towing

[jlondino]

I'm going to be towing a 78 about 700 miles using a
u-haul dolly. They(u-haul) recommend disconnecting the
drive shaft at the diff. Good idea or bad?

Pappy

[digitech]

That's the way to do it!

[red107]

Ive towed my fiat cross country several times in the past 30 years. I have used both tow dolly and trailer. When I used a tow dolly from st, Louis to Washington st. I did not disconnect the drive shaft . I then towed from Washington to Florida using a trailer. No issues at all with either other than weight and it cost a little more but the trailer is well worth it. My miles where much more than 700. Even when I towed it to Atlanta I went with a trailer to be safe. But I believe they recommend disconnecting the drive shaft for automatic transmission. But make sure you have enough fluid in your transmission and rear end. If I had to use a dolly I would disconnect to be on the safe side of things.

[jlondino]

thanks for the info, I would like to use a trailer but my hitch
is only rated for 3500 lbs.

[tonyfromjersey]

My local mechanic recommended removing the drive shaft for anything other than short (25 mile or less) trips. He gave me a slew of reasons. I ended up trailering it and borrowing a buddy's F250 since my wife's car is only rated for 3500lbs as well. I did use a tow dolly for a short trip and it was annoying as hell, the trailer was much better.

[pope]

Tony, the Spider only weights 2000 lbs! You used an F250 to tow a Spider, was that because the Peterbilt was in the shop!

[tonyfromjersey]

On the way to the body shop, I had the F250 pulling a friend's '57 Chevy. I usually drive either the Fiat or a BMW 325. Driving a whole bunch of truck and car was quite a different ride, especially on the local roads in the Poconos (Pennsylvania). Backing up into the body shop parking lot was sporty to say the least.

Besides, there's nothing wrong with a little overkill.

[lanciahf]

I have towed a couple of spiders with dollies and I always put the rear wheels up on the dolly. Makes it easier to push the car on and off. Also prevents wear on the tranny.

[jlondino]

I would have never thought of that in a million years.
That would really take a lot of weight off the hitch.
What about wear and tear on the front end?(700 miles)

[lanciahf]

Can't comment on a 700 miles trip. But the wear and tear can not be any different than a spider making a 700 mile trip. Just make sue you lock the steering wheel in a straight position.

Let us know how you make out.

[baltobernie]

Isn't towing a Spider ass-first exposing the oil pan and front valence to damage? I would think that there can't be more than an inch or two of clearance once the car is on the dolly. There's also the pretty flimsy ( 0.25" square peg) steering column lock as the only thing between you and catastrophe, for the Spider, the tow vehicle, and anybody following

[lanciahf]

Good points, I have not had any problems, but I guess it could happen.