trailer

[Flyingthere]

I need to replace my current trailer and for a number of reasons I have decided on a 18' dovetail car hauler. I am reaching out to others who have trailered their 124s. Would you share problems or issues with towing, tie down points etc. I believe the front is a great candidate for a lasso over the wheels but the rear wheels will be at the fenders and other methods will be need to be used. Please share your experenced and/ or issues, and help me make the best decision with your knowledge and wisdom.
Thanks,

[steve8462]

on this topic. i'm looking for a used trailer to pull my spider body to and from repair/paint shops. i'm looking for a two wheeled dolly style like u-haul rents. i live in the TN-AL-Ga tri-state area- thanks

[FiatJB]

Over the years I've towed a few spiders home rather than drive for safety and practical reasons.
I've rented a drive on from Uhaul and while beat up it did the trick. I used their tire tie downs and all was well.
I am located right down the road from trailer depot in CT, they rent trailers by the day. It was a high quality aluminum and by far superior to Uhauls for around the same price. I would recommend buying a sturdy chain from Home Depot and some good shackles and use the factory shipping points on the Fiat in the front. Assuming they are in an area of no rust.
I would also either use webbing with ratchets at the rear with a safety chain. I have never had a problem put the car in gear, tie it down set the brake.
I've towed 5 hours in the rain from Maryland to CT, shout out to JohnR ( did you ever buy another or go over to the dark side?) also towed 3 hours from Upstate NY to CT, and 2 hours from Long Island to CT
Never a problem or an issue
Enjoy

[fiat218]

i plan on trailer mine from east grand forks mn to groveland fl. it will just be with chains, it will be just fine
one from the front, one in the back, where could it go

[redcars]

I always use two 2" straps in the front and the rear. If I end up in a wreck I want the car to stay on the trailer. I use the factory points in the front is they are good and the rear axle in the rear for the 124. If I had webs for the tires I would go that route. I used to tow the Super 7 about 10,000 miles a year going to auto crosses. I have had some very ruff rides and never had it move on the trailer. I have tire strap in it's trailer.

[vandor]

>use the factory shipping points on the Fiat in the front

His '78 does not have them.
I think the best solution would be over-the-tire straps up front, the straps around the axle in the back that keep the car from shooting forward in an accident. They sell really short (12-18") straps with eyes on both ends, you can put them around the rear axle and the hook both ends with the hook of the ratchet strap.

[Fi8spider]

i plan on trailer mine from east grand forks mn to groveland fl. it will just be with chains, it will be just fine
one from the front, one in the back, where could it go

Sideways Jim! Try and use at least two points in the front and one in the rear. I've never used chains to tie down so I can't comment on that, are they on a ratchet?

Regarding the OP. Being a lowly slung car the biggest issue is trying to get out of the Spider once its on the trailer, so I'd go for a trailer with low or no side rails. A mate of mine has a removable (wing nut attached) mudguard on one side of his trailer. When the car is on the trailer he can easily open the door and get out, once out he screws the mudguard back on the trailer.

Here's some experience from towing Fiats across many km's over the years. The factory tow rope points can be weak, put enough force on them and travel over rough enough road for long enough time and they will bend or tear off the weld.

Towing any car that is solidly tied down solid from the body makes towing a real pain. Very hard for me to explain why but once you tie your car down onto the trailer in a manner that allows the springs to continue doing their work you will find towing cars much more enjoyable and possibly safer.

The straps I use are 2" on a 1,500kg rated ratchet, one on each corner.

When towing my Spider I tie down from the lower wishbones on the front and from the axle in the rear. The best would be a lasso around each wheel or at least the front and then use the axle in the rear. The serious towing companies over here all use lassos around each wheel.

Good luck Bob, are you thinking dual axle or single axle?

[Flyingthere]

Thanks everyone for sharing, it confirms what I have read, and suspisions on how to best secure the car. My car does not have any factory tie downs, and it sounds as if it is for the better. I will get the lasso straps for the front and wrap the axel in the back. I will get a dual axel trailer with radial tires, brake-away and electric brakes.

[htchevyii]

The tilt back trailers are nice for low cars. I just use a standard car trailer, but my lowered auto x car drags badly. Lengthened ramps would help, but then they wouldn't slide into their storage slots anymore. I found that driving the back wheels of the tow truck onto ramps helps the angle alot.
As far as tie down, I use two ratchet straps on each end with axle straps. The rears go around the axle between the shock and lower arm. The fronts go thru the lower control arms thru the shock access hole. I don't like using tie down points on the body because they loosen as the suspension cycles.

[81SPIDERMATT]

I found that driving the back wheels of the tow truck onto ramps helps the angle alot.

what a simple easy solution to a common problem .... thanks for sharing... I would not have thought of that in a thousand years