OMIGOSH ! Towbar on a Super ?

[Shire_GTV]

My Berlina has one fitted to it.

Never towed anything with it but it has provided great protection for the rear bumper.

I actually sat outside the car once, and watched a tradesperson impale their number plate on the towbar whilst parking. When they got out I asked if they would move their car back so it wasn't actually "touching" mine, but they walked around, looked, shrugged their shoulders and walked off. All I can say is that their number plate was embedded much deeper into their bumper and grill as I left and before they returned to their car.

On many occasions I've returned to my car and found various layers of paint hanging from the towbar.

Ohh, did I mention my Berlina is still for sale?

Cheers

[turbolarespider]

As long as you attach the tow bar to a reasonable structure, you should be ok towing with an Alfa.

Probably up to around 1500lb would be reasonable- the car has bigger brakes than cars of it's size, and (if working properly) has a very good cooling system. Stick with the mechanical fan, though- they are sized to cool the car at idle, but they are capable of flowing tremendous amounts of air when needed. All of our cars (F remember) who tow more than 5000lb still use mechanical fans.

If you do push the limit of 1500lb, I would suggest trailer brakes. But your description does not suggest that kind of weight.

And you already know to drive slower with the trailer.

Have fun! I've considered similar things!

Eric

[beatle_bayly]

Here in Oz the laws are such that a trailer over 750kg (1650lb ?) must have brakes fitted.

Here's a thought. An idea for a really rusty Berlina or Super shell........ Turn it into a trailer !!!! How cool would that be

Make a simple A-frame chassis, cut the Berlina off forward of the B pillar, remove the roof, then weld her up, finish and paint.

Anyone care to try something in Photoshop ??

[beatle_bayly]

Here's something I prepared earlier. Apologies to ShireGTV as I used one of his pics as the basis .

DISCLAIMER: The butchering of Adam's photo in no way suggests that this is what I believe should happen to his Berlina. However, if the new owner of Adam's Berlina should happen to also have a dismal parts car............

You could retain the sealed, lockable trunk area and make a tarpaulin to cover the rear seat cavity.

[CDM]

I think this is what he means

[alfadak]

WOW!
I just found this thread. I've often thought that it would be easy to use that Alfa for a bit more of the utilitarian automotive chores. Of course I'm from California...you know what they say: "The Land of Fruits and Nuts"

CDM, that is one of the coolest pics I have ever seen!! Where was this taken and who is the lucky bastard that has that setup?

[beatle_bayly]

I think I just suffered an aneurism !!!! A Colli wagon AND a Super-Duper trailer ! What a picnic piece

Looks as though the filler door opening is in use on the trailer......maybe a water tap ? He has used the bootlid and bonnet, basically removed the passenger compartment and joined the ends together. Gets rid of those troublesome sills

One cool pic.

[cucinando]

The thread has gone miles since your original question, but if it's any use to you my 2000 GTV had a towbar! Apparently quite useful for stiffening the chassis (I could carry more than 100kg in the boot) but I never dared actually tow anything

[bshorey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDM I think this is what he means

[SuperFab]

Cool! I actually have enough parts to build one of those trailers! ...on second thought, I should give my head a shake...but then again...

[mcnasty560]

The Brooklands manual has a reprinted article from Autocar (Sept 6th 1975) about buying a second-hand 1750/2000 105, which says this about towbars: "it is as well to be wary of cars that have obviously been used to do a lot of towing. The proper towing hitch for an Alfa is a comprehensive fitting that strengthens the back of the car suitably. If it has not been used, there is the possibility of damage aft of the back doors. ... The proper tow hitch can be spotted by inspection of the rear wheel arches, whose inner panels should have been strengthened in the join with the rest of the body by extra welding along the seam." The article also comments: "One might wonder a little at the owner who had bought an Alfa, even a saloon [sedan] ... and used it for towing..." I wouldn't presume to pass judgement... but... this suggests to me that a genuine Alfa tow hitch design would be the best way to go; the towing loads obviously need to be transferred as far forward as the rear wheel arches.
Good luck,
Angus.

[Damo105]

Does anyone have anymore pics of this trailer, or know anything about it? I'm curious to get more details.

Damien

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDM I think this is what he means Attachment 50443