<VV> Towing with a Corvair

[Ramon Rodriguez III]

Glad you mentioned flat towing being better... the rear weight bias of the
Corvair certainly comes into play when using a dolly.  Can anyone here give
me info on using a tow bar to tow a Corvair?  My friend used one to tow a
project car about two miles and it wrinkled the sheet metal a bit around
where it was bolted on (bumper bolt holes).  I'd love to get a tow bar if I
can use it without damaging anything... though removing the bumper to tow
the car is a pain.  Keep in mind I would not be towing the same car over
and over, but towing newly purchased cars home mostly.

PS-  "pup" trailer normally refers to the 28 foot dry van trailers that are
commonly used for "doubles" and even "triples" in some places.  There is
actually a fifth wheel on each dolly, so there is a fifth wheel under every
trailer.  The dolly is basically a fifth wheel with an axle under it, and a
pintle hook type hitch to latch it to the rear of the trailer it is
following.  Also probably the best system for powered trailer brakes for
use with a car would be electric.  It is very easily installed into the car
without the possibility of compromising the car's brake system at all.

Slightly off topic, I'm sure most/all here are familiar with proper braking
technique when driving down a grade..... get on the brakes to slow down,
get off the brakes and let them cool off... repeat.  I found it interesting
that when driving a tractor-trailer down a long grade the rule is actually
to ride the brakes...  it is considered a bigger risk with a truck to run
out of air pressure from getting on and off them than it is to overheat
them.  They also tell you to NEVER attempt to use the trailer brake (handle
on the dash) for anything but pre-trip brake tests....  I used it to save
my butt a couple of times (ice/snow conditions).


Ray "Grymm" Rodriguez III
Lake Ariel, PA



On Thu, Nov 10, 2011 at 8:28 AM, Ken Pepke <kenpepke at juno.com> wrote:

>
> Good points Tony ... and great examples.  Watching the road way far ahead
> is most important.  It always seems when one is going a little slower than
> usual [and slightly slower than the surrounding traffic] nothing gets in
> your way; there will be no hard, last second stops nor sudden moves
> required.
>
> I have also found Corvairs tow best with all wheels on the ground.  I have
> towed Corvairs on a tow dolly also; the last time from Cleveland Ohio to
> Warren, MI. with an '89 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham REAR wheel drive.  50
> MPH max.  The same car later towed with the 'bar' followed the same
> Cadillac easily at any speed.  The worst towing experience came when I had
> the 'bar' come loose off a Corvair bumper on one side but, I did not even
> notice until I saw it at a rest stop!  Apparent failure on my part to
> tighten the clamps :-(
>
> Actually, braking is everything when towing.  When towing anything without
> brakes extra distance MUST be allowed for stopping.  The old boat trailer
> has surge brakes on its front axle so any Corvair could quite safely pull
> it at whatever speed the engine HP will allow.  When the braking is right
> the size of the tow vehicle is of little importance.  Look at all those
> tractor trailer combo's on the highway everyday ... When loaded, 85% of
> their weight can be the trailer!  Yeah, they use a fifth wheel ... but not
> on the 'pup' trailer.  Trucks use air pressure to operate the brakes but if
> one was doing a lot of towing it would be possible to hydraulically connect
> the car brakes to the towed vehicle.  It increases the brake pedal pressure
> required but it is what I would do if towing in the mountains.
>
>
> Ken P
>