Trailering ‘28 Model A Phaeton

4

40ACRZ

New member
Trailering ‘28 Model A Phaeton

I’ve just been given my grandfather’s ‘28 Phaeton that he acquired in ‘30 and am in time crunch to get it out of his garage by January 21 before I have shoulder surgery. It’s not running and has four flats. Tires, tubes and rim strips arrived today and I finally got the dry-rotted flats off the rims earlier this evening. Hoping to have it rolling on the new tires by Thursday.

My dilemma is getting it on a trailer.

1. Will I be able to easily get it on my tandem axle utility trailer with a winch mounted on the front using 7’ ramps? Is a utility trailer going to be too high?

2. If my trailer will work, what do I attach the winch to? Or should I attach the winch to a tow strap or two and if so what do I attach the tow straps to? (I should be able to grab it from the front or rear with a little effort but details about both ends would be appreciated.)

3. Last, unless I’m overlooking something, once it’s on the trailer, where do I attach my tie down straps? I only need to transport it about 15 miles and can keep the speed pretty low.

Thanks in advance.
 
Re: Trailering ‘28 Model A Phaeton

Good Luck!!!! Not sure about the utility trailer, but I have transported mine on a flatbed tow-truck several times (also '28 phaeton) as long as she's rolling on your new tires, grab the front axel from both sides if you can and once it is positioned you can tie down behind each wheel, make sure E-brake is secured and maybe in gear with a couple wheel chocks. Always best to secure at axels not bumpers or wheel rims. I have seen the "over-the-tire" straps too.
Put the top down to prevent it from ripping off if you're going highway speeds.
Only 15 miles, go slow take the backroads, but check with others about the weight limit of your trailer.
 
Re: Trailering ‘28 Model A Phaeton

Thx for the quick reply.

I’m assuming I should be smart enough to calculate if the trailer and ramps are higher enough and/or long enough respectively to clear the running boards. But if someone has successfully used one before I’d appreciate additional comments. Trailer has two 2500 lb axles and a new deck so it’s capable if I can get it on top of it.

The top is in horrible condition. I’m virtually certain it won’t survive putting it down. I’ll probably try and tarp it and go slow.

I can certainly do wheel chocks.

Regarding “securing at axles”, should I just loop four straps from each end of both axles and trie to ride down receptacles on trailer?
 
Re: Trailering ‘28 Model A Phaeton

If you're going to use a winch to pull the car onto the trailer, DO NOT put the cable around the middle of the axle - you will bend it. Attach either both sides at the A frame or even just one side.
As advised earlier, tie it down at the axles or use those over the wheel attachments, NOT to any part of the car that is above the springs, like bumpers, over the doors etc. Load it nose first, hood down is best but if the speed is low (below say, 50mph), up is OK and locate it on the trailer so that it puts a bit of weight on the tow vehicle.
 
Re: Trailering ‘28 Model A Phaeton

Thx Synchro,

I should have thought about “nose first”. Makes sense to keep the weight forward on the trailer. Thanks for the reminder.

I can keep my travel speed 30 or less to get it home without issues.

I don’t understand about “both sides at the A frame”.... are you saying to attach two tow straps — one to each side of the front axle —and then the straps to the winch cable? Or are you saying there’s something I can attach to on the frame?

I’ve not crawled under the car in decades so I’m not too familiar with what all is under there.
 
Re: Trailering ‘28 Model A Phaeton

Yes I think this should be safe


….attach two tow straps — one to each side of the front axle —and then the straps to the winch cable...… and ……. loop four straps from each end of both axles and ride down receptacles on trailer.


If you can keep it under 30 and get a friend to be a "safety buffer" behind you with flashers on and take your time, don't go during rush-hour heavy traffic times you should be just fine.
 
Why ?

You are getting shoulder surgery ?

Why are you not just calling a tow truck
to take it out of the garage and go the
15 miles to where it needs to be moved ?

Trying to change tires - getting it on
and off a trailer - that is just tearing
up your body .....


Jim
 
Re: Why ?

trulyvintage said:
You are getting shoulder surgery ?

Why are you not just calling a tow truck
to take it out of the garage and go the
15 miles to where it needs to be moved ?

Trying to change tires - getting it on
and off a trailer - that is just tearing
up your body .....


Jim
Click to expand...
The true expert has spoken.
 
Re: Trailering ‘28 Model A Phaeton

Good luck with your surgery.... Good luck with getting your A on the road..... If you put your location under your avatar maybe someone close to you could help you! I'am retired I would ! As for pulling, tieing down, or supporting the A, the area on thr axles near the spring ends are very strong, they have to be their supporting the car!
 
Re: Trailering ‘28 Model A Phaeton

Big hammer said:
Good luck with your surgery.... Good luck with getting your A on the road..... If you put your location under your avatar maybe someone close to you could help you! I'am retired I would ! As for pulling, tieing down, or supporting the A, the area on thr axles near the spring ends are very strong, they have to be their supporting the car!
Click to expand...

That was indeed very kind of
“ Big Hammer “. Truly nice people on the Barn !.
 
Re: Trailering ‘28 Model A Phaeton

I haul my Phaeton approx 15 miles to it's heated storage garage twice a year nose first with the top up on my two-axle 10K equipment trailer. I drive it right on the trailer & use 4 tie down straps connected to both axles. I was always told never to transport it faster than the car will go, so I stay around 55mph or so on secondary roads, never had a problem. If I was to go further, I would put the top down.
 
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Re: Trailering ‘28 Model A Phaeton

40ACRZ: where are you located? I have two car haulers, and will gladly assist if possible. Also, might consider a local flatbed tow; cost is minimal compared to the hassle of loading and guessing at proper tie down, etc.
 
Re: Trailering ‘28 Model A Phaeton

The Barners above have been extremely benevolent! They are to be commended for their kindness and generosity.
 
Re: Trailering ‘28 Model A Phaeton

ronn said:
AAA- nobody has to be bothered...........
Click to expand...




AAA has been really picky lately with some tow companies not wanting to transport cars in a non-emergency situation since many people were 'taking advantage' of the free tows.. They are a good idea, but if you use them, just beware....
 
Re: Trailering ‘28 Model A Phaeton

In the time it's taken to read this thread, a roll back could have picked up the car and delivered it!
 
Re: Trailering ‘28 Model A Phaeton

Chuck Dempsey said:
Best of luck with both the 'move', and your surgery.
Click to expand...

+2 on this.

If you can, get a few guys. those skinny 21" tires, even flat, should roll somewhat easily if you can get some momentum. If not, heed everyone's caution about allowing someone to winch it up by a single ******** the front axle.

When strapping it, make sure the front straps are pulling forward and the rear straps are pulling backward.

This strapping seems obvious, but I've seen a few cars not done this way. The fore and after tension keeps it from rocking and rolling on the trailer.
 
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