Overhaulin'

options on how to tow a heavy rear wheel drive car? (classic car in need of restoration)?

I have to move a classic car that weighs 4500 lbs a distance of 120 miles, not thru any heavy traffic(rural driving, but for much of the distance, I have to keep up with other traffic). I recently purchased a heavy duty van that can tow up to 7500 lbs and am going to get a heavy duty hitch installed this week. I tow boats and trailers all the time, but none have weighed enough that power brakes were required on the trailer. when I read about this stuff online, I see stuff like breakaway brakes, which I never heard of, etc. It appears that towing CARS is a specialized thing? I would really like to use a dolly, but I have to tow the car backwards, because the rear end of the car needs major repairs. The front end is really good. Can we just lash the steering wheel down and tow this rear wheel drive vehicle with the back tires up on the car dolly? I saw that a person can rent car carriers, but the ones I saw were rated only up to 4000 lbs, and then I would need to get the van wired for power brakes, since the trailer is over 3000 lbs. this is a one time deal - the other towing of this vehicle will be done with the engine and tranny pulled out, to get it painted, another one time deal, but not so darn heavy. thx for advice!

Public Comments

1. 1 forget all the things that worry you... 2 pay for a flat bed/roll back..its worth it or 3 you can tow it backwards with steering tied or 4 unless rear is locked up remove driveshaft and toe and dont worry about the 4000 limit,,[really],,for a one shot deal and keeping off the 70 mph interstate,,120 miles is nothing 5 brakeaway brakes? pleeeese...you could load up with thousands of dollars in un needed options that you dont need on a one shot tow job..
2. I wouldn't take a chance pulling the vehicle with the front end on the ground since it is a classic. You don't want to damage anything worse than it may be now. I would recommend hiring a flatbed tow truck to pick it up and tow it back. You can call around and get the best price. Good luck.
3. Rent a U haul truck and car trailer for the best value and safety. Done!
4. I have a flatbed trailer and move classics all the time. Trying to tow a car backwards is not a wise idea. There is also the potential for a wheel bearing to seize if it has been sitting for a long time. You should either put it on a flatbed trailer or have a professional "rollback" truck do the job. Having the car placed backwards on a flatbed trailer presents it's own challenges because of the weight distribution. You want slightly more in the front of the trailer so it will handle properly. I would suggest pricing a pro to do the job. They will get it there safely.
5. If the car you are moving is only 4500 pounds and your van is properly equipped to do 7500 you should be able to rent a u haul car hauler trailer. The Uhaul will have the proper brakes and equipment to be legal in all 50 states. From U haul's site. Features * Easy-access loading ramp * Tilt-out fender allows vehicle door access * Ratchet-operated tire straps * Vehicle security chains * Automatic hydraulic surge brake Capacity * Max load: 5,290 lbs. * Gross vehicle weight: 7,500 lbs. max. * Empty weight: 2,210 lbs. Towing vehicle requirements * Must be equipped with a hard top if it is an SUV. U-Haul does not allow any type of sport-utility vehicle not equipped with a hard top to tow U-Haul equipment. * Must weigh at least 3,500 lbs. (curb weight), and must equal or exceed 80% of the combined weight of the trailer (2,210 lbs.) and the vehicle being towed (up to 5,290 lbs.). * Must have a towing system that has a 5,000 lbs. minimum weight-carrying rating * Must have 1-7/8" or 2" hitch ball (5,000 lbs. minimum) * Must not exceed maximum allowable hitch ball height 25" * Must have external mirrors on both sides * Must have fully operational lighting * Auto transport lighting must be operational at all times, day and night, loaded or unloaded * Maximum recommended speed is 55 MPH * Load trailers heavier in front. * Reduce normal driving speed. * Wear a seatbelt. Towed vehicle requirements * Must not weigh in excess of 5,290 lbs. * Must have a maximum outside-to-outside tire width of 79.25" Note: outside tire width over 75" must use late-model U-Haul Auto Transport (identifiable by silver galvanized color). * Must have a maximum wheelbase (distance from front axle to rear axle, usually posted on the driver's side door jamb) of 133 inches. * Low-hanging equipment on the vehicle being towed such as spoilers, air dams, ground effects, etc., may be damaged by contact with the Auto Transport during loading and unloading. Make sure there is enough clearance for these items.
6. 7500 tongue weight ? should not be a problem. getting the old wreck on a trailer. now that s key. weather you have trailer brakes or not. you might consider just buying a trailer you can unload when done. maybe even make a couple $$ with it in the mean time, or not. make sure whatever you do it will be wide enough and long enough. class 3 hitch is a good idea too.