Towing A Model A

[socalplanedoc]

Be aware -- U-Haul has restrictions on the tow vehicle....

12 years ago when I bought my A I rented a trailer from U-Haul and they wouldn't let me pull it with my car....

You can easily see if you're vehicle is a suitable tow vehicle using the U-Haul web site, they even have the entire Model A line available as "towed vehicle" choices!!

http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/EquipmentDetail.aspx?model=AT

 

[1931 flamingo]

I would be wary about towing with the jeep's short wheelbase (unless it's the larger wagon. Short wheel base (even an older K5 type blazer) can lead to sway problems and have seen them roll over. JMO
Paul in CT

 

[mccsix]

A lot depends on what Jeep you're using. My 07 Commander 4x4 is rated to tow 6,500#.
The Jeep weighs 4,800#.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Because the hitch is close to the rear axle on a Jeep (or my 1971 Scoout) I'd consider it a very good tow vehicle. That's the big advantage of a 5th wheel trailer, having the hitch right over the rear axle.

 

[Drive Shaft Dave]

I flat towed a Model A chassis with a home made tow bar , from Minneapolis MN. to St. Cloud MN. Had no problems, but that was only 75 M.

 

[J Franklin]

Drive it! Thousands have been driven all over this country.

 

[Pete]

I have towed model A's and 32's on the ground all over the country.
The tow bars attached to the frame horns with the spreader bar left in.
Building tow bars was a very good sideline business for us in the 50's.

 

[H. L. Chauvin]

Not knowing the condition of the vehicle, why not make some sandwiches & ice tea for the trip, drive the A to AZ & return by Greyhound?

That would appear to be a 1930's vintage common sense thought, if this is possible.

 

[1roger41]

Drive it ,the secret to life is enjoying the passing of time.

 

[Tom Foster]

One guy a few years back towed with the drive wheels on the ground and forgot to take it out of gear. Put a rod through the block.

I must have the rod in question! It has a nice double-S bend in it. Found it in an engine builder's scrap pile.
Fearless

 

[trulyvintage]

I am planning to tow my Model A from Northern CA to Phoenix AZ using a tow dolly. My question is, would it be better to tow it backwards with the steering wheel secured so the drive trainis not in motiion? I have heard that with the drive shaft moving the output shaft of the transmission could go without lubrication since the cluster gear is not turning. ny suggestions.

Using a tow dolly on a 1000 mile plus trip ?

Show your Model A some respect ....


Potential damage to the Model A because you
more than likely will be towing it at speeds higher
than it was intended to drive ....

Potential damage to the Model A because your
tow dolly fails ....

Get your hands on a trailer and trailer it


Jim

 

[theHIGHLANDER]

Tow barred a Model A coupe from Branford, CT to Detroit. When my uncle drove he went too fast, Dad kept cussing him out telling him to take it easy (I was like 16 at the time). We towed it with a 72 Buick Estate wagon. Big F'n car with a 455 and my uncle was cruisin up to and over 80 for a couple dozen miles. Once we got off for fuel or whatever, I could hear something funny. It was a front wheel bearing and we caught it all in time and did a midnight fix at a truck stop. Dad drove the rest of the way, never topping 70MPH (the speed limit back then). No other issues...

 

[TampaTech]

A related question... I am about to tow an A from Michigan to Florida on a trailer. Do you suppose it would be better with a fitted car cover on it or off? I'd like to prevent bugs and stone chips but am concerned that the cover flapping might harm the finish. Thanks.

 

[mccsix]

Absolutely do not put a car cover on it it will rub down to the metal. Make sur your tow vehicle has a large full width low hanging deflector and you might check into the towed vehicle shields that lay flat in front around the tow bar area.

 

[TampaTech]

Thanks for the info Gene. I will be renting a truck and trailer so we'll have to see how it comes. Maybe they offer to rent shields or deflectors as an option.

 

[Jordan]

A related question... I am about to tow an A from Michigan to Florida on a trailer. Do you suppose it would be better with a fitted car cover on it or off? I'd like to prevent bugs and stone chips but am concerned that the cover flapping might harm the finish. Thanks.

I've seen people who have saran wrapped their cars for towing.... and it's always a good prank at a tour.

 

[green30coupe]

Love bugs are out in Florida right now. They will etch your paint-job if left on too long. I have an enclosed trailer, but I spray the front of my truck and the trailer with PAM cooking spray. DO NOT spray it on your tow vehicle's windshield. I use GLASS PLUS and a squeegee/scrubber to remove the bugs from the windshield at fuel stops. It dissolves the bugs. The PAM & bugs will wash off easily when you get where you're going. Stone chips are another problem... full-width mud flap on the tow vehicle maybe?

Ed

 

[MrTube]

I'm a bit scared with people saying they towed, or want to tow a 5000lb trailer (combined load) with an Astrovan or a Ford explorer.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I wouldn't think an Explorer should tow more than maybe 3500lbs and I would assume far less for an Astrovan.

 

[CarlG]

I'm a bit scared with people saying they towed, or want to tow a 5000lb trailer (combined load) with an Astrovan or a Ford explorer.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I wouldn't think an Explorer should tow more than maybe 3500lbs and I would assume far less for an Astrovan.

U-Haul won't rent you anything that you intend on pulling with an Explorer. Astrovan, no problem. Go figure!

 

[MrTube]

U-Haul won't rent you anything that you intend on pulling with an Explorer. Astrovan, no problem. Go figure!

Weird