[John]

The first thing on towing the classic is the rate of disappearance during the night. Maybe the steering wheel lock would solve that problem.

Have you considered a fun model Jeep ?

AL

[Archived]

Yes we have been looking for a Jeep Wrangler for quite some time now ( I even have a complete Falcon towbar setup for a Jeep). but so far have not found anything in the under $15K range that is not trashed, rusted out, way too jacked up and otherwise abused, not to mention high mileage.

I also own several models of those steering wheel locks, as well as other methods of protecting my property, so that will not be a problem.

[Archived]

This is just my opinion so consider it is worth all you paid for it.

Towing has enough potential problems without looking for trouble. I go so far as to suggest it the car itself is not acceptable for towing as is, without any modifications then it might be best to find one acceptable.

To tow one on a doilly, facing backwards dragging the steer wheels which are going to try to turn sideways in my opinion is an invitation to the kind of excitement you don’t need. But then again I believe the idiots on the road are out to get me, so I prefer to not try to create my own problems. The fact the question was asked is a huge clue this might not be the best thing to do.

[Archived]

Still the med size? I think right at the change. I have seen several done! On Dolly! Long distances. I wound think the preferred way for that vehicle would be a tow bar and a driveline disconnect. Ones I have seen were ford ranger backwards (2) and lincoln tc . The last had mi plates and was in Fl. Neighbor said he brought it down that way each year. One of the rangers being pulled backwards was local here to everywhere they go. (for years) .New 2012 4×4 jeep simple here $19,500 at dealer. Bob

[Gerald]

Not a dolly tow, but interesting nonetheless. Towing a Ford Ranger

[Archived]

When we tow a car forward the steer axle wheels are pointed forward and stay pointed forward because as the car rolls the wheels always tend to point straight. If the same car is towed backwards the geometry of the suspension that kept the wheels pointing straight when towed forward now tends to make the wheels try to turn left or right when towed backwards.

On a car with a steering wheel lock there is a solid mechanical lock that keeps the wheels from turning. When a car is towed backwards the steer axle wheels are ALWAYS trying to turn left or right and the only thing stopping that from happening is the little pin that locks the steering column. If or when that pin breaks all hell is going to break loose.

Take a car without a steering wheel lock and somehow the steering wheel needs to be secured. One more thing to try to remember, one more thing that can fail, one more thing that can ruin a trip if there is a problem.

Any time anyone doubts how difficult it is to get a car being towed backwards to track properly, find a large empty parking lot with a slope. Start at the top, point the car downhill, and let it roll forward with your hands off the wheel. notice how the car rolls in a straight path, only going left or right if the slope is to the left or right.

Now let the car roll backwards down the hill without hands on the wheel. Any small left or right slope or small deviation in the path and the steerring wheel will start to turn and once it starts to turn it likely will turn all the way left or right. Tow it backwards and that is what it will be doing every mile it is towed unless something absolutely locks the wheel in one position.

[Archived]

My experience ranges from driving 80,000 lb semis across the country to towing my race car on a 2 axle flat bed car trailer. I have occasionally seen people pulling assorted vehicles backwards……such as this photo I took on I-24 just outside of Nashville.

However, based on the excellent observations presented here by Jon, I will rethink my position and behave accordingly.

[Ed]

New 2012 4×4 jeep simple here $19,500 at dealer. Bob,

Please tell me where I can buy that 2012 Wrangler for that price.

[Jim/Chris]

Been advertising on tv local in SW Indiana for $19,500. 4×4 sure will be very basic. Local dealer is Expressway Jeep Mt. Vernon,Indiana. Huge dealership with several stores. They have internet site. They have Chev-Ford -Jeep -Dodge all at one location. Bob

[Ed]

You do know that the old Fairlane may be towed with the rear wheels on the ground as it has a front pump in the tranny , if it is still stock . I belive you have seen my 55 chevy that i tow rear wheels down it has a 350 turbo trans from a1976 impala , i also towed it with the 4 speed stick . Neaver had trouble.

[Davy]

The Fairlane is a 4 speed. I am thinking of buying a 64 Plymouth Belvedere with a stock 727 trans, do you think it can be towed four wheels down?

Also, can we see a photo of your 55?