ramp on the back rather than just flat at the end. Sometimes a car (even an A) will drag on the end as it loads/unloads.
Tow vehicle -- AT LEAST a 1/2 ton pickup or Suburban-type truck (Yukon, Expedition, etc) with V8 power. If it doesn't have auto leveling, it needs to have an equalizer hitch.
Fearless
 
I hear you. I live in way Northern California most shows or events are 200+ miles away. I would trust my car for the drive but there aren't "back roads" as an option. Between trucker at 65 mph and crazy drivers at 80+ I won't take my car on the highway. Now if I had an overdrive I think I would give it a try. I plan to attend an event in September and I'm trailer ing to it but will be drive my A all weekend and leaving the trailer parked. Besides if you buy a trailer you friends will be happy
 
rscardina said:
I am a rookie Model A'er. I am considering buying a trailer to tow my Model A for longer distances. Do you guys use trailers often? What kind of distances are you comfortable driving without concern of stressing your Model A?
Click to expand...

It comes down to how comfortable YOU are. There are ownes that use there cars on a daily basis as a daily driver. Others don't drive it 5 miles.

A Model A in good repair will take you as far as you want. Does it really matter if you drive 1000 trips at 1 mile or 1 trip at a 1000 miles.

I have thousands of miles on my A and the only time I could not drive it home is when I waited too long change out the fan and it tore out the radiator.

If you decide to get an open trailer get deflector for the front.
 
Between the three A,s in the pic we have done heaps of trips towing,one trip around 13500klms,another 7500 klms and the last one 4500klms.
All have stock engines,travel speed around 45-50mph.
Total troubles, water pump impeller came loose,generator needed the comutator cleaned, two flats.
Lawrie
 

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I drive mine to work most every day. Last weekend - 200 mile day trip. Last month, 500 mile weekend trip. Last summer, 1,000 mile trip. Many, many more 50 - 100 mile jaunts.

I don't own a trailer, and U-Haul won't rent me one (Ford Explorer tow venicle), so I just plan on making it home.
 
Ryan,

Cars were meant to be driven ... ;)

Unless you are moving or attending some kind of an event
at a distance from home - drive yourself ....



Jim
 
We do both...driving is fun, but not always practical. Since we already owned an enclosed trailer prior to buying a Model A, it made life a lot easier for us. Plus we have towed Model A's to and/or from Alabama, Texas, Florida...all with a 2-3 year old in the back seat...those were trailer trips!
Once you meet the local guys you will find some of them are always ready for a drive...and a roadside repair if needed. A club rooster in your car is also a good idea.
 
The only time my "A" is on a trailer is if it's broken or stolen. In 30 years of ownership and 25,000+ miles, it has ridden home once on a trailer.
 
I drive mine locally, and trailer it when taking it out of town. The main highway would be suicide due to narrow highways with no shoulders, fast trucks, steep hills, and blind corners. There are no alternate routes in many areas. I use an open trailer which works perfectly for my needs. The only major drawback, that I have found of an open trailer, is finding good security on long hauls requiring overnight stops. Yes, using a trailer does require a good haul vehicle which I already have.
 
I drive mine locally as well, it still needs work though. However, with the crazies out there I would trailer it a long distance unless I literally had no time restrictions. I have a 20' enclosed that stores the car and hauls it.

I would want one that could run highway speeds if I were to drive long distance.
 
rscardina said:
I am a rookie Model A'er. I am considering buying a trailer to tow my Model A for longer distances. Do you guys use trailers often? What kind of distances are you comfortable driving without concern of stressing your Model A?
Click to expand...

Welcome Ryan ! , I'm a rookie too and am certain that I won't shake that moniker if I live to be 100 which isn't that far off. So, to trailer or not to trailer? Don't spend way too much money now because you'll probably change your mind in a year. While I've been thrown on beach by the navy after what they think is far too many years, my better half works. And that changes things time wise. But the long pole in the tent is our location deep in S. Fla. Having a 20' trailer handy just makes getting places easier. Today, I'm looking for an enclosed car hauler. See how that happens Ryan. You'll find the best ppl on earth in this hobby. So if they see you stalled roadside you get help. The Model A Highway is filled with good men and fun times.
 
Thanks guys. It sounds like what each individual is comfortable with. I think I just need to drive mine a while locally and then decide what fits my comfort zone. You guys are great and I very much appreciate your advice/comments.
 
I own a car trailer already and plan on using it from time to time for the A. For me it is an issue of time. It is a choice between 1.5 hours on the interstate, or 3 hours on the backroads. I would disagree with the dovetail, unless that is all you are going to use it for. I use mine for many things. It is a 16 foot flatbed and I have never had an issue loading any car. I do recommend one with electric brakes. Another advantage to the trailer is we can pull it behind the motorhome and save hotels at reqional events.
 
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