Towing

[scotts pearl]

I would like to know if i can tow my z behind my rv using a tow dolly with my 280's rear wheel on the ground? it is a 5speed.. just wandering if it would do any damage to the trans, diff or etc...

[=Enigma=]

I'd like ot know the answer to this as well. My understanding that this was more of an issue with auto trannies but....

[doradox]

You must remove the driveshaft to do so. Otherwise the output shaft of the transmission will turn but no gears will turn to splash oil around to keep it lubricated. You could always tow backwards with the front end on the road.

Steve

Edited May 11, 2009 by doradox
backwards

[scotts pearl]

thanks alot..

[Inf]

Can't you just get a trailer that gets all 4 wheels off the ground? I rented one from u-haul 5 years ago or so, and it wasn't that expensive.

Towing it around on a dolly is car abuse in my book.

[doradox]

Towing it around on a dolly is car abuse in my book.

Not really any worse than driving it. No wear on the engine and 150 lbs less weight ( the driver) to carry.

Steve

[ChrisB77]

Have you considered backing onto the dolly and leaving the front wheels on the ground? Just be sure to cinch the steering wheel in position with the seat belt or tie strap.

[DatsunZsRule]

You could back up onto it like mentioned above. If you don't have one already, I'd invest in a rock guard on the back of your motorhome. I don't think you would want to take the chance of a rock flying out and hitting your Z :hurt:

Edited May 12, 2009 by DatsunZsRule

[Z train]

You want the weight(engine) of the car over the wheels of the dolly.

[Arne]

You must remove the driveshaft to do so.

Can't pull the driveshaft on a Z, either auto or manual. All the oil will run out.

The only exception is for S30s with the early Type A 5 speed (FS5C71A) as those have a rear output flange that the driveshaft bolts to. All others use a sliding spline at the front of the driveshaft.

[doradox]

Can't pull the driveshaft on a Z, either auto or manual. All the oil will run out.

The only exception is for S30s with the early Type A 5 speed (FS5C71A) as those have a rear output flange that the driveshaft bolts to. All others use a sliding spline at the front of the driveshaft.

Obviously, but why would it matter. You won't be driving the car. You can refill the trans later or, leave the shaft in the trans but disconnect it from the differential. Or what many people do is plug the transmission. The important point is, if you don't keep the trans output shaft from turning you will burn it up.

Steve

[Jeff G 78]

Either drain the tranny or make a plug from an old driveshaft yoke. The driveshaft must be removed, but otherwise it will tow fine. I towed my car 750 miles when I drug it home from Georgia in 1990.

Do not put the car backwards on a dolly. The steering column must remain unlocked so the car can steer around tight turns. If not, it drags and binds.

[doradox]

Either drain the tranny or make a plug from an old driveshaft yoke. The driveshaft must be removed, but otherwise it will tow fine. I towed my car 750 miles when I drug it home from Georgia in 1990.

Do not put the car backwards on a dolly. The steering column must remain unlocked so the car can steer around tight turns. If not, it drags and binds.

If the rear wheels can't steer when fronts are on the dolly then why would the fronts need to steer if the rears were on the dolly? On a tow bar you must leave the steering unlocked but a tow dolly does the steering.

Steve

[Jeff G 78]

If the wheels are locked, the dolly and Z car become a fixed 4 wheel trailer with a 91" wheelbase. Think of a hay wagon or a kid's Radio Flyer. If the front axle didn't pivot, the tires would skid around every corner. By unlocking the steering column, the front tires stay locked to the dolly, but allow the car to articulate like the wagon's front axle.

Uhaul makes it very clear that the car must be loaded forward with the column unlocked. I tried it once with a car backwards before I knew better and it was terrible to tow. It's no different than a flat tow. Some dollies might have steering, but none that I've used. I know Uhaul dollies are fixed.

[doradox]

If the wheels are locked, the dolly and Z car become a fixed 4 wheel trailer with a 91" wheelbase. Think of a hay wagon or a kid's Radio Flyer. If the front axle didn't pivot, the tires would skid around every corner. By unlocking the steering column, the front tires stay locked to the dolly, but allow the car to articulate like the wagon's front axle.

Uhaul makes it very clear that the car must be loaded forward with the column unlocked. I tried it once with a car backwards before I knew better and it was terrible to tow. It's no different than a flat tow. Some dollies might have steering, but none that I've used. I know Uhaul dollies are fixed.

http://www.pensketruckrental.com/personal_rental/accessories/towing_tow_dolly.html

Look down the page a little where you will see..

"6. Make certain that your vehicle is centered on the tow dolly platform, because the platform swivels during turns. Adequate space is required between the tow dolly fenders and your vehicle."

And

14. The parking brake must be released on your vehicle before traveling. Be sure the steering is locked in the straight position, with the wheels pointed straight ahead.

15. Remove your keys from the ignition and lock your vehicle. "

Apparently Penske dollies work like I think they do. I saw others that work like you say.

Uhaul is the same as Penske, locked wheel. http://www.uhaul.com/about/publication.ashx?id=20517

Penske doesn't recommend backing onto a tow dolly. With the almost 50/50 weight distribution of the Z I don't think that is a concern. YMMV.

Steve

Edited May 12, 2009 by doradox
added Uhaul link

[Jeff G 78]

Interesting. Uhaul must have updated their dollies since I last rented one. They all used to be fixed. I have only rented car trailers from Penske, never a dolly. Thanks for clearing it up.