Towing an auto

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dart6

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Thoughts on towing a BB, 727 about 30miles. If i can i would like tow it with the engine idling to make use of the power steering. I know you shouldn't tow an auto, but with the engine idling and trans in neutral would that avoid the auto from getting hurt. Most of it at 50mph

Cheers Brett
 
It doesn't sound good to ME, but I'm always open to learn something....
 
If the engine will idle and your towing in neutral makes me think the trans is good. Why not drive it home. What am I missing here?
 
You can't rent a trailer for $50 ? Towing a car with a rope or chain is illegal in many places.
 
there are laws about it in most places! here in nc it use to be legal but had to run chain threw a steel pipe! done it many times to get that busted pos chevelle back to the shade tree one more time! but consider this, when pulling a car with a chain, rear car has to ride brakes to keep chain tight! rear car has to use brakes to stop both cars cause if front one touches brakes, chain comes un hooked! 2 or 3 miles yeah redneck it up, 30 miles, you outta ya rabbed azz mind! call a rollback, friend with a trailer/car dolly hell u-haul rents car trailer and pick up trucks. be careful id hate to see a car burn up cause of over heated brake pads or bad thinking while 2 cars chained together, one wrecks both do! ever see a chain race at a dirt track? quite chaotic, think bout it...
 
SGBARRACUDA said:
If the engine will idle and your towing in neutral makes me think the trans is good. Why not drive it home. What am I missing here?
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Yeah my thoughts too. I'm taking it to get complied down here in NZ and a good chance i can screw it up so to speak
 
how are you towing it? tow bar? no need for power steering towing like that.. and just pull the drive shaft..
 
:popcorn:

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abodyjoe said:
how are you towing it? tow bar? no need for power steering towing like that.. and just pull the drive shaft..
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Yes a tow bar but i fail to see how a towbar or not would make a difference. Also the car to be towed is a 70 RR if that makes a difference
 
dart6 said:
That's what i was thinking but my knowledge is limited
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Mine isn't. :D
With the engine running the trans pump is circulating fluid and keeps the rear planets, tail shaft bearing and driveline bushing lubricated just as if the car was driving.
Without the engine running you can do about 15 miles, but removing the driveline is recommended as best safe solution for towing with the wheels on the ground.
 
TrailBeast said:
With the engine running the trans will be lubricated and be fine.
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Agree, in nuetral, but dont pull the driveshaft or it will puke all the trans fluid out. If you can afford to own a classic in NZ.....and you can afford to get it inspected and roadworthy.....just spend the money and do it the right way. Call a tow truck. Sheesh....to save a hundred dollars or so you are going to risk bent bumpers / damage where you tether on, a possible accident......not to mention the safety of others on the road.
 
I would rent a two wheel dolly for sure.... not that expensive. If it has steering wheel lock, then pull it backwards and forget pulling the driveshaft.
 
How much is the car worth that you are towing?
How much is your house and all possessions worth?
Multiply by 100 and that is the amount somebody will sue you for if you screw up doing it.

Yes I have been flat towed with a chain, and have pulled somebody over 2 hrs thru the mountains using one, if the tow vehicle driver and the towed vehicle driver do not know what they are doing bad things can happen fast.
 
sireland67 said:
How much is the car worth that you are towing?
How much is your house and all possessions worth?
Multiply by 100 and that is the amount somebody will sue you for if you screw up doing it.

Yes I have been flat towed with a chain, and have pulled somebody over 2 hrs thru the mountains using one, if the tow vehicle driver and the towed vehicle driver do not know what they are doing bad things can happen fast.
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thay gotta work together as one or itll get ugly fast!
 
Here's an odd thought, could you slightly overfill the trans to splash lube the internals if you decide to tow with engine off?? Although the constant jerking forward and back would probably accomplish the same. Or just disconnect driveline from axle and tie it out of the way.
 
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