Advice on flat towing my '75 911S

[davewadd]

I finished the fabrication today on a tow-bar and brackets, so that I can flat-tow my autox car to events. I've heard different opinions about what to with the steering while flat-towing.

Which of these is true?

1. don't lock the steering, but do tie a rope or something to the steering wheel so the wheels don't oversteer.
2. don't lock the steering, and just tow the car.
3. lock the steering. (I'm pretty sure this is not correct...but I'm looking for expert opinion)
thanks.

[fromage]

I have a problem towing a car on it's own wheels... especially to any kind of event...if it's a competition the tires get used up and the setup gets a workout...if it's a show the cosmetics can get screwed up... might just as well drive it

[davewadd]

Well fromage.... I don't have a problem towing a car to an event. In my case, it's autocross. Towing my car behind my suv will allow me to carry more gear, wheels/tires, an ez-up tent, beach chair, cooler, etc... And then, for the drive home in the summer, I get ride home in air-conditioned comfort. Also, if I have a mechanical failure at autocross, I have a better chance of not needing a tow-truck.
I have my reasons for wanting to tow.... I was just looking for advice on the steering.. But, I received a definitive answer from someone else.

[jeff eelkema]

I also don't like the idea of flat towing or "A frame" towing as it is referred to here. The reason is that cars aren't designed to have the structural loads that are involved with turning etc exerted through front sheet metal. You have over 1 ton pushing through the tow points when slowing down and turning. I have seen cracked chassis etc from this activity.

But back to your question, the steering must be unlocked and there isn't any need to tie anything up. I would strongly recomend the use of a trailer.

You may also want to check legality as when flat towing the towed car effectively becomes a trailer and you may require that the "trailer" has functiong brakes.

[fromage]

re: possible trailer issue...the dot legality is not the same across all 50 states, in most states gross weight and or number of axles detemines brake requirement, some states impose stopping distance requirement as well, having four wheels on the ground ( two axles ) in most cases would require brakes on at least on one axle. It is unlikely or low percentage that the law doing something about the tow. The tow must be in compliance with each state it is travelling through. The greater issue would be being in breach of the insurance contract should something go wrong causing an accident, exposing one to an uninsured liability. We tow a lot and have been checked occasionally for safety and regulation ( towing permits etc ) compliance. We never have failed an inspection, but there are plenty of horor stories with tows out of compliance... nothing that fines and compliance didn't cure but missed events cannot be recovered.