[Red90Vette]

Hey guys,
Just bought a used tow dolly for a real good price as an insurance policy in case my car breaks down on the road again. I bought it right away because of the price and did not take measurements. Although the wide tires will fit into the wells of the dolly, the dolly is too narrow. My C4 measures approx 6 feet outside of wheels, the dolly is 5 foot 6 inches at the outside of the recesses for the tires :thud: Not a total loss, still have other vehicles.
My main question was, do they make a dolly wide enough to do the job? Is there another method of towing I should consider besides giving the local tow company another $95 for a 5 mile tow? Is there some safety or mechanical considerations i should be aware of when towing with 2 wheels down on the road? Thanks

 

[raidmagic]

Yes they make wider tow dollies. I have one I towed a ford F350 Van on I know my Vette would fit on it. I have a full car trailer for when it is dead. Only once knock on wood.:laughing:

 

[wrecker3]

The only way i would tow my C4 is on the is on the back of a flatbed. Towing with a dolly from the front has the drive wheels on the ground. Not good for the transmission and too much trouble to remove the drive shaft. And towing from the rear you will have a good chance of damage to the front spoiler or bumper cover. And one last thing some states you need a towing endorsement on your license to tow cars (NY). :thumbsup:

 

[Red90Vette]

Hey Guys,
Thanks for the replies. Looks like in order to do the job right (myself) is to consider a car trailer.....

 

[Red90Vette]

Been considering getting a four post lift to put in my garage to work on the Vette. If I purchase a 2 rail open center car trailer do you think there will be enough room under when the car is on to do any work(oil, exhaust, filters, etc)? Maybe create a sliding support between the rails for a jack?

 

[Bob88]

Been considering getting a four post lift to put in my garage to work on the Vette. If I purchase a 2 rail open center car trailer do you think there will be enough room under when the car is on to do any work(oil, exhaust, filters, etc)? Maybe create a sliding support between the rails for a jack?

You'll still be laying on your back every time you want to do something. Just bite the bullet and get the lift. I finally bought one and its the best thing I ever did. Here's a pic of mine. $2500 and it included a 3500 lb jack.

 

[jrzvette]

Is there another method of towing I should consider besides giving the local tow company another $95 for a 5 mile tow?

Join AAA. One year membership is less than the price of one tow.

 

[Red90Vette]

Bob88.
From where did you get your 4 poster? Does it seem to be sturdy when fully elevated? That was my main concern besides getting one to fit the C4(body width, wide tires, Etc). I see some on Ebay but not sure of quality.
Thanks

 

[Red90Vette]

Thanks jrzvette, I will take a look at membership!

 

[viscount]

When you check AAA, the Plus member gives you 75 miles of towing, the regular I think is 5. Then you pay x-per mile after that.

 

[willg1966]

lift row tow throw

YES on the AAA . They have the plus package and yes you will need it. I have the the 4 post Target lift out of Texas, made In USA. Not commercial grade . but ok . and it is moveable. Remember no matter where you put it it will be in the wrong spot. Next .. I have the flat bed trailer and no it is not good to work under or on. but it dose have its advantages. Just remember that you will be driving the vette when it breaks down and the trailer will be miles from you. I also have a 36 inch lift that is good for body work and brakes. The best bet is the 4 post anda trailer, that way when you have a dead car you can store it on the trailer and it is easier to move around and out of the way on the property.

 

[jrzvette]

When you check AAA, the Plus member gives you 75 miles of towing, the regular I think is 5. Then you pay x-per mile after that.

I think plus is 100 miles. In any event AAA membership is for the driver, not the car, so even if you're traveling with a friend in his car you can call AAA if you need a tow.


I was taking a trip one time with a friend. We were about 150 miles from home when his car died. We both had AAA+ so he called and had the car towed about 80 miles, then I called and had it towed to his house.

 

[grumpyvette]

If you shop carefully and don,t jump on the first deal you see you are likely to find you can get a decent used car trailer at a decent price.
I can,t imagine being serious in this hobby and not owning or at least having access too a decent car transport trailer as your always going to need to move non running cars or transport project cars or major components.
be aware that theres always guys getting divorced, or having to take out of state jobs etc. and you can frequently find a basic USED car transport trailer for $600-$1500.
but be aware youll also need a decent tow vehicle , I bought a trailer and a decent DUAL REAR WHEEL truck, then swapped the truck for a chevy avalanche , but recently gave that to my younger son. so now I need to track him down for access when I need to tow the trailer.
know that owning a decent trailer has easily paid for itself in not needed towing fees many times over, in several years and its frequently used to rescue both my friends cars that break down, and to go get parts and project cars.

http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=845&hilit=state+trailer

http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=3508&p=9249&hilit=trailer+wiring#p9249

http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/viewtopic.php?f=87&t=4318&p=18620&hilit=state+trailer#p18620

http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/viewtopic.php?f=87&t=4598&p=12268&hilit=state+trailer#p12268

http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=340&p=416&hilit=state+trailer#p416

http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=593&p=779&hilit=towing+hooks#p779

http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=4863&p=13361&hilit=trailer+wiring#p13361