[FC] towing

[J R Read_HML]

I've heard a couple of horror stories with Greenbrier in flat tow.  In both 
cases, oscillations started which got out of control.  One resulted in a 
flip and the other in a near flip (but still some damage).  So, if flat 
towing a Greenbrier, I'd have a heavy tow vehicle and keep the speed under 
50mph.

On the other hand, a buddy borrowed my Blazer last fall (S10 size) and drug 
(flat towed) a Rampside from AZ to IL at around 65mph with no problem.

But, I still warn you on the Greenbriers.  Maybe they just catch the cross 
winds too easily?

Attachments (if any) are scanned with anti-virus software.

Later, JR

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dale Dewald" <dkdewald at pasty.net>
To: "The Corvanatics list" <corvanatics at corvair.org>
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2005 2:53 PM
Subject: Re: [FC] towing


> Hello,
>
> >At 08:41 AM 2/25/05 -0600, grumpygrampa wrote:
> >I need to tow a greenbrier,300  miles.Can a 91 toyota camry do it? Flat
> tow with a tow bar.
>
> Even on flat ground this is quite a bit of weight to pull and stop with a 
> modest-sized passenger car.  You don't mention the engine/trans 
> combination, but if your Camry has a manual transmission, that distance of 
> tow (how many starts and stops) likely will result in a burnt clutch.  You 
> may not notice the damage to an automatic right away, but it will likely 
> overheat in <50 miles.  How much does an automatic rebuild or clutch job 
> cost?
>
> Stopping is another matter.  Without brakes on the Greenbrier to assist, a 
> panic stop or even catching a traffic light on "yellow" could be a 
> disaster.  Brakes also get damaged by overheating; how much to replace 
> warped front rotors and pads on a Camry?
>
> There is also the "tail wagging the dog" component.  The heavier 
> Greenbrier is likely to want to drift/steer wherever it wants to go, 
> dragging your Camry with it.  If the front alignment of the Greenbrier is 
> off it may want to hunt or oscillate from side to side.  This usually 
> starts to happen at about 45MPH.  A 300 mile trip at 40MPH will be a long 
> ride...
>
> 15 years ago I flat towed a '65 500 coupe parts car about 50 miles with my 
> 2.0L/5-speed Ford Ranger.  The car was partially stripped, but still 
> probably weighed 2500 lbs.  This was in dead flat central Illinois.  I 
> stayed on side roads and the tow went fine, but I would not have wanted to 
> travel on any main highways or above 45MPH without extra braking power.
>
> Please find a friend who has a truck (preferably 3/4 ton or larger) and, 
> if available, a trailer with brakes.  Where are you and the Greenbrier 
> located?
>
> Dale Dewald
> Hancock, MI
>
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