Towing using one of these?

[Error404]

Am I correct in thinking this is one of the rigid towing bars that allow you to tow a car without a driver in the towed vehicle?

has anyone used one? are they any good / safe?

http://www.screwfix.com/search.do;js...search=towing#

Cheers
Alex

[mcandmar]

Never used one of them but my Dad used to do autotests with a Mini, had an A-Frame made up that mounted with two hinged joints on the front of the Mini, and then onto a standard tow bar socket. Worked great as it kept the trailing car in line with the towing car.

With a single bar like that there’s nothing to stop the car being towed from trying to overtake you on braking. You will still need somebody in the trailing car to steer/stop it.

I'll see can i dig out a pic, used to confuse a lot of people as at first glance the car didn’t look like it was being towed.

Funniest moment (in hindsight) was when he caused mayhem at the N.Ireland border, an RUC officer went to speak to the driver of the mini to find nobody was in it, then it drove off all by itself

[Error404]

PMSL!!
Quality!!

Yeah i've since realised there will need to be a driver in the towed car to steer and brake, but i think the rigid bar should make it easier than a rope for sure

The girlfriend has volunteered to pilot the towed car - but I told her i'd throw her down the stairs if she runs into the back of my coupe

[mcandmar]

Found this link to give you an idea....http://www.protowframes.co.uk/

For towing with a rope may sure the person being towed knows exactly what there doing, dont underestimate how heavy steering and brakes get with no power assistance, and they have to do most of the braking. Worst case is if they manage to drive over the rope and get it tangled up in the front suspension.

Anybody ever see that movie on youtube of a guy being towed in an impreza, see what happens when the steering lock kicks in because he took the keys out of the ignition http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbSjQfWjaO0

Mark.

[Error404]

Not a problem - this one drives just has no MOT or Tax... so power steering and assisted brakes on tap

Just had a thought though - can you even tow quattros? I was thinking of having the engine running for steering and brakes and in neutral for being towed...,.

Someone suggested you can't tow quattros? I can't see why it'd be any different to just free wheeling? Whats the score?

[mcandmar]

Yes as long as all four wheels are on the ground. I had to tow my CQ once when the immobilser went into melt down. I can tell you S4's are damn effective towing machines, i dont think my CQ ever accelerated that hard under its own steam

[Error404]

lol - thats what i thought - people have said it will damage the transmission, but i can't see how that could possibly be the case

It will be a 40 mile tow though.....

[mcandmar]

The only issue is tow trucks that lift the front axle off the ground, would be murder for the middle diff.

[Error404]

ah right - no worries then, it'll be sweet! Much cheaper than hiring a flatbed

Ok so now i've bought two 20v coupes in a week

One white 20v, one black 20v quattro - like light and dark, both sides of the force :mischeif:

[mcandmar]

I see so what are your plans for them?

Would be interested to hear what the difference is to drive, from memory Audi even quoted faster 0-60 times for the non quattro versions due to less weight and drag.

[Error404]

i'd say it will a bit quicker - the white 20v is definately faster than my old 2.8 CQ,

i'm guessing with the extra 100+ Kg and the greater drag will make quite a difference... probably looking at 110-115 bhp at the wheels with the quatty, probably more like 125-130 at the wheels in the FWD then the weight to consider

I'm going to tidy up the quatty get it MOT'd then decide which one to sell on.. I bought it with the aim of making a bit of money on it, so thats the plan

[Flat on my back]

You cant tow a quattro very far, be careful.

[Error404]

can anyone explain why or is it hearsay?

how far is too far?? this will be about 40 miles.

I'm intrigued as to why people say this as i can't think of any logical reason why it would do any damage

[Flat on my back]

All i know is the Bentley manual sets a limit on speed and distance, why, i can only think is to do with lubrication of the diffs or overheating?

Someone on here's got to know the real techy reasons?

Real b+mmer as its stopped me looking at some cars!

[Error404]

Bentley manual

I've got the owners manual, I'll have a butchers in there.... My girlfriends house is kinda halfway so if its to do with heat generation in the lubes etc i can always stop off halfway for a couple hours..

can any techy bods help answer this? Its buggin me!!!!