advice on towing a mustang

02MGGT · Oct 31, 2006

Hey Guys, Next weekend I am towing a 65 vert from SC to my house in VA using a Uhaul trailer. The car does not run. What is the best way to get it onto the trailer? I will only have two other people there to help and I'm afraid (quite certain) the three of us won't be able to push it up the ramps. I looked into a portable electric winch at Summit but not sure that will work--can't mount it on the hitch ball if the trailer is attached. Any suggestions? Thx...

mustangman70 · Oct 31, 2006

Speed.....speed is your friend

chemeng · Oct 31, 2006

towing a Mustang

Buy a come along. Used one several times to ratchet a non-running car onto a U-Haul trailer.

iskwezm · Oct 31, 2006

find a small electric winch and a charged battery................if not a come-a-long works great

geostang351 · Oct 31, 2006

Is the motor in the car (and trany)? I just loaded my brothers car (66 coup) onto a uhaul trailer with no motor and it was easy! It was the two of us pushing and my wife did a little steering.

Find a slight decline if you can and use gravity to help

Sicarius428 · Oct 31, 2006

My friend and I pushed my 70 onto a uhaul(without engine or tranny). We got the rear wheels on the ramp and hit the ebrake. We then used a jack to lift the ramps up and the rest was cake. Use a comealong. That should do the trick and they are pretty cheap.
Kevin

02MGGT · Oct 31, 2006

Thanks for the recommendations. I will look into the come-along. The engine and tranny are in the car; and I'm not sure the ebrake works. The car has been dormant since 1972 (in my dad's garage)....

I like the electric winch idea, like this one
http://store.summitracing.com/partd...part=MLC-2953AT&N=700+316646+115&autoview=sku
but I'm not sure if I can anchor it to the uhaul.

CarFreakGT · Nov 1, 2006

I was in the same boat when towing my 68. The come-along should be fine once you get the car started on the ramps. A decline is DEFINITELY a big plus, too.

Keep in mind, if you have 3 people total, you'll need to have someone inside to steer/brake, especially if on a decline. We had 4 total when I towed mine.

Finally, take your time...getting in a hurry may tear something up or get someone hurt. We had no problem getting on the trailer, but coming off we had some clearance issues w/ the exhaust. I would recommend bringing a jack along as well. If you get hung up somehow, you're going to need it.

Good luck and be careful.

CarFreakGT · Nov 1, 2006

And, I almost forgot: you can never have too many ropes, chains, and bungees/straps. My car had a few parts (including front bumper) that were loose due to missing bolts. Had to secure them for the 4-hour drive.

Platonic Solid · Nov 1, 2006

I assume you are using a flat bed trailer, since the front wheel type would be illegal to use with an unregistered vehicle. I've done it alone with a come-along, two 20' lengths of heavy chain, and a few quick-link shackles and 2 wheel chucks.

Edit: Make sure the tires are fully inflated.

danny clemens · Nov 1, 2006

I've just figured out how to make a cheap redneck winch. You get an extra steel wheel to fit your tow vehicle. You then weld a long chain or cable to it. When you get to your destination jack the tow vehicle up, take the tire and wheel off, put the one with the chain/cable on it. Attach it to the car that you want to pull up on the trailer, put the tow vehicle in gear, let out on the clutch and give it gas (if it is an auto just give it gas). Simple isn't it.

DISCLAIMER: If anyone decides to use this idea I am not to be held responsible for injuries, damages to either vehicle, damage to the trailer or death of person performing operation or any innocent bystanders.

02MGGT · Nov 1, 2006

Thanks for all of the advice guys. I just purchased a come-along. I also have an assortment of bungies, ratchet straps, tie-down/axle straps, and chocks. I'm really looking forward to this project. I've spent quite a bit of time collecting tools, outfitting my garage, reading stangnet, and just generally talking about this project... it's time to get off the pot...

02MGGT · Nov 1, 2006

danny clemens said:
I've just figured out how to make a cheap redneck winch. You get an extra steel wheel to fit your tow vehicle. You then weld a long chain or cable to it. When you get to your destination jack the tow vehicle up, take the tire and wheel off, put the one with the chain/cable on it. Attach it to the car that you want to pull up on the trailer, put the tow vehicle in gear, let out on the clutch and give it gas (if it is an auto just give it gas). Simple isn't it.

DISCLAIMER: If anyone decides to use this idea I am not to be held responsible for injuries, damages to either vehicle, damage to the trailer or death of person performing operation or any innocent bystanders.

LMan · Nov 1, 2006

Now that's funny. My day is made.

danny clemens · Nov 1, 2006

danny clemens said:
I've just figured out how to make a cheap redneck winch. You get an extra steel wheel to fit your tow vehicle. You then weld a long chain or cable to it. When you get to your destination jack the tow vehicle up, take the tire and wheel off, put the one with the chain/cable on it. Attach it to the car that you want to pull up on the trailer, put the tow vehicle in gear, let out on the clutch and give it gas (if it is an auto just give it gas). Simple isn't it.

DISCLAIMER: If anyone decides to use this idea I am not to be held responsible for injuries, damages to either vehicle, damage to the trailer or death of person performing operation or any innocent bystanders.

One other thing I forgot to add. If you have any form of a locking rear you must raise both wheels off of the ground. Wouldn't want anybody to get hurt.

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