Tow Dolly
- Thread starter jiffy
- Start date
BRENT in 10-uh-C
Well-known member
This has been covered before in the archives but the basic jest is that a Model A transmission really doesn't like to be towed. People have done it without apparent harm but the way the transmission is lubed, it really is better if the engine is running, --which kinda defeats the reason for towing.
The second thing I would be worrying about is your Mercury likely has about a 2,000 pound towing capacity unless it is equipped with a tow package from the factory. I would check on that because you are probably going to be in the 2700-3000 range if the dolly weights about 500 lbs.
I'm sure the final suggestion you are gonna hear from folks is why don't you drive it. I'm sure you have a reason but it may be a better option over the Marquis unless you have a buddy with a SUV or pick-up and a trailer! Good luck in whatever you decide.
The second thing I would be worrying about is your Mercury likely has about a 2,000 pound towing capacity unless it is equipped with a tow package from the factory. I would check on that because you are probably going to be in the 2700-3000 range if the dolly weights about 500 lbs.
I'm sure the final suggestion you are gonna hear from folks is why don't you drive it. I'm sure you have a reason but it may be a better option over the Marquis unless you have a buddy with a SUV or pick-up and a trailer! Good luck in whatever you decide.
CarlG
Well-known member
I would echo what Brent said.
1) 250 miles is going to take you most of the day whether towing or driving. We just did a 300 mile (round) trip last Saturday and had a blast.
2) If I were to tow it on a dolly, I'd tow it backwards so that the drive train isn't churning. You would still need to keep reasonable speeds so as not to over tax whatever moving parts may be turning.
3) A flatbead or enclosed trailer would be the best option for towing, and as for a tow vehicle, bigger is better.
1) 250 miles is going to take you most of the day whether towing or driving. We just did a 300 mile (round) trip last Saturday and had a blast.
2) If I were to tow it on a dolly, I'd tow it backwards so that the drive train isn't churning. You would still need to keep reasonable speeds so as not to over tax whatever moving parts may be turning.
3) A flatbead or enclosed trailer would be the best option for towing, and as for a tow vehicle, bigger is better.
Logan
Well-known member
No no no no no. The front wheels will swap around at high speeds. And then you will loose your car, and possible hurt someone else.
CarlG
Well-known member
That all depends on how tight your front end is and I would assume that the gear would be lashed down. That's how the professionals do it. And note: I specifically stated "reasonable" speeds, not high speeds.
1931 flamingo
Well-known member
Flatbed it.
Paul in CT
Paul in CT
Logan
Well-known member
Well you hav to remember more modern steering locks in place when shut off. And i dont mean to offend you by saying this, but what is "reasonable speed" to me thats 60 mph, to the other guy reading this its 35mph, or 70 mph. I just would recomend not towing it that way. If you hit a bump going fast enough and the front wheels start to swap around theres no stopping it.
CarlG
Well-known member
Same thing would happen to towing it forwards.
Lashing down the steering wheel when towing has been used for decades before steering wheel locks came into play. Professionals will still not depend on the lock to hold when towing backwards.
Myself, I would only use a dolly in town, short distances (again subjective), and at 35MPH or so.
See option 3, and also Paul's statement for the best option.
Lashing down the steering wheel when towing has been used for decades before steering wheel locks came into play. Professionals will still not depend on the lock to hold when towing backwards.
Myself, I would only use a dolly in town, short distances (again subjective), and at 35MPH or so.
See option 3, and also Paul's statement for the best option.
Logan
Well-known member
One summer i put about 5k miles on my coupe driving around texas. On the open road its not to bad, its when you get into traffic in the big cities is when it gets toasty. I think one time the temp guage at a bank said 118. My advice is drive it, you'll have fun no matter what the temp is. Or if you dont care about stock appearance, call up ken davis and order an a/c kit. We put one in our sedan, and it works perfectly.
BRENT in 10-uh-C
Well-known member
Just so you know, I took the time and looked up the towing capacity of your Marquis ....and it is 1,500 pounds. Your Model A's weight alone is 40% heavier than the vehicle's rated towing capacity. Sorry!!
