Anyone flat tow?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
You could get freewheel hubs for the rear wheels. That means prior to every time you tow you are removing the rear wheels, installing the hubs and reinstalling the rear wheels. Then when you reach destination you are again R&R'ing the rear wheels before you can drive the car.
Additionally if you have to back up with the car attached to your motorhome you are screwed. (How would I know this?). Flat towing is/was meant for minimal distance; such as from your residence to the drag strip within 20 miles. You arrive, disconnect, R&R wheels to put your mounted drag slicks on the car, and proceed to tech inspection.
In 1982 I flat towed a 75 Camaro from NJ to San Diego, CA. Removed the driveshaft before I started and put it back in at the motel parking lot in Spring Valley. You don't have that option on a C5. Put the car on a trailer or leave it at home. No good is going to come of flat towing the car.
Additionally if you have to back up with the car attached to your motorhome you are screwed. (How would I know this?). Flat towing is/was meant for minimal distance; such as from your residence to the drag strip within 20 miles. You arrive, disconnect, R&R wheels to put your mounted drag slicks on the car, and proceed to tech inspection.
In 1982 I flat towed a 75 Camaro from NJ to San Diego, CA. Removed the driveshaft before I started and put it back in at the motel parking lot in Spring Valley. You don't have that option on a C5. Put the car on a trailer or leave it at home. No good is going to come of flat towing the car.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,030
Likes: 2,587
From: Del Boca Vista FL
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 156
Likes: 9
From: Sprint Car Territory
Towing on a trailer with all 4 wheels on the trailer would be what I would recomend. If you just need to get the car home, why not rent a trailer from U-haul or similar company. I has used these services in the past and I was very satisfied. The rented trailers are also not expensive. Just remember to take some extra ramps because the C5 is very low. If a rented trailer does not work for you, I would buy one as others have suggested.
The Outlaw
The Outlaw
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,820
Likes: 34
From: Ravensdale WA
This is why I prefer a trailer. You tow it where you are going set it up and use the tow vehicle any where you need to go. Plus they are cheaper to insure and do not need engine maintenance. I would not flat tow a Corvette. A trailer to haul it on would be better.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 643
Likes: 40
From: Wauregan CT
It's hard to imagine a C5 Vette as a flat tow attachment in back of a motorhome. It is going to suffer indignities unbecoming of such a classic beauty. With all the more suitable vehicles available for the intended purpose, it's a head scratcher as to why pick the noble Corvette...cripes even if it was a freebie why do it? Just an opinion I couldn't keep to myself...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 22
From: Portland OR
I think everyone here is missing the OPs point.I believe he simply wants to know if it is possible to flat [dingy] tow for the sheer convenience of being able to park and be able to just disconnect and be able to drive off.And like others here, I haven't a clue as to how you would set up a C5 for flat towing and much less on whether it would
even be possible with the C5s stance.
Fred
even be possible with the C5s stance.
Fred
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
I think everyone here is missing the OPs point.I believe he simply wants to know if it is possible to flat [dingy] tow for the sheer convenience of being able to park and be able to just disconnect and be able to drive off.And like others here, I haven't a clue as to how you would set up a C5 for flat towing and much less on whether it would
even be possible with the C5s stance.
Fred
even be possible with the C5s stance.
Fred
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,030
Likes: 2,587
From: Del Boca Vista FL
I got his point, but could not imagine doing it. He would probably have to cut holes in the bumper cover and bolt or weld tow bar mounting brackets to the frame and the hitch on the motorhome would have to be lowered so the tow bar was relatively level. C5s are so low He could run into problems pulling in to gas stations or any place that has a change in elevation or bumps. It might just tear the C5 up really bad. The biggest problem I see is a Motorhome is pretty high and a Vette is really low.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
C5s are not on the list.
http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide...ome-towing.php
Last edited by JR-01; Nov 23, 2013 at 07:44 PM.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I think I got my answer, thanks. As to the negative comments about the very idea, it was the same with the MR2 and the 911.
Towing has caused very little damage and having my favorite "driver" when we arrive at our stops surely beats towing a Saturn or a Jeep like most people do. If I do buy the C5 I am sure I can build the tow brackets and will share when I do. Bob
Towing has caused very little damage and having my favorite "driver" when we arrive at our stops surely beats towing a Saturn or a Jeep like most people do. If I do buy the C5 I am sure I can build the tow brackets and will share when I do. Bob
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
I think I got my answer, thanks. As to the negative comments about the very idea, it was the same with the MR2 and the 911.
Towing has caused very little damage and having my favorite "driver" when we arrive at our stops surely beats towing a Saturn or a Jeep like most people do. If I do buy the C5 I am sure I can build the tow brackets and will share when I do. Bob
Towing has caused very little damage and having my favorite "driver" when we arrive at our stops surely beats towing a Saturn or a Jeep like most people do. If I do buy the C5 I am sure I can build the tow brackets and will share when I do. Bob
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,309
Likes: 1
From: Inside Hoover Dam NV-AZ
St Jude Donor '14
I think I got my answer, thanks. As to the negative comments about the very idea, it was the same with the MR2 and the 911.
Towing has caused very little damage and having my favorite "driver" when we arrive at our stops surely beats towing a Saturn or a Jeep like most people do. If I do buy the C5 I am sure I can build the tow brackets and will share when I do. Bob
Towing has caused very little damage and having my favorite "driver" when we arrive at our stops surely beats towing a Saturn or a Jeep like most people do. If I do buy the C5 I am sure I can build the tow brackets and will share when I do. Bob
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 80
From: Hollister CA
I think I got my answer, thanks. As to the negative comments about the very idea, it was the same with the MR2 and the 911.
Towing has caused very little damage and having my favorite "driver" when we arrive at our stops surely beats towing a Saturn or a Jeep like most people do. If I do buy the C5 I am sure I can build the tow brackets and will share when I do. Bob
Towing has caused very little damage and having my favorite "driver" when we arrive at our stops surely beats towing a Saturn or a Jeep like most people do. If I do buy the C5 I am sure I can build the tow brackets and will share when I do. Bob
That said, best of luck and please do let us know how it works out.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: northern ca
St. Jude Donor '14
I think I got my answer, thanks. As to the negative comments about the very idea, it was the same with the MR2 and the 911.
Towing has caused very little damage and having my favorite "driver" when we arrive at our stops surely beats towing a Saturn or a Jeep like most people do. If I do buy the C5 I am sure I can build the tow brackets and will share when I do. Bob
Towing has caused very little damage and having my favorite "driver" when we arrive at our stops surely beats towing a Saturn or a Jeep like most people do. If I do buy the C5 I am sure I can build the tow brackets and will share when I do. Bob
You WILL be arriving in style
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 17
From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
I think I got my answer, thanks. As to the negative comments about the very idea, it was the same with the MR2 and the 911.
Towing has caused very little damage and having my favorite "driver" when we arrive at our stops surely beats towing a Saturn or a Jeep like most people do. If I do buy the C5 I am sure I can build the tow brackets and will share when I do. Bob
Towing has caused very little damage and having my favorite "driver" when we arrive at our stops surely beats towing a Saturn or a Jeep like most people do. If I do buy the C5 I am sure I can build the tow brackets and will share when I do. Bob
On a manual you will be constantly spinning the mainshaft without any lube on the bearings.
Automatics are a bit more involved because of spinning clutch packs W/O lube.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 949
Likes: 34
From: La Junta Colorado
Mine will not fit on the car dolly. You can use all the rams in the world but mine will not fit
in the part of the dolly were the wheels go.
Mine is lowered and the front radiator cradle, cage whatever it is called hits the car dolly
before the wheels. so the car would be riding on this cage. Adding wood blocks under the tires
would let the cage clear but then you have nothing to suck the wheels to.
It is possible the car would stay put with just the straps but this was not something I was going to
risk on my car.
I'm not saying yours wont fit, but mine wont. There are lots of variables, just something to consider.
I see lots of people tow all kinds of cars.
If you build the brackets, I wish you the best of luck.
They are correct about it having to be a manual, you would trash an automatic.
in the part of the dolly were the wheels go.
Mine is lowered and the front radiator cradle, cage whatever it is called hits the car dolly
before the wheels. so the car would be riding on this cage. Adding wood blocks under the tires
would let the cage clear but then you have nothing to suck the wheels to.
It is possible the car would stay put with just the straps but this was not something I was going to
risk on my car.
I'm not saying yours wont fit, but mine wont. There are lots of variables, just something to consider.
I see lots of people tow all kinds of cars.
If you build the brackets, I wish you the best of luck.
They are correct about it having to be a manual, you would trash an automatic.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 764
Likes: 19
From: odessa FL
Just a little word of warning here, if you do build the tow brackets also make sure to keep a spare transmission on hand your going to need it!
On a manual you will be constantly spinning the mainshaft without any lube on the bearings.
Automatics are a bit more involved because of spinning clutch packs W/O lube.
On a manual you will be constantly spinning the mainshaft without any lube on the bearings.
Automatics are a bit more involved because of spinning clutch packs W/O lube.