Towing a manual trans car? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hit Man X · #1 12-06-2006, 05:33 PM

Can I have the front on a car dolly and just toss the trans into neutral for the ride back?

Stevo · #2 12-06-2006, 05:55 PM

Yes, no problem. I have towed manual 240Ds many miles that way. A couple of weeks ago I towed a 240D on a friends trailer. That was nice but I like the dolly because I can stow it up against a wall, out of the way. A word of caution, in Wa anyway, I have heard "you are spoz to have trailer brakes on them now".

Hit Man X · #3 12-06-2006, 05:58 PM

What I plan to tow, exactly.

stcbenz83 · #4 12-06-2006, 05:58 PM

MAKE SURE U DISCONNECT THE DRIVESHAFT THOUGH!!! the PO of my car did not. he towed it from florida to texas with a tow dolly. when he got to his new house in texas, the car now grinds in 4th. and he found out later that he should have disconnected the driveshaft

kerry · #5 12-06-2006, 06:10 PM

I believe MB says don't tow with rear wheels down, even with a manual transmission.

Stevo · #6 12-06-2006, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stcbenz83

MAKE SURE U DISCONNECT THE DRIVESHAFT THOUGH!!! the PO of my car did not. he towed it from florida to texas with a tow dolly. when he got to his new house in texas, the car now grinds in 4th. and he found out later that he should have disconnected the driveshaft

This was a manual? I wonder if the tranny fluid was low.

Stevo · #7 12-06-2006, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry edwards

I believe MB says don't tow with rear wheels down, even with a manual transmission.

I looked in my 82, owners manual and all it talks about is the automatics being able to be towed 75 max miles at no more than 30 mph. they say they recomend disconnecting the drive shaft on any towing beyond a short one, but I think they are still talking autos. Or maybe not

t walgamuth · #8 12-06-2006, 06:34 PM

i have towed many miles on tow bar stick tranny cars. with no problem. i dont know if the nose high stance of a dolly would matter.

tom w

kerry · #9 12-06-2006, 06:41 PM

I too have towed stick tranny cars on 4 wheels. However, I have heard of this problem occurring before and I know I have read somewhere that MB's with standard transmissions shouldn't be towed. I believe there is a problem with a bearing not getting lubrication if the transmission is in neutral. I can't remember where I read it but I was reading a lot on this topic earlier in the year when I was trying to figure out what to tow behind my motorhome. I ended up getting a 4wd Suzuki Sidekick but I was considering a manual transmission 123 until I came across the info.

Hit Man X · #10 12-06-2006, 07:07 PM

I'm pulling it about 120miles if that makes a difference.

R Leo · #11 12-06-2006, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

I'm pulling it about 120miles if that makes a difference.

This has all been discussed before...
I've pulled several 4-speeds and a 5-speed w/back wheels on the ground for 200+ miles and had no problems with the gearboxes. If you look at a cross section of the transmission the gearing in the rear of the case will splash plenty of lubricant when being turned by the driveshaft.

I suspect that the failure mentioned above was brought on by a low lubricant level or some other non-towing related issue.

Stevo · #12 12-06-2006, 08:27 PM

You might check the tranny and as long as your in there maybe change the oil. I actually know of one other case where the tranny needed an overhaul after a tow with a dolly.
Low on oil to begin with, maybe

leathermang · #13 12-06-2006, 10:02 PM

Why not just put the backend on the dolly and avoid taking the chance ?

Hit Man X · #14 12-06-2006, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

Why not just put the backend on the dolly and avoid taking the chance ?

Only thing keeping the car straight is the steering lock right? Is it strong enough?

R Leo · #15 12-06-2006, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

Why not just put the backend on the dolly and avoid taking the chance ?

I definitely wouldn't go that way; a tow dolly is hairy enough to begin with.

Of the all ones I've rented, only one was tight enough to track straight with a car on it, all the others wandered all over the road and were nightmarish to deal with. I couldn't imagine pulling a car backwards with one and dealing with whatever play the steering would have.

All these 'failures' are anecdotal; there's nothing concrete saying that you cannot pull the manual with 4 on the ground. Jeez, for only pulling 120 miles, just check the oil and go with what's been done. If you're really worried, put the front on the dolly first, set the brakes on the tow vehicle, jack up the back of the 240 and yank the driveshaft.

Or, go rent a U-Haul auto trailer.