OK....another newbie has bought a rig.

Please dont flame me to death on this....

If I'm going to drag my 40 with a tow bar, should I lock the steering?

I tried to to a test drag over the weekend, and the 40 wanted to go in a different direction then I wanted it to (steering locked and not locked). (I had it aligned this morning)

I'll post a pic if we play nice.

Thanks in advance.

Tommy

i use to have the same problem with mine when it was srpung under and over. i couldnt never figure i tout. i noticed when turning slowly it would track right. even when i tied teh wheel tight to teh cage it would just drag the front around. so i gave up and just drove the turd all sumer! jiMMy

That's a caster problem. Too much caster and it moves the "steering point" of the tire. Mine did this last summer, I put in like 4 degree shims (Rotating the pinion down to about stock) and it follows my GMC no problem now. Sure was a shock watching the cruiser go a different way at 35 MPH :eek:

DON'T LOCK THE STEERING! I created a nicely folded up towbar once when I accidently forgot to unlock the steering wheel.

it first did it to me in the middle of a busy intersection, everyone was honking, i was like fuck off with your horn and get out and help me turn the wheel so i can move it dumb asses. trailer time nwo baby! jiMMy

Originally posted by Jimmy76FJ40
it first did it to me in the middle of a busy intersection, everyone was honking, i was like fuck off with your horn and get out and help me turn the wheel so i can move it dumb asses. trailer time nwo baby! jiMMy

No shit. I had 3 guys honking at me, and not one got out. So I gave them all the :flipoff2: and took my time. I would have gotten out and helped someone if I saw that happen.

Get a stout tow bar and lock the steering with a "Club" type apparatus. i did it this way for years. Just leave a little play and don't try to turn too tight.

Better yet, fix your caster :)

I've always heard NOT to lock your steering with a tow bar.
How else are you going to go around corners??

its good to have somethign there to bring it back to center jsut incase. like a bungee cord or something. jiMMy

OOps....I'm still a newbie....cant post attachments yet :(

I had a problem with a Cruiser I was trying to tow. I had to lower the tow bar to change teh geometry . that solved the plowing and cornering problem. My bar was pointed down on a 20* angle. When I got it level , problem gone.

I flat towed for years. Always used a Bungee tied to the bottom of the steering wheel and to the brake pedal...

So, the ultimate question is....What in your guys' opinion is the best way to tow, besides trailers.

Originally posted by Mr McGee
So, the ultimate question is....What in your guys' opinion is the best way to tow, besides trailers.

1. Trailer
2. Tow dolly
3. Flat towing

On the tow dolly, I found a good price at DISCOUNT HITCH in Austin, TX. Picked up the Tow Master Heavy Duty (http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=E&Product_Code=80THD&Category_Code=) model for $750.

They are a pain to find once the RV's hit the interstate. Local RV places wanted $950, and tried selling the light weight versions saying "they only make one model" :flipoff2: Not enough room to store a full size trailer, but the cruiser can almost park over the dolly!

Tom :usa:

The steering is not supposed to be locked. And dont try backing up when flat towing neither. BAD. VERY BAD.

I hear ya on the backing thing.

I tried it with the towbar again yesterday....I turned right, and the 40 wanted to go left.....whats that all about?

:confused: