Using a tow dolly

#1

I have a 2002 Honda Odesssey it’s rated tow limit is 3500 lbs. This is one option. I really don’t want to buy a different SUV to tow with. Any comments?

#2

I used a tow dolly to drag my '85 Civic SCCA IT car to the track many years ago. It worked fine and I towed with a Toyota Cressida wagon.

If I were to tow an E30 with a dolly, I would tow it backward to keep the drivetrain from spinning. I’ve heard that the trans isn’t lubricated properly if it’s towed forward.

Not the preferred method but it can work.

Carter

#3

I’ve towed our 318i track car around on a tow dolly. Works fine except you can’t back up and the turning radius isn’t so hot. I pulled the car forward, but I’m no expert as to whether that’s good or not.

#4

Carter thanks for the tip on towing, that would save having to drop the drive shaft every time. I checked today, $200 for a hitch installed. Uhaul charges $40 per day for dolly. That fits my budget!

#5

Carter wrote:

How does that work on a race car with the steering lock disabled?

-Scott

#6

I am pretty sure the wheels will center themselves

#7

I can try it both ways for now, since I’m doing HPDE

#8

wsl wrote:

[quote]Carter wrote:

How does that work on a race car with the steering lock disabled?

-Scott[/quote]

Ratchet straps from the steering wheel to the cage are the common trick.

Carter

#9

Thanks for advice. I going to get a hitch installed on my Honda Odessey next week. The dolly is a really economical choice right now. It’s cheap I didn’t want to buy a tow vehicle when the van is paid for.

#10

Another option when you go to buy a trailer is to pay attention to the weight of the trailer. I have a single axle car hauler that weighs in at 800lbs and is rated for 3500lbs. I got it when my tow vehicle was a camry so I could tow my '02.

Gareth

#11

I am bringing this back from the dead as I have a question about a tow dolly. I purchased a parts car and a friend is going to tow it home for me and we plan on using a tow dolly. If I tow with the front wheels off the ground and the tranny in neutral, how does that hurt the tranny. This is a manual and there are no pumps. The tranny will rotate and if I understand corectly should lubricate itself. Same with the diff. This is for a 200 mile tow. Anyone know for sure if the tranny will be OK or not.

Michael
#36

#12

BTW, do

I have a 2005 Ody with a hitch, but I pull a small camping trailer. You may want to consider the OEM transmission coolor and p/s cooler to tow something this heavy. I seem to remember the '99-02 Ody had some transmission failure issues. There’s a decent forum at odyclub.com.

I’m curious if anyone has installed a tow-bar on their E-30, like what you would see being towed behind an RV. I’m also curious to know if there are any sockets in the diagnostic connector that would control the E30 brake lights?

#13

Michael,
Will the parts car need a current registration and insurance coverage if it has any wheels touching the road?

–Shaun

#14

will not hurt manual trans, make sure it is out of gear!

Al
1000’s of miles dragging a tow dolly around…