How to tow a w124, back TO CALIIIIII!!! :)
 

Hey all, so I'm moving back to California from Texas in September and even though my trusty w124 has done the drive from CA-TX and TX-CA about four times, I've decided to tow it on a two wheel trailer on my buddys 04 Expedition for this trip back. I know it's not advisable to tow on a two wheel carrier instead of a flatbed, but I have to work with what I got.

My question is, what do I have to do to make this easy on the w124? Does the driveshaft need to come off? Cause I know if you leave it on, it will damage the trans? And lord knows I don't want trouble with the trans anytime soon... What do y'all recommend? :eek:

What about the possibility of renting a "flat bed" trailer from U-Haul or another such company?

I know they have restrictions on what vehicles they'll allow you to hitch it to and tow...but it might be worth a shot.

I thought about that too, but it's so expensive....it's like 500$ :( And this two wheel trailer is free from a friend.

UHaul says you have to disconnect the drive shaft on RWD, but I'm wondering why you can't back on and secure the steering wheel.

Isn't that super risky though??? If it comes loose all hell will break loose?? :eek:

No, No, NO you can't pull a vehicle backward. It is totally impossible to pull a car on a two wheeler with the front on the ground. Number one, the front end is heavy and acts like a pendulum, once it starts swagging you will be in the ditch upside down before it stops. Only, only, only front wheels on the dolly, get two wrenches and if you are young and strong you could have that drive line disconnected at the rear flex joint in 15 minutes. Be sure to tie your front wheels really tight on the carrier or it will begin "walking on you". They are risky to use, but follow directions and use good common sense and you can get it done.

The second reason is that the rear wheels are built for trailering. They are always in alignment and are made perfectly to follow the front. Your front wheels are adjustable and believe me when I say they are made to be up front, on the road or on the dolly hauler.

I never liked this method of towing but I think your best bet is to disconnect and secure driveshaft with front wheels on the dolly.

It sure sounds to me like junqueyardjim knows what he's talking about.

I guess it's tow bars going forward where people secure the steering wheel. The front isn't heavy on these cars - it's close to 50/50 weight distribution. Where would the world be if we didn't have adventuresome people willing try these things?

With fewer casualties!

Put a big old reminder on the dash that the prop shaft is disconnected. Don't need the excitement of putting it in gear with the prop shaft disconnected from the diff.

Sixto
87 300D

When the tow truck dragged my SDL to Whunter's he seemed to think it was just fine to tow the car backwards. He did run the seatbelt through the steering wheel, and locked the wheel with the ignition lock. It crabbed its way there just fine.

-J

Towing a RWD car backwards on a tow dolly is apparently not that rare, based on a quick internet search. Here's a nice thread on the subject:
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25279904/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1.cfm

one of those enlightened discussions where the people saying you can do it are actually doing it, and the people saying you can't do it have never tried it. I know I've seen it often enough, including on the interstate.

It does look like there's two rules though - really lock the front wheels, and avoid a front end weight bias, e.g. sand bags in the trunk. For a long trip I'd be tempted to remove the rear flex disk and go forward.

Consider the fact that the car is set up for toe in while going forward.
Ever drive a rear wheel drive car with excessive toe out?

Very darty and unstable, and reluctant to stay in a straight line.

Sure, you may be able to get away with it, and it might make sense for a short haul, but towing is difficult and risky enough when you do it correctly, why add a significant amount of instability?

Jim