Trailering Model A Cabriolet

rich40701

rich40701

Senior Member
New A owner here, I just purchased a Cabriolet and plan to haul it home on on a flatbed trailer around 700 miles. I was wondering if anyone on the board had hauled a convertible that far exposed; any precautions I should take, could the wind at highway speeds of 70 mph possibly damage the top?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Rich
 
On my 66 Mustang vert, I open both side windows just a crack, and that eliminates the soft top from building air pressure that otherwise will build going down the road. As long as you minimize the native air pressure from building the OEM hold downs are sufficient.
 
How old, or how new, is the top? If this is an old top which could be weakened by age and sun, 70 mph could definitely damage the top. The fabric could rip even if all of the hold-downs are tight. Even if it is a new top, remember that it was not designed for 70 mph for 10 hours. I recently towed my Phaeton with a 60-year-old top on an open trailer, and did not exceed 35 mph. Of course, I had a much shorter trip than you have.

You are right to be concerned.

W. Michael
 
We saw a coupe that had been open trailered from Tx to mid CA and has a ruined top when it arrived in Livermore. All the hold down nails in the front were up 1/4 inch or so and the top material was torn near several of them. The metal strip the nails went through was also bent up. The driver denied traveling over 55 mph, but then the buyer refused to pay for the car and it was towed back to Tx. Don't think I would tow one far and if I did, I'd do it myself and slow down if there was anything but a tailwind. Might turn the car around also. I towed a truck from Rio Rico, AZ to Danville, Ca and made it a two long days trip, never over 50 and arrived with no damage. 29 ccpu.
 
I towed my Roadster on an open trailer. I put the top down because I didn't want to risk damage. Still didn't exceed 50 mph. (max. legal speed when towing without special registration in Germany)


It was WAY shorter than 700 mls though. When towing so far I'd definitely not do 70 mph!
 
70 MPH! Cowboy!

Don’t do it. It won’t be the same top at the end of your trip. Your trailering a 90 year old antique car.
 
Why not wrap/cover the top with tarp or heavy drop-type cloth? Lash down/around well so won’t flap. Check tow frequently for movement. A good thing is a cabby has the roll up windows and air won’t expand the inside of the top as badly……but it will get in there.
I wouldn’t feel good about towing otherwise. The top will bellow and rip.
 
I have not gone that far with my car on a flatbed, but I was always told never go faster than the car was intended to go, so I stay at 50-55mph. For long hauls I put the top down and strap it just to be safe (watching weather of course)
 
I have towed my 31 coupe at 70mph. Taped cardboard to w/s and headlights. Never towed a soft top. Put top down and carry a cover if you get caught in rain and pull over and wait it out.
 
If you cover it with a tarp or such any flapping of the covering material can and will do damage in a hurry.
The stretchy plastic wrap used to palletize stuff would be a better option if done properly than using a tarp.

Take the back highways and enjoy the trip.
 
The plastic wrap will leave a beautiful new surface effect on your car with ANY moisture!
Enclosed trailer, well secured, and a balanced load, act like the load was your wife's car.
 
I've driven my A's at 60-65 mph all day long without an issue, sometimes hitting 70 mph on a downhill, or with a tailwind. If you are worried about damaging the top on a trailer at highway speeds, you should have the same concern driving it down the road. All A's but the steel top truck have some sort of fabric top.

What do you think your wind speed is if you're driving at 50 mph into a 20 mph headwind? Not a 70 mph equivalent, but close.

I don't see an issue with your towing speed affecting your car. I'm more concerned about the condition of the trailer tires, and their ability to stay together at highway speeds with a load (increased heat).
 
rich40701 said:
New A owner here, I just purchased a Cabriolet and plan to haul it home on on a flatbed trailer around 700 miles. I was wondering if anyone on the board had hauled a convertible that far exposed; any precautions I should take, could the wind at highway speeds of 70 mph possibly damage the top?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Rich
Click to expand...

Don’t Do It ….

Ask a friend with an enclosed car hauler trailer
to make the trip with you - or see if the Seller
has an enclosed car hauler trailer or knows
someone that can transport it for you.

There is no substitute for an enclosed trailer.


Jim
 
Driving and towing are different.When driving you are just parting the air as you go.When being towed the buffeting from the tow vehicle is tremendous.i saw the top on a 30 roadster partially shredded after being towed at 50 MPH for four hours.Air can only jump 30 inches behind a vehicle after being parted by that vehicle.at the 30 inch point it goes violently turbulent.At some point,I'm thinking 18 feet after the trailer load,it goes back to a straight wind,but not turbulent.That was some of the stuff I had to learn to haul lumber,sheetrock,etc and how to tarp it.
 
Thanks for all the replies, after hearing everyone's input I think we will try putting the top down and securing it good with straps. The plan is to drive slower as well and check on it frequently for the first few miles.
 
My enclosed trailer is sitting empty in central Illinois, if you post your area maybe someone has a trailer sitting empty near you! that you could use!
 
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