Setup for "DINGY" towing a '83 Spider ??

[loudsoundguy]

I have a "83 spider, and am wondering if anyone has setup a tow bar bracket
on a Spyder chassis??
1) Is it safe to tow a Spider with a tow bar? (four wheels on the ground)
2) Has anyone done this?
3) Any idea where to get brackets for a Spider??? (got the tow bar already

Thanks for your help, LSG

[Zunige]

I never have, but I just wanted to mention that whatever you do, note that the "U" hooks underneath the bumper are not to be used as towing points. They are not affixed to anything that will withstand the weight of the car. They are meant to be used to secure a car when it is being transported flat, and this assumes that the back hooks are also being used.

Best regards,

[azmaynard]

I posted a similar question several months ago, I needed to tow a 73 Spider about 500 miles. There were no useful answers and now that I am more familiar with the car I can see why. There is nothing that you would feel confident hooking a tow bar to on the older spiders, newer models may be different due to heavier structure to comply with DOT bumper standards.
I ended up renting a car dolly, it worked great.
Maynard

[conedriver]

Lots of people tow cars behind Motorhomes. "Flat towing" is done with a strong tow bar, and a "base plate" that attaches to the car with connection points for the tow bar. Get on the internet, and you might find a company that makes an arrangement for your spider. I parked next to a motorhome at the Manchester New Hampshire AROC convention, and he had such an arrangement for a spider. I didn't see if it was a commercial product or home made...Try this site for tow bar info: Blue Ox Products Home Page

Years ago, many people flat towed their race cars. Common wisdom at the time was to disconnect the driveshaft for extended towing.

Almost forgot. Almost all states now require supplemental braking systems on "Trailers" weighing over 2000 lb. Your flat towed spider will fall under this requirement and require a braking system to be completely legal. Check your state laws.

Quote:

Originally Posted by loudsoundguy I have a "83 spider, and am wondering if anyone has setup a tow bar bracket on a Spyder chassis?? 1) Is it safe to tow a Spider with a tow bar? (four wheels on the ground) 2) Has anyone done this? 3) Any idea where to get brackets for a Spider??? (got the tow bar already Thanks for your help, LSG

[Geezer]

The advise to remove the driveshaft is GOOD advise. The reason being is that the driveshaft will be spinning the mainshaft in the trans. That shaft is above the oil and thus will burn itself up due to lack of lube. Some folks will advise stopping every 200 miles or so and let the engine run so the oil will be circulated through the trans. BAD ADVISE. By then the damage is already done.

Removing the driveshaft applies even when using a 2 wheel dolly with the rear wheels on the road.

[retiredbu]

So I looked at a number of posts and came up with as many opinions. Did you try it? How did you hook to the Alfa?

Pete

[SpiderWebb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geezer The advise to remove the driveshaft is GOOD advise. The reason being is that the driveshaft will be spinning the mainshaft in the trans. That shaft is above the oil and thus will burn itself up due to lack of lube. Some folks will advise stopping every 200 miles or so and let the engine run so the oil will be circulated through the trans. BAD ADVISE. By then the damage is already done. Removing the driveshaft applies even when using a 2 wheel dolly with the rear wheels on the road.