SL Towing

[Ricardo]

Any thoughts about towing with the rear wheels on the ground?
I'm thinking of purchasing a car dolly to tow the SL behind a camper, but I'm concerned about what this does to the transmission on a manual tranny car. Would it be better to tow it backwards?
Anyone going to the Targa event in Newfoundland in Sept.?

www.targanewfoundland.com

[bsimaz]

When I bought mine I towed it ~180 miles on a car dolly.  Front wheels on the ground.  With the steering wheel locked I figured this was the best way.   With the rear wheel on the ground my concern was the tranny jumping into gear.  I figured it was safer with the front wheels down.

Bill Simaz
'66 230sl
Back on the Road

[glennard]

Towed a '64 600 miles on a dolly with the front wheels on the ground.  On I-80 it was a max of 55 mph going down hill with semis passing at 80mph.

[ja17]

Hello Recardo,

As long as it is not an automatic you can tow it any speed and as far as you wish. Place the transmission in neutral. The transmission will lubricate just fine as long as the fluid level is right. If you have an automatic disconnect the drive shaft at the differential or you will ruin the automatic transmission. Don't forget to turn the ignition key on so your steering is unlocked!! and disconnect the battery so your ignition is not left on.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[ja17]

Hello Ricardo,

Leave the steering unlocked only if you are flat towing (no dolly). If your using a dolly you must have the steering locked.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Ricardo]

Hey Joe
Do you mean with the front wheels on the ground the steering should be locked? If it was towed with rear wheels on the ground, which I think you mean't was Ok, with a standard, then it shouldn't matter if the steering is locked, or would it?
I purchased a Karr Kaddy today, so I'm keen to try it and see what it feels like before I try a long trip.
Newfoundland is about 1500 miles from here....

[waltklatt]

Ricardo,
I would prefer if you put the rear wheels on the dolly and leave the front wheels on the road.  This way you reduce the chance of damaging the rear valance, bumpers and muffler tips when going over speed bumps.  The rear has a long overhang from the rear wheels.  This way when you tow the front bumper is higher off the ground and no transmission worries.  Lock the steering and tie a rope to hold it steady to be sure.  20/20 hindsight is always the best.
Make sure your front bearings are lubed up properly and put a sign (car in tow) and indicator/brake light pods on the fenders so the people behind you know you are braking or turning.
Walter
1967 220SL-diesel

[ja17]

Hello,

Most of my experience has been with "flat towing" (all four wheels on the ground) using a tow bar. In this situation the steering must be unlocked.

I would suspect that using a dolly is a bit more weight to pull but keepimg the steering locked is a must especially if towed from behind with the front wheels on the ground. I also believe that the steering should be locked if towed from the front with the rear wheels on the ground. It is very important to make sure the shifter is in neutral if towed with the rear wheels on the ground, or the engine will be turning! As mentioned if you tow an automatic with the rear wheels on the ground disconnect the driveshaft at the diff.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio