<VV> Towing with a Corvair

[J R Read]

Of course - there is down shifting (the first step on the "slow down" pedal
so to speak - when the sign for steep downhill grade is seen.  This allows
for much less frequent use of the brakes and avoids both the potential heat
and lack of air pressure problems.  Serious downgrades usually have a
"runoff" area built with an uphill grade.  But then, Harry Chapin sang about
Scranton PA and 50,000 lbs of bananas.

Later, JR


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ramon Rodriguez III" <corvairgrymm at gmail.com>
>
> 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
>>
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