Trailering Model A's

TerryO

TerryO

Well-known member
What is the opinions on long distance transport of a 31 Sport Coupe on an open trailer. Facing front? Facing rear? Any advice on taking care of the canvas top?

Thanks
TerryO
 
Mine faces forward and I have found I require weight forward to reduce fishtailing while driving on highways.
 
Engine weight of your coupe should be forward of the trailer axle group for better tracking.

Depending on how far you are going and the profile of your tow vehicle, the wind will likely buffet the canvas top. Rigging a 1/4" piece of plywood should protect it. Add sheet foam/sponge material between plywood and canvas to prevent chafing. Use several straps to the running boards to hold the plywood in place.
 
Facing forward. Top could become a problem at highway speeds. If top is old or worn, I would recommend enclosed trailer. Damage could happen very quickly.
 
I always face the car forward. For long distance, I suggest a piece of cardboard over the windshield, and a piece of cardboard over the radiator, to protect from small stones thrown up by trucks. Tie it down by the axels, not the body or frame.
 
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Facing forward, and I agree with Bill, cover the radiator and windshield with cardboard or a folded tarp. I've trailered my Roadster many times and have yet to have a problem with my top, but it's in pretty good shape. I did meet a fellow Model Aer on the 2013 MAFCA Annual Tour whose top fell apart while trailering, so it can be an issue.
 
I always face the car forward. For long distance, I suggest a piece of cardboard over the windshield, and a piece of cardboard over the radiator, to protect from small stones thrown up by trucks. Tie it down by the axes, not the body or frame.
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That is why I asked, concern with radiator, headlights and windshield. The top is excellent condition and I want it to stay that way.
If top is old or worn, I would recommend enclosed trailer.
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I have a 32' enclosed 5th wheel car hauler but I feel it would be overkill for a Model A, plus it's a real pain when refueling, parking in a restaurant or a hotel parking lot so I am planning to order a 14' car hauler to make things easier. I am planning to go from GA to Gettysburg next month but I planning to travel quite a bit both driving and trailering in the near future.
Thanks for all the replies

TerryO
 
When I do trailer my As I try to keep the speed down, and often stay off the interstates. I do not want to trust the roof, visor etc to 70+ MPH winds. On one occasion that I didn't have a choice, I placed a good quality car cover over the coupe with a soft blanket under it and some cardboard over the roof and strapped it down tight to the car, not the trailer. This way I didn't have the suspension, while the car was bouncing on the trailer, moving the cover over the paint etc. Worked very good.
 
I am planning to order a 14' car hauler
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I would suggest that you go for an 18' rather than a 14'. A 14' is adequate for a Model A, but further down the road you may wish that you had opted for an 18 footer when you go to haul something a little bigger.
Don't ask how I came up w/this.
 
Towed our roadster front facing with the top down. Traveling at 100km+can cause a lot of strain on the old tops. Cardboard on the Rad and Windshield is a good idea
 
I would suggest that you go for an 18' rather than a 14'. A 14' is adequate for a Model A, but further down the road you may wish that you had opted for an 18 footer when you go to haul something a little bigger.
Don't ask how I came up w/this.
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I have access to larger trailers if I need more space. The main point with a smaller trailer is parking in parking lots without having to depend on 6 or 8 empty spaces ( especially if I arrive late at night when they are pretty much full... Don't ask how I know). LOL

TerryO
 
My wife just suggested that I put stretch wrap over the top... sounds like it may work as extra insurance..

TerryO
 
We wrapped the cab with plastic shipping wrap and then tape over the top of the wrap to hold it in place. Covered the headlights too..

Borrowed the hitch mount mud flap bar from my neighbor....we tried to stay at about 60 mph..
 

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My 1931 Sport Coupe was delivered me on a trailer facing forward to ensure the correct weight distribution. After a journey of over 500 miles it arrived in perfect condition save for a few too many flies on the leading edges.
 
After a journey of over 500 miles it arrived in perfect condition save for a few too many flies on the leading edges.
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We drove a little over 250 miles Saturday and I still have to clean the bugs and quail feathers from the radiator. I think the quail saw my quail radiator cap and wanted a closer look.:eek:

TerryO
 
Have the A pull the trailer with some fancy pretty car on it...the A will be very happy! Work horses these old A's are.
 
This is a 20' aluminum tilt trailer. Plenty of room for a tool box. There's a winch with a remote control inside the tool box. Packed up a ready to go to Lincoln for the Speedster Reunion.
 

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A guy in our club bought a used Mobility van, made the rear a large door, so he can now haul his Model A inside. Once unloaded he can sleep inside the van. Looks like a nice outfit, and easy to park.
 
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